US preparedness & response agency offers H5N1 avian flu resources

The US Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) today laid out its response to H5N1 avian flu infections affecting US cattle and poultry, as Iowa confirmed another highly pathogenic avian flu outbreak in poultry.

Protective equipment available for farmers, others

ASPR, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, said it is “monitoring the situation closely and making resources available to support state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.” ASPR has personal protective equipment (PPE) and antiviral drugs available in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), as well as antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and materials for vaccines should human-to-human transmission occur. So far, just three H5N1 cases in people have been confirmed in the United States in 2024. 

The SNS includes a large inventory of PPE available to protect healthcare workers. ASPR is also offering face shields, gloves, N95 respirators, elastomeric half-mask respirators, and goggles for farm workers or others who interact with infected cattle or other animals.

“ASPR’s mission is to help the country prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies and disasters,” the agency said. “The SNS contributes to this mission as the nation’s largest repository of emergency medical supplies. While many states hold large supplies of PPE in state-held stockpiles, if those stockpiles of PPE are depleted or unavailable, federal supplies managed by SNS may be requested.”

Third outbreak in Iowa poultry this year

Yesterday the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County. This is Iowa’s third confirmation of HPAI in poultry flocks in 2024. Sac County is in the west-central part of the state.

In response to the outbreak, Gov. Kim Reynolds authorized a disaster proclamation for Sac County effective for 1 month. The proclamation allows state resources to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection.