Bird flu detected at California quail farm

April 29, 2014

A quail farm in California has raised concerns of a new outbreak of avian-borne virus, commonly known as bird flu.

A quail farm in California has raised concerns of a new outbreak of avian-borne virus, commonly known as bird flu, and prompted several countries to take restrictive measures regarding imports of poultry from the state, media reports revealed last week.

The state's Department of Food & Agriculture announced that the farm where low-pathogenic avian influenza was found on April 18 was located in Stanislaus County. Steve Lyle, spokesman for the department, explained that the farm had been quarantined and birds were being euthanized to restrict the outbreak. The established protocol for keeping the disease under control is being implemented, including carrying out epidemiological investigations and tests on other flocks. Other poultry farms in the area have been informed, so that they are prepared to act should the need arise, Lyle added.

Imports of poultry from California were banned by Taiwan and Russia, while Cuba imposed a ban on fresh or frozen poultry from birds raised or processed in Stanislaus County. Meanwhile, Japan banned imports of eggs laid after March 24 and of poultry slaughtered after that date, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

These restrictions are unlikely to have a significant effect on U.S. poultry exports, since the state is not a major exporter, industry experts told Bloomberg. In 2012 California exported chicken worth $13 million, USDA data showed.

Sponsored Recommendations

Choosing The Right Partner for CHIPS Act Investments

As the U.S. looks to invest in the semiconductor research and production using CHIPS Act 2022 funding, it's important to choose the right partner.

EMWD Uses Technology to Meet Sustainability Goals

Eastern Municipal Water District pilots artificial intelligence-enabled control and machine learning to help save energy, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Protein Processing Solutions: Automation & Control

For protein processors looking to address industry challenges, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a competitive market, Rockwell Automation offers tailored automation, control...

Automotive Manufacturing Innovation: Smart Solutions for a Connected Future

Rockwell Automation provides automation and control systems tailored for the automotive and tire industries, supporting electric vehicle production, tire production, battery production...