Highly pathogenic AI (fowl plague) was first documented in Italy more than 100 years ago. Highly pathogenic AI first occurred in the United States in 1924-1925 and again in 1929 but was eradicated both times. The epidemic HPAI in the northeastern United States in 1983-1984 cost over 70 million dollars and required over 2 years to eradicate. The United States has been HPAI free since 1986, although LPAI viruses are present and some have caused significant losses in poultry.
It was in 1964 that influenza viruses of low to moderate pathogenicity were first detected in poultry and they have been detected somewhere in United States poultry every year since 1964.
History of AI in Minnesota (PDF format)
An International Commission for Control of Avian Influenza monitors outbreaks of HPAI and has designated certain laboratories as reference labs for diagnosis. In the United States, the National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, can identify influenza virus serotypes and pathotypes.
Click here for a description of the outbreak of HPAI in British Columbia
Description of LPAI outbreak in Virginia
It was in 1964 that influenza viruses of low to moderate pathogenicity were first detected in poultry and they have been detected somewhere in United States poultry every year since 1964.
More information on Epizootiology
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