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Avian Influenza Update: The Lull before the Storm? September 22, 2015 A state-by-state analysis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 virus outbreaks indicates that the outbreak in the U.S. is over. However, the damage that has been done is considerable. For example, in Iowa alone more than 30 million hens and 1.5 million turkeys have been killed, resulting in a loss of half of the states poultry flock over a period of six months, as well as an estimated economic loss to the state of $1.2 billion (For further information, see: www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2015/08/report-finds-12-billion-iowa-avian-flu-damage). The situation remains disturbing. Already, more than 48 million birds have been killed throughout the country between December 2014 and June 2015, with an economic loss of some $3.3 billion. Furthermore, as Marilyn McKenna has pointed out, while the flu was originally brought to the US by wild birds migrating down from Canada, most of the spread within the US was due to people and vehicles inadvertently carrying the virus from farm to farm. Extensive biosecurity measures were being taken on a state-by-state and farm-by-farm basis to try to prevent spread of these HPAI viruses. However, it is not over yet; and Dr. John Clifford, Deputy Administrator of APHIS has pointed out: Its very likely that wild birds will carry the virus with them when they begin migrating south in the fall. See phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/15/bird-flu-2/ ... ...“This outbreak of HPAI caused by several H5 strains is an indication of the need to integrate human, animal and environmental policies in a coherent One Health perspective. Attempts to focus on necessary emergency measures are now essential.”  Please read entire article at http://www.ceezad.org/resources/index.html Also see http://www.wattagnet.com/articles/24312. Provided to One Health Initiative website September 23, 2015 by: Robert E. Kahn, PhD Education Consultant College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University rs_kahn@hotmail.com Dr. Kahn is a longstanding One Health supporter/advocate http://www.onehealthinitiative.com/supporters.php.