The H5N8 and H5N2 high pathogenic avian influenza viruses appear to be following predicted behavior so far in June with steady decreases in detections over recent weeks. The last detection was just over one week ago on June 17 at a layer chicken facility in Wright Country, Iowa. There have been 21 detections in the month of June, as compared to 96 detections in May and 87 in April. The avian influenza virus is not hardy in heat or UV radiation, and it appears that the increasing temperatures and sunlight during the day is helping to decrease environmental levels of the virus.
Control areas in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California have been released, with multiple counties being documented as free for trade by Canada and the European Union. A number of control areas have additionally been released in Missouri, where farmers are beginning to repopulate their flocks. Producers continue to gather to discuss best practices for farm biosecurity to prevent future exposure to the avian influenza virus.
