U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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Response, Communications, and Investigation of H5/H7 Avian Influenza in 

Domestic Poultry

1. Purpose and Background 

This document describes procedures to ensure a common and consistent approach in 

Veterinary Services (VS)’ response to, communications regarding, and investigation of 

avian influenza (AI) subtypes H5 and H7 (H5/H7) detected in U.S. domestic poultry. This 

document aligns with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations and 

World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines. The document applies to poultry as 

defined by the OIE and regulated by VS. APHIS Wildlife Services conducts surveillance for 

AI viruses in wild migratory birds.

The VS National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) and Live Bird Marketing System (LBMS) 

H5/H7 low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) programs are voluntary. However, 

participants’ response, communication, and investigation processes for H5/H7 LPAI must 

be structured consistently with title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 CFR) parts 56, 145, 

146, and147; the NPIP Program Standards; and the Live Bird Marketing System Uniform 

Standards.

The Official State Agency (OSA) administers the NPIP and the LBMS H5/H7 LPAI Program 

within the State according to the applicable provisions in 9 CFR 145.23(h),

9 CFR 145.33(l), 9 CFR 145.43(g), 9 CFR 146.23(b), 9 CFR 146.33(b), 9 CFR 146.43(b), the 

NPIP Program Standards, 9 CFR part 56, and the Live Bird Marketing System Uniform 

Standards as well as the Memorandum of Understanding NPIP has with that State. 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)is a foreign animal disease (FAD) in the United 

States and is reportable to the VS Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) according to 7 USC 

8301 et seq. and 9 CFR part 71. HPAI is also reportable to the State animal health official 

(SAHO). If HPAI is suspected based on either the VS epidemiological definition of a suspect 

case (a bird with HPAI-consistent clinical signs) or other clinical indications, animal health 

officials conduct a FAD investigation. VS Guidance Document 12001.4, Policy for the 

Investigation of Potential Foreign Animal Disease/Emerging Disease Incidents, and the 

National HPAI Response Plan describe investigation procedures, including notification 

procedures. In these instances, the notification processes described in this document do 

not apply.

This guidance document represents the Agency’s position on this topic and is intended 

solely as guidance. It does not have the force and effect of law, does not create or confer 

any rights for or on any person, and does not bind the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) or the public. Language suggesting that this guidance is mandatory (e.g., “shall,” 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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“must,” “required”, or “requirement”) should not be construed as binding unless the terms 

quote from a statutory or regulatory requirement. The information this document contains 

may be made available to the public. While this document provides guidance for users 

outside VS, VS employees may not deviate from the directions provided herein without 

appropriate justification and supervisory concurrence.

2. Document Status 

 

A. Review date: 5/31/2024.

B. This document replaces Veterinary Services Guidance 8602.1. 

 

3. Reason for Reissuance 

VS is reissuing this guidance to reflect changes in procedure and structure. VS also 

amended the content of the document to account for changes in addressing H5/H7 after 

the 2015 outbreak.

4. Authority and References 

 

A. Authorities (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)):

• 7 CFR 371.4

• 9 CFR part 53

• 9 CFR part 56

• 9 CFR part 71

• 9 CFR part 145

• 9 CFR part 146

• 7 USC 8301 et seq.

B. References: 

• VS Guidance 12001.4, Policy for the Investigation of Potential Foreign Animal 

Disease/Emerging Disease Incidents

• National HPAI Response Plan

• Live Bird Marketing System Uniform Standards

• Avian Influenza Chapter (10.4) of the 2019 OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code

• LPAI Website for additional LPAI Guidance Documents, forms and templates
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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C. Definitions: 

The OIE defines H5/H7 and HPAI in the Avian Influenza Chapter (10.4.1) of the 2019

Terrestrial Code as follows:

For the purposes of the Terrestrial Code, avian influenza is defined as an infection of 

poultry caused by any influenza A virus of the H5 or H7 subtypes or by any influenza A 

virus with an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) greater than 1.2 (or as an 

alternative at least seventy-five (75) percent mortality) as described below. The OIE 

divides these viruses into high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses and low 

pathogenicity avian influenza (H5/H7 LPAI) viruses:

a. HPAI viruses have an IVPI in six (6) week-old chickens greater than 1.2 or cause at 

least seventy-five (75) percent mortality in four (4 to eight (8) week-old chickens 

infected intravenously. H5 and H7 viruses which do not have an IVPI of greater than 

1.2, or cause less than seventy-five (75) percent mortality in an intravenous lethality 

test should be sequenced to determine whether multiple basic amino acids are 

present at the cleavage site of the haemagglutinin molecule (HA0); if the amino acid 

motif is similar to that observed for other HPAI isolates, the isolate being tested 

should be considered as HPAI;

b. LPAI are all other influenza A viruses of H5 and H7 subtypes that do not meet the 

definition of HPAI.

The following defines the occurrence of infection with an avian influenza virus: The virus 

has been isolated and identified as such or specific viral ribonucleic acid has been 

detected in poultry or a product derived from poultry.

5. Audience 

VS employees, other Federal and State agencies, and members of the public.

6. Guidance 

A. Identification of H5/H7 

1) Sample Collection for Virus Detection

For routine surveillance, animal health officials collect appropriate samples in the 

field (refer to VS Guidance on Avian Sample Collection for Influenza A and 

Newcastle Disease (WI-AV-0020)) and enter epidemiological information on VS 

Form 10-4, Specimen Submission. The officials submit sample(s) to the relevant VS-
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VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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authorized laboratory (NPIP laboratories), or VS-approved laboratory (National 

Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)), or the National Veterinary Services 

Laboratories (NVSL) for AI testing. 

2) Notification Processes for Presumptive Positive H5/H7 (Note: These actions should 

be concurrent)

a. A VS-authorized or approved laboratory conducts requested diagnostic testing 

on the submitted samples and notifies the submitter, SAHO, and AVIC of the 

affected State of any non-negative results for influenza A (fluA), H5, or H7 from 

active/passive surveillance samples. If the testing laboratory is in a different 

State than the animal location State, then the laboratory notifies the submitter 

and the OSA, SAHO, and AVIC of the laboratory’s State. The AVIC of the 

laboratory's State notifies the AVIC from the animal location State, who, in turn, 

notifies the OSA and SAHO of the animal location State. VS considers laboratory 

results from VS-authorized or approved laboratories as presumptive positives 

until NVSL conducts confirmatory testing.

b. The laboratory forwards all samples testing non-negative for fluA, nonnegative for H5 or H7, or samples collected from flocks with incidence of 

increased morbidity/mortality with fluA detection to NVSL. The laboratory

contacts the NVSL Diagnostic Virology Laboratory – Avian section (DVL-AV; 

515-337-7551) directly. The submitting laboratory should email DVL-AV 

(nvsl.dvl.avian@usda.gov; refer to WI-AV-0020 §5.1) with submission and 

tracking information, a summary of test results (including PCR Cts by sample 

ID), production type, premises identification, clinical presentation and other 

relevant information to NVSL with cc to the SAHO and AVIC. If the animal 

location is in another State, the submitting laboratory also emails, or faxes, 

notification to the AVIC and the SAHO in the animal location State as well. The 

SAHO and the AVIC may facilitate shipping samples to NVSL.

c. The submitting State’s AVIC contacts the Avian Health staff and VS Field 

Operations leadership to capture the information needed for response. 

Concurrently, the District Office or affected SAHO initiates data entry into the 

Emergency Management Response System (EMRS) and notifies the OSA and 

Avian Health staff of the entry. 

3) Cooperative Discussions

The AVIC initiates and facilitates cooperative phone discussions with District Office 

personnel, Avian Health staff, the States, State laboratories and/or NVSL, and 

industry regarding the potential response to a presumptive positive AI incident. A 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

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Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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State may activate its Standing Emergency Disease Management Committee as 

described in 9 CFR 56.10. VS will withhold action until the State officially requests 

Federal assistance in compliance with 9 CFR 56.2(c).

4) Situation Report (SITREP) Preparation and Distribution

a. Use an AI SITREP template and an AI Epidemiology Report template for all 

domestic poultry H5/H7 events (see the LPAI website for templates).

b. After receiving a non-negative or presumptive positive laboratory report, the 

District Office Avian Health Point of Contact (POC) prepares an initial SITREP in 

consultation with the OSA and forwards it to the Avian Health Staff.

c. The Avian Health Staff and NVSL review and amend the SITREP as necessary for 

completeness and add national information as needed.

d. Avian Health staff distributes the amended SITREP to the AI distribution list set 

forth in subsection e.

e. The AI distribution list consists of:

1. The VS Executive Team: The Deputy Administrator, Associate Deputy

Administrators, and Executive Directors.

2. Strategy and Policy:

i. Aquaculture, Swine, Equine and Poultry Health Center (ASEP), Including 

NPIP and Avian Health staff.

ii. National Preparedness and Incident Coordination Center.

iii. Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, including Domestic Disease 

Epidemiology and Risk and Monitoring and Surveillance.

iv. Office of Interagency Coordination.

v. Live Animal Import and Export.

vi. Animal Product Import and Export.

vii. Regionalization Evaluation Services.

3. Field Operations:

Including AVICs, District Directors, District Office Avian Health POCs, and the 

Directors of the Logistics Center, Veterinary Export Trade Services, and Port 

Services.

4. NVSL.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

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Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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5. Directors of Legislative and Public Affairs.

f. The AVIC forwards notifications to the affected SAHO. 

g. DVL-AV maintains communication with the submitting laboratory, the AVIC, 

and others as directed by the AVIC or Avian Health staff regarding sample 

receipt, estimated turnaround times, etc. 

• NOTE: Official NVSL reports are distributed per business rules to the 

submitter, the VS State inbox (managed by the AVIC) of the animal location 

and the laboratory location, and the State veterinarian of the animal 

location and of the laboratory location. Partial and pending reports are sent 

and updated as results are available. The final report is not sent until virus 

characterization is complete. If an official report is needed prior to that 

time, contact DVL-AV. 

h. District and Avian Health staff update the SITREP through the process stipulated 

in 6.A.4) as the following laboratory diagnostic results become available, or at 

least once weekly.

1. Results of influenza A, H5 and H7 real-time reverse-transcriptase 

polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) tests.

2. HA subtype and pathotype (by HA cleavage site sequence which determines 

LPAI vs. HPAI where sufficient nucleic acid is present or from virus as below). 

Include NA subtype where available, and statement of whether clinical 

presentation is consistent with HPAI. 

3. Virus isolation and characterization (including NA subtype).

4. Results of other AI tests as requested or performed.

B. H5/H7 LPAI Response 

The type of response and sequence of actions depend on the affected sector(s) (e.g.,

commercial poultry or LBMS/backyard and non-commercial poultry).

1) The State, consistent with its H5/H7 LPAI Initial State Response and Containment 

Plan (ISRCP) and 9 CFR 56.10, may activate its Standing Emergency Disease 

Management Committee. The committee should be immediately activated for any 

H5/H7 LPAI findings in commercial poultry. For events in LBMS or backyard/noncommercial poultry that do not require immediate OIE notification, VS, the State, 

and the affected industry will communicate continuously on response as described 

in the LBMS Uniform Standards.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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2) Officials address the following aspects of the response:

a. Quarantine and movement controls.

b. Depopulation or controlled marketing.

c. Vaccination options.

d. Disposal and cleaning and disinfection/virus elimination (the District Office field 

reimbursement specialist prepares a compliance agreement with the help of 

Avian Health staff).

e. Indemnity.

f. Enhanced surveillance (the State Cooperator may prepare a Supplemental 

Cooperative Agreement to submit to the District Office).

g. Epidemiological investigation: If an H5/H7 LPAI event involving one or more 

States occurs in commercial poultry or the LBMS/backyard/non-commercial 

poultry, VS and the State animal health authorities conduct an epidemiological 

investigation per 9 CFR part 56 and the LBMS Uniform Standards. The National 

Epidemiology Officer – Avian Health leads the investigation with assistance 

from the Avian Health staff, the District Offices, CEAH, and the respective State 

animal health authorities.

3) In the event of an H5/H7 LPAI outbreak the State may request Federal assistance 

for any of these actions per 9 CFR 56.2(c). The State writes to the AVIC requesting 

Federal assistance; VS recommends that the State and/or owner of the affected 

flock fill out the Indemnity and Compensation Decision Determination (Appendix 

1) form and submit to the AVIC for the determination of the disposition of the flock 

to be made as soon as possible. This document serves as the official request for 

indemnity and compensation funds as required by 9 CFR 56.2(c).. 

a. The District Office calls VS staff (Avian Health) and includes the State Animal 

Health Official or Official State Agency in subsequent conference calls.

b. The District Office makes subsequent VS, State, and industry (stakeholder) 

conference calls promptly for local level response activities.

c. The District Office and Avian Health staff work with the State and affected 

industry to make decisions consistent with 9 CFR parts 56, 145, and 146, and 

with the LBMS Uniform Standards. They also use the ISRCP as guidance. When 

making these decisions, they consider factors of cost, time, availability, and 

movement risks.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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d. The ASEP Director, or his or her delegate, approves indemnity requests with 

concurrence from the District, Avian Health staff, and VS leadership.

4) The District Office updates the AI SITREPs and epidemiological investigation reports 

as it receives new information, or at least weekly, in consultation with the OSA or 

State Animal Health Official. The National Epidemiology Officer – Avian Health 

reviews the reports with Avian Health staff and National Preparedness and Incident 

Coordination staff for completeness and adds any relevant information. Avian 

Health staff distributes the SITREPs and epidemiological investigation reports to the 

AI distribution list.

5) Event closure:

a. NVSL reports final results to the submitter, the District Director or AVIC, and 

others the Avian Health staff specifies.

b. The District Office finalizes the SITREP and epidemiological investigation reports 

with the National Epidemiology Officer – Avian Health. These reports include 

information on quarantine, depopulation or controlled marketing, cleaning and 

disinfection, indemnity, and any enhanced surveillance activities.

c. The District Office sends the final reports to Avian Health staff and National 

Preparedness and Incident Coordination staff for final review. Avian Health staff 

sends the final reports to the AI distribution list.

d. The District Office processes indemnity requests.

7. Inquiries 

Please contact the ASEP staff at (919) 855-7250 with any questions.

Appendix 1: Indemnity and Compensation Decision Determination form
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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Appendix 1: Indemnity and Compensation Decision Determination 

1. Please list all of the current test results available for this premises. For PCR, please list 

the Ct values:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Are there multiple ages of birds on the farm? (Y) (N)

List the bird groups and ages and indicate if they would likely have time to clear the 

virus prior to humane issues occurring:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. List the number of commercial premises in the following zones surrounding the infected 

premises: 

a. Within 1km (neighboring) _________________________

b. Within 3km (Infected Zone) ________________________

c. Within 10 km (Buffer Zone) ________________________

4. What are the estimated number of additional at-risk premises not included in the 

numbers above (this would include premises closely related by the network, business 

processes, or those identified by trace-in/trace-out): 

________________________________________________________________________
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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5. Where do these birds usually go for processing? 

a. In State or out of State (provide State if out of State) 

_________________________

b. Approximate distance to plant (in miles) ____________________________

c. Can a route to the plant be planned that avoids other poultry premises?

d. Any reason why the birds, once PCR negative, could NOT go to this plant? Please 

explain. 

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

6. List any significant trade impacts of control marketing/slaughtering this flock:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

7. List any other reasons why control marketing/depopulation via slaughter may not be a 

viable option for this flock (this may include other LPAI or HPAI circulating at the time):

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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8. Please Indicate the State and/or Industry recommendation for the management for this 

flock: Controlled marketing, depopulation via slaughter, onsite depopulation, or a 

combination based on flock characteristics. Please indicate your reasoning for this 

recommendation.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

9. Please indicate the approximate indemnity and or compensation being requested for 

this flock (for owner and/or grower): 

a. Indemnity $__________________

b. Depopulation and disposal $________________

c. Virus elimination $________________________

(A Field Reimbursement Specialist or Avian Indemnity Team member can assist with estimates)

Signature(s) and title(s) of official making the above recommendation. (State and 

Industry can submit separate forms or a joint form.) 

Signature

Title

Signature

Title
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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USDA APHIS VS Determination: 

______________ Approve controlled marketing plan as recommended above. 

______________ Approve onsite depopulation as recommended above.

______________ USDA/APHIS VS is NOT in agreement with the recommendation above.

Reason for difference in agreement: 

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________ More Information is needed. 

A decision will be made within 48 hours once the information requested below is 

provided. (Enter information needed here.)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Indemnity approved at __________________

Depopulation approved at _______________

Disposal, materials destroyed and VE approved at _____________
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Veterinary Services 

VS Guidance 8602.2 

 

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Signature of USDA APHIS VS ICG Official: 

______________________________________________________________________________

Printed name and title of signatory: ________________________________________________