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Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

g. ANAHLN laboratory should conduct all testing associated with an H5/H7 LPAI
infection; electronic messaging of results is required.

h. See the surveillance guidelines on the FAD PReP HPAI site, under the
Surveillance and Diagnostics tab for additional information on the suggested
number of surveillance samples to collect from different premises types:

1. Surveillance Sampling of Commercial Flocks in the Control Area.
2. Surveillance of Backyard Flocks Around Infected Premises.
12) Vaccination — need for approval and plan:

a. A State considering vaccination as a control option needs VS’ approval to use it.
To get approval, write a vaccination plan containing proper controls and
provisions.

1. The plan must define procedures to prevent vaccination teams from
spreading LPAI. Surveillance must continue to assess vaccination
effectiveness and detect any antigenic change. The vaccinated premises are
subjectto risk assessments, surveillance requirements, and biosecurity
procedures. Consider any national or OIE standards or conditions for
movement as well.

As noted, VS must approve vaccination plans before States use H5/H7 Al
vaccine. VS Memoranda numbers 565.12 and 800.85 describe restrictions and
use guidelines for H5 and H7 vaccines. VS controls distribution and use of H5
and H7 vaccines and will only distribute them under the approval of each State
Veterinarian as part of an official animal disease control program. VS covers the
cost of purchasing vaccine but will not incur the costs associated with
administering the vaccine. States considering using vaccination must carefully
consider the efficacy of the vaccine, any impacts of using vaccine in the field, and
the potential trade impacts.

b. VS will probably not approve using vaccine in a small, localized H5/H7 LPAI
outbreak. However, if States believe that vaccination may be an option for a
larger or more prolonged outbreak, VS recommends they develop detailed plans
for use. The NPIP office has a Protocol for Sequential Depopulation and Use of
Vaccine for Eradication of H5/H7 LPAI available on request.

c. See the following policy documents regarding Al vaccination below:

1. Policy and Approach to HPAI Vaccination

2. VS Memo 800.85 Avian Influenza Vaccines

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VS Guidance 8601.2

d) Employees and service personnel who had contact with a suspect flock
should refrain from visiting any other location that has poultry for a
minimum of 48 hours.

e) Provide additional training and reminders of essential premises
biosecurity.

All at-risk premises (including all commercial premises within the Control
Area, see below) should have a hold order or quarantine placed until they
have tested negative for H5/H7 LPAI at least twice over a 21-day period.

All contact and suspect premises identified via the initial contact survey
and/or epidemiological investigation (trace-in/trace-out, passive surveillance)
should have a hold order or quarantine placed until their flocks have tested
negative for H5/H7 LPAI at least twice.

b. The quarantine or hold order for H5/H7 LPAI should contain:

1.

2.

7.

Date issued.
Name and address of quarantined premises.

Location of the farm — 911 address, county, and Federal premises ID
number.

Type of poultry; e.g., table-egg layers, table-egg layer pullets, egg-type
chicken breeders and pullets, meat-type chickens, meat-type chicken
breeders and breeder pullets, meat-type turkeys, turkey breeders (i.e., toms
or hens), ducks, exhibition poultry, game chickens, and game birds.

General quarantine instructions, including animals, products, and other
materials affected. Specify the items requiring written permission to move off
or onto the premises.

Special quarantine instructions. This may include site-specific issues such as
producer/employee parking, mortality management in lieu of rendering, etc.

Detailed activities required to lift the quarantine or hold order.

7) Provisions for developing flock plans for infected and exposed flocks

VS defines flock plans as written flock management agreements it develops with the
OSA, with input from the flock owner and other affected parties (9 CFR 56.1). Flock
plans should include the following:

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VS Guidance 8601.2

move susceptible animals or products out of the Control Area. These premises may
be in the Infected Zone or Buffer Zone.

e Free Premises: Premises outside a Control Area and not a Contact Premises or
Suspect Premises. These premises may be in the Surveillance Zone or Free Area.

Raised-for-release upland game birds. Non-breeding stock pheasants, quail, and
partridge raised under confinement for game preserve release.

Raised-for-release waterfowl. Non-breeding stock waterfowl raised under confinement
for game preserve release.

Table-egg layer. A domesticated chicken grown to produce eggs for human
consumption.

Virus Elimination (VE): Cleaning and disinfection measures primarily conducted to
destroy or eliminate all Al virus on the premises as cost effectively as possible.

Zone Designations:
e Infected Zone: Zone that immediately surrounds an Infected Premises.

e Buffer Zone: Zone that immediately surrounds an Infected Zone or a Contact
Premises.

e Control Area: Consists of an Infected Zone and a Buffer Zone.

e Surveillance Zone: Zone outside and along the border of a Control Area. The
Surveillance Zone is part of the Free Area.

e Free Area: Area not included in any Control Area. Includes the Surveillance Zone.

. Audience

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

. Guidance

A. General

On September 26, 2006, APHIS published an interim final rule entitled “Low
Pathogenicity Avian Influenza; Voluntary Control Program and Payment of Indemnity,”
adding parts 56 and 146 to title 9, Code of Federal Regulations. The final rule took effect
May 1, 2009. This rule established the H5/H7 LPAI program for commercial poultry as
part of the NPIP. It also set conditions for indemnity and compensation for poultry
infected with or exposed to H5/H7 LPAI. One of the conditions for indemnity and
compensation is that each OSA must develop an ISRCP and obtain VS approval.

The ISRCP is only one of three requirements for State participation in the H5/H7 LPAI
program. The other two are:


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VS Guidance 8601.2

13) Plans for H5/H7 LPAI-negative flocks that provide for quarantine, testing, and
controlled marketing:

a. Impose quarantine for all flocks within the Buffer Zone, as well as for contact and
suspect flocks, while conducting testing, following normal State quarantine
guidance or guidance elsewhere in this document.

b. Testing should follow other surveillance guidance during the outbreak for the
premises zone. If you put testing details elsewhere in the ISRCP, please
reference those details in this section.

c. The regulations at 9 CFR 56.5(c) reference controlled marketing: At VS’ and the
Cooperating State Agency’s discretion, infected or exposed poultry may move for
controlled marketing in accordance with the ISRCP and the following
requirements:

1.

No transport of poultry infected with or exposed to H5/H7 LPAI to a market for
controlled marketing without Cooperating State Agency approval in
accordance with the ISRCP.

Test the flocks moved for controlled marketing for H5/H7 LPAI within 7 days
before slaughter using a test approved by the Cooperating State Agency and
found to be free of the virus.

Routes to slaughter must avoid other commercial poultry operations
whenever possible. All load-out equipment, trailers, and trucks used on
premises that have housed infected or exposed poultry must be cleaned and
disinfected and not enter other poultry premises or facilities for 48 hours after
removing such poultry from their premises.

Flocks moved for controlled marketing must be the last poultry marketed
during the week. they are marketed.

Poultry moved for controlled marketing are not eligible for indemnity under

9 CFR 56.3, However, producers can seek indemnity for any costs related to
cleaning and disinfecting premises, conveyances, and materials that came
into contact with poultry moved for controlled marketing.

14) Public awareness and education programs regarding avian influenza:

States should develop a comprehensive Al communication and education plan to
help prevent Al infection. The plan should include information on handling suspected
or confirmed cases. Communication and education plans should include the
following people or groups:

2A


United States Department of Agriculture
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VS Guidance 8601.2

of LPAI infection. This should include trace-in and trace-out of animals, animal
products, and materials for a minimum of 21 days before infection. Develop a list
of contact premises to be tested as a part of the Control Area surveillance from
this report. Producers at infected premises should complete full epidemiology
questionnaires as soon as possible after confirming infection. You can find an
Initial Contact Epidemiological Report template on the FAD PReP HPAI site
under the Initial Response tab.

The HPAI Redbook has an epidemiology questionnaire in Appendix F, or you
may develop one specific to the incident.

b. Control Area:

States establish control areas, establishing Infected, Buffer, and Surveillance
Zones around the area of known infection.

1. Infected Zone. Place the boundary at least 3 kilometers beyond perimeters of
suspect or confirmed infected premises.

2. Buffer Zone. Place the boundary at least 7 kilometers beyond the Infected
Zone perimeter; width is generally not less than the minimum radius of the
associated Infected Zone but may be larger.

3. Control Area. Includes the Infected Zone and Buffer Zone. Place the
boundary at least 10 kilometers beyond the perimeter of the closest Infected
Premises.

4. Surveillance Zone. The zone outside and along the border of a Control Area.
This is part of the Free Area. It should be at least 10 kilometers wide but may
be larger.

5. Free Area. Area not included in any Control Area; includes the Surveillance
Zone.

VS recommends that premises designations match those used during an HPAI
outbreak to avoid confusion. You can find a reference guide, HPA/ Zones and
Premises, and additional training materials for premises designations on the FAD
PReP HPAI site under the Quarantine, Movement Control, and Continuity of
Business tab.

c. Movement activity in and out of the Control Area:

The State may have official movement requirements which could apply to each
compartment of the commercial industry (i.e., table-egg layers, layer pullets, egg-
type chicken breeders, meat-type chickens, meat-type chicken breeders, turkey
breeders, meat-type turkeys, table eggs, hatching eggs, baby chicks, and poults).

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VS Guidance 8601.2

4)

2. List normal surveillance and surge laboratory capacity.

Provide closest National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory
information for H5/H7 Real Time Reverse transcription polymerase chain
reaction (rRT-PCR) testing capability.

1. Provide the address, contact person, and types of tests each laboratory can
conduct.

2. List normal surveillance and surge laboratory capacity.

The NPIP OSA and each NPIP Al-authorized lab should sign a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) specifying the approved testing methods for authorized
laboratories, as well as specific protocols to immediately report any non-negative
samples to VS. VS recommends reporting non-negative test results via phone
Call to the AD of the suspect flock’s State.

Because VS cannot approve indemnity and compensation before NVSL confirms
LPAI, VS recommends that producers collect duplicate samples when they
suspect LPAI in a flock. Producers should have one sample set tested
immediately at the closest NAHLN lab, and send the other sample set
immediately and directly to NVSL to accelerate confirmation.

Follow the NVSL recommended guidelines for collecting specimens for Al, Avian
Sample Collection for Influenza A and Newcastle Disease, on the FAD PReP
HPAI site, under the Surveillance and Diagnostics tab.

Procedures for initial handling and investigation of suspicious cases:

Companies or independent growers should maintain defined and written baseline
flock health and production parameters. In the presence of any of the following signs
or symptoms, the company flock supervisor or independent grower should
immediately submit samples for Al diagnostic testing:

Significant, unexplained decreases in feed and/or water consumption.
Significant, unexplained decreases in egg production.

Increases in respiratory signs.

Significant, unexplained mortality or morbidity.

While waiting for test results, independent growers or companies should initiate a
self-imposed quarantine as part of the enhanced biosecurity guidelines
recommended above before State animal health officials take official action.

a. Recommended company procedures for handling a suspect flock:

1. Company or contract growers suspecting disease should:

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VS Guidance 8601.2

3) Required components:

a. For poultry owners within a State to be eligible for indemnity and compensation
of up to 100 percent of eligible costs under 9 CFR 56.3(b), the State in which the
poultry participate in the Plan must have in place a VS-approved ISRCP. The
Official State Agency must develop the ISRCP. In States where the Official State
Agency is different than the Cooperating State Agency, the Cooperating State
Agency must help develop the plan. The relevant Cooperating State Agency
must administer the plan. This plan must include:

1.

10.

11.

Provisions for a standing emergency disease management committee,
regular meetings, and exercises, including coordination with any affected
Tribal governments.

A minimum biosecurity plan followed by all poultry producers.
Provision for adequate diagnostic resources.

Detailed, specific procedures for initial handling and investigation of
suspected H5/H7 cases.

Detailed, specific test reporting procedures. The State must consult with
poultry producers to develop these procedures and must report only
confirmed cases of H5/H7 LPAI in accordance with 9 CFR 146.13.

Detailed, strict quarantine measures for presumptive and confirmed index
cases.

Provisions for developing flock plans for infected and exposed flocks.

Detailed plans for disposal of infected flocks, including preexisting
agreements with regulatory agencies and detailed plans for carcass disposal,
disposal sites, and resources for conducting disposal, and detailed plans for
disposal of materials that come into contact with poultry infected with or
exposed to H5/H7 LPAI.

Detailed plans for cleaning and disinfecting premises, repopulation, and
monitoring after repopulation.

Provisions for appropriate control/monitoring zones, contact surveys, and
movement restrictions.

Provisions for monitoring control zone activity.


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VS Guidance 8601.2

B.

1)

2)

Maintaining an active surveillance program for eligible commercial poultry. The
regulations at 9 CFR Parts 145, 146, and 147 outline NPIP surveillance
requirements.

Maintaining a diagnostic (passive) surveillance program for all poultry.

Cooperative State Agencies must determine whether to request Federal assistance
in the event of an incident/outbreak of H5/H7 LPAI. A State seeking VS indemnity or
compensation assistance for an H5/H7 LPAI incident/outbreak must request and
receive approval in writing before initiating any potentially indemnifiable or
compensable activities. (Agencies can email the Incident Coordination Group via the
Assistant Director (AD) or District Director (DD)).

ISRCP Development and Administration

1)

2)

Development

The OSA must develop the ISRCP. The Cooperating State Agency must administer
the ISRCP with the State’s standing Emergency Disease Management Committee

(EDMC), outlined in 9 CFR _56.10(a)(1).

The FAD PReP HPAI site has many resources. Many of the LPAI policies,
procedures, and paperwork match those for HPAI. VS updates the FAD PReP site
documents regularly, so it has not attached paper copies to this guidance. States
should monitor this site regularly, especially while revising their ISRCP annually, for
the most current information.

VS provides this ISRCP guidance to help States develop their plans. States must
include details specific to their State for these plans to be complete.

Development considerations. In developing the ISRCP, the committee should
consider:

a. The variety and location of poultry industries in the State and in nearby States.
b. The resources available to the State.
c. The ability to work closely with adjacent States.

d. Consistency with the APHIS National Incident Management System and the
APHIS Command System.


United States Department of Agriculture
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VS Guidance 8601.2

d.

1. Commercial premises within the Infected Zone should be free to move
animals and animal products after completing appropriate testing.

2. States may use shipping documentation to track trucks in and out of the zone
to ensure premises are moving birds in a biosecure manner.

3. Any movement onto and off an infected premises while there is active virus
(e.g., for depopulation, disposal, etc.) requires cleaning and disinfection as
best determined by the State.

Lift H5/H7 LPAI quarantines after receiving negative test results from
environmental samples taken after cleaning and disinfection, if you have finished
enhanced surveillance in the Control Area with negative results.

11) Provisions for monitoring activities in Control Zones:

a.

Test all commercial premises within the Infected and Buffer Zones via real time
polymerase chain reaction test (rT-PCR), usually at the nearest NAHLN
laboratory, as soon as possible after confirming a LPAI infected flock. VS
recommends a second test 14-21 days later (approximating a 21-day incubation
period). Do not move birds or products off a premise within the Infected or Buffer
Zones before testing at least twice, or at minimum once within 24 hours of
movement.

Test additional at-risk commercial premises (i.e., those in the Free Area) twice as
above, including any premises adjacent to the Control Zone or traced in or out
with exposed birds, people, product, equipment, or material. States should also
work with companies to determine which flocks require additional testing based
on their business model.

At a minimum, States should inspect backyard bird owners within the Infected
Zone at least once with samples taken from any sick or dead birds. States do not
need to test all the backyard birds within the Infected and Buffer zones.

In addition to the testing conducted on flocks within the infected zone, the
combination of commercial and backyard testing should fairly represent the
Control Area geographically. If the Infected and Buffer Zones contain very few
commercial premises, conduct additional backyard testing in the Control Area to
ensure proper geographical coverage. Trading partners value this information
when asked to release trade bans. Avian Health Staff can help determine when
States may need additional backyard testing.

Consider dead bird barrel surveillance in a very large outbreak or in a very
poultry-dense area with limited service personnel to collect tests.

VS requires a Federal PIN to identify all premises tested during an H5/H7 LPAI
infection. Include the Federal PIN on all sample submission forms.

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VS Guidance 8601.2

of the State Veterinarian?). All EDMC members should review this process to
ensure a clear understanding.

The committee must consider resource availability for its H5/H7 ISRCP. It should
conduct emergency exercises at least once every 3 years.

2) Biosecurity:

Commercial and breeding poultry producers must follow minimum biosecurity
protocols at all times. Biosecurity is a critical component of a poultry company’s
poultry health program. Following strict biosecurity guidelines can not only reduce
the possibility of an Al outbreak at commercial poultry operations but also help
prevent disease spread once an outbreak begins.

a.

All poultry premises should have a written biosecurity plan in use every day that

adheres to NPIP Program Standard E - Biosecurity Principles. A biosecurity plan
template is also available.

Premises should prohibit visitors and non-essential personnel from entering any
facility, but especially one that has a suspected or confirmed LPAI infection.

Facilities should develop clear biosecurity protocols for essential visitors such as
flock supervisors, service crews, and drivers (feed trucks, egg trucks, propane
delivery, etc.).

Facilities should also develop and exercise additional enhanced biosecurity
protocols for suspect and infected premises for different premises types (i.e.,
meat birds, layers, aviary-raised birds, backyard premises, etc.). Producers need
to tailor protocols to meet specific premises needs when they suspect or have
confirmed infection. VS should consult the producers and employees who
implement the enhanced biosecurity while they write and review these protocols.
Facilities should provide enhanced written guidelines to all personnel requiring
access to facilities with suspected or confirmed cases of LPAI.

The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association has additional biosecurity resources
addressing all levels of production producers may find useful for developing
biosecurity plans for the ISRCP. Follow the link to these Poultry Biosecurity
Training Materials.

3) Provisions for adequate diagnostic resources:

a.

List all NPIP labs authorized to conduct Al testing in the State. This may include
labs in other States if the collector obtains samples in one State and sends them
to labs in another.

1. Provide the address, contact person, and types of tests each laboratory can
conduct.


United States Department of Agriculture

Digitally signed
JAC K by JACK SHERE
Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Date:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
velarnary Sentees SHERE207894.17

11:28:28 -04'00'
VS Guidance 8601.2

Development and Approval of Initial State Response and Containment Plans for H5/H7
Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI)

1. Purpose and Background

This document provides Veterinary Services’ (VS) guidance on developing and approving
Initial State Response and Containment Plans (ISRCPs) for H5/H7 LPAI.

This guidance document represents the Agency's position on this topic. It 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. VS may make this information 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: April 20, 2021.

B. This document cancels and replaces VS Memorandum No 565.15.
3. Reason for Reissuance

VS has revised this document to clarify procedures, add resources, and update the
associated materials.

4. Authority and References

A. Authorities (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and U.S. Code (U.S.C.)):
7 CFR 371.4
9 CFR part 56
9 CFR part 145
9 CFR part 146

B. Guidance documents

e VS Guidance 8602, Response, Communication, and Investigation of Notifiable Avian
Influenza in Domestic Poultry

e VS Guidance 8603, Procedures for Flock Plans, Compliance Agreements, and
Indemnity Claims in Cases of H5/H7 Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Poultry

e VS Guidance 12000, Policy for the Investigation of Potential Foreign Animal
Disease/Emerging Disease Incidents

e VS Guidance 8604, Reporting Confirmed Findings of Low Pathogenicity Notifiable
Avian Influenza H5/H7 Subtypes to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE

and to Trading Partners
e OIE Terrestrial Manual Chapter 2.3.4

e Policy and Approach to HPAI Vaccination



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VS Guidance 8601.2

c) Number and approximate age of poultry in each house.

d) The State and county of the operation (location of the birds, not the
company). Though not required for immediate notification, VS needs the
full 911 address and/or GPS coordinates.

e) Current test types, reason for initial testing, and results.

f) Follow-up testing planned or in progress and the estimated time of arrival
at NVSL.

g) Description of the flock’s clinical signs, if any.
h) Plans for quarantine and/or hold order.

i) Current State and/or Federal personnel designated as Incident
Coordinator and Case Manager and contact information.

5. States should consult with company personnel and VS to consider controlled
marketing/controlled slaughter if appropriate. If not, they should develop site-
specific depopulation and disposal plans.

6. If the State or producer asks for depopulation, disposal, or cleaning and
disinfection indemnity and/or compensation, the State should discuss this
with VS and submit the request in writing as soon as possible. VS personnel
can assist with the appropriate paperwork. VS does not consider indemnity or
compensation requests for reimbursable activities begun before VS approves
them. State officials should send the request to the AD. The AD should
immediately forward the request to the District Director and Incident
Coordination Group for consideration.

7. States should consider whether they may need a supplemental cooperative
agreement to assist with State response costs. VS has posted information on
supplemental cooperative agreement activities as well as a template on the
FAD PReP HPAI site, under the Initial Response tab, Financing the
Response: State/Tribal Information.

8. States should consider whether their NAHLN lab will need additional funding
to pay for the surveillance samples associated with the outbreak. If the State
needs additional funds, the State Veterinarian or Laboratory Director should
estimate the amount needed and ask the AD for them in writing as soon as
possible as they will be unable to charge completed tests to this funding
instrument. The AD should send the request to the NVSL Director and the
NAHLN Coordinator with a copy to the Avian Health staff.

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a) Immediately call the flock supervisor and initiate additional biosecurity
measures.

b) Apply enhanced biosecurity protocols and proceed as if the flock is
infected.

2. Independent growers or flock supervisors of a suspect flock should:
a) Immediately give this flock top priority.
b) Confer with the company veterinary contact.

c) Arrange to immediately submit duplicate samples for Al PCR tests to both
the local NAHLN laboratory and NVSL. As only NVSL can officially confirm
H5/H7 LPAI, sending NVSL suspect samples as soon as possible hastens
response efforts.

3. Follow the NVSL recommended guidelines for collecting Al specimens, Avian
Sample Collection for Influenza A and Newcastle Disease, on the FAD PReP
HPAI site, under the Surveillance and Diagnostics tab.

a) Apply enhanced biosecurity protocols and proceed as if the flock is
infected. Exclude exposed employees and/or flock supervisors from other
premises according to the company’s enhanced biosecurity protocols.

b. Recommended State procedures for handling a suspect flock: |

1. Refer to VS Guidance Document 8602, “Response, Communications, and
Investigation of Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI) in Domestic Poultry.”

2. Immediately report a non-negative H5 or H7 test result to the AD of the
suspect flock’s State.

3. The State contact (generally the State Veterinarian and/or NPIP OSA) and
the AD send proper diagnostic samples to NVSL for confirmation, with a
tracking number and estimated time of arrival.

4. The AD collects basic information on the finding and arranges for a
conference call with the State, OSA, appropriate company officials, local
APHIS personnel (AD, EC, etc.), APHIS Avian Team, and Emergency
Management Staff for planning and next steps. Minimum information needed
includes:

a) Type of operation (i.e., turkey, layer, backyard).

b) Number of houses on the premises.

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12. If vaccination is considered as an option, a written plan for use in place with
proper controls and provisions for VS approval to use vaccine.

13. Plans for H5/H7 LPAI-negative flocks that provide for quarantine, testing, and
controlled marketing.

14. Avian influenza public awareness and education programs.

b. If a State is designated a “U.S. Avian Influenza Monitored State, Layers” under
9 CFR 146.24(a), or a “U.S. Avian Influenza Monitored State, Turkeys” under
9 CFR 146.44(a), it will lose that status during any H5/H7 outbreak and for 90
days after the destruction and disposal of all infected or exposed birds and
cleaning and disinfection of all affected premises.

C. Recommended Details to Include in the ISRCP
1) Standing emergency disease management committee (EDMC):

The State must establish and keep current an emergency disease management
committee or poultry disease task force, scheduling several activities throughout the
year. The committee should include representatives from all facets of the State’s
poultry industry (including small flock owners), laboratory personnel, NPIP Official
State Agency representatives, and State poultry health officials. The VS AD, the
Emergency Coordinator (EC), and District epidemiologists and/or District poultry
points of contact should be included as ex-officio members. States may also want to
include public information officers on the EDMC.

a. The committee should meet at least annually to review and update the ISRCP.
The committee should submit the updated plans electronically to the NPIP office
and/or the VS Avian Health Team.

b. The VS Avian Health Team and the NPIP office formally reviews the ISRCP
every 5 years.

c. The committee should appoint a communications officer, who should update
contact lists and communications at least annually. After hours, holiday, and
weekend contact information should be available for all EDMC members. The
officer should develop a plan for quick communication in the case of a suspected
outbreak.

d. The EDMC should develop a communication plan for distributing information
before, during and after an outbreak to EDMC members, commercial premises,
back yard flock owners, and the general public.

e. The ISRCP may not apply as written to every circumstance and may need to be
changed or updated during an incident. Include the process by which this would
occur quickly during an outbreak (A vote? Is a quorum required? At the discretion


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VS Guidance 8601.2

a. Producers:

1.

2.

5.

6.

Growers (independent and contracted).

Flock Supervisors. Give all flock supervisors/complex managers (full or part-
time) instructions to follow if they encounter H5/H7 LPAI. Direct special effort
to newly hired flock supervisors.

Company/Complex.

Emergency response team (industry, State, and Federal).

General public.

Backyard bird owners.

Distribute additional education and outreach materials during an outbreak,
emphasizing the area in and around the Control Area. This material should include
detailed instructions on how to report sick birds. Describe the plan for distributing
these materials and investigating reported sick birds. Public awareness campaigns
should include messages about human health, including the fact that poultry and
eggs are safe to eat.

Educational and instructional materials should be in English and Spanish, with other
languages available as the area requires. Provide education alternatives for those
who may not be able to read.

7. Inquiries

Please contact the NPIP Office at 770-922-3496 with any inquiries about this document.

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Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

e Antibodies to the H5 or H7 subtype of the Al virus that are not a consequence of
vaccination have been detected in poultry. If vaccine is used, use methods to
distinguish vaccinated birds from birds that are both vaccinated and infected.

e Inthe case of isolated serological positive results, H5/H7 LPAI infection may be ruled
out on the basis of a thorough epidemiological investigation that does not
demonstrate further evidence of H5/H7 LPAI infection.

Indemnity. Al indemnity specifically refers to payments representing the fair market value
of destroyed birds and eggs. Al indemnity does not include reimbursements for
depopulation, disposal, destroyed materials, or cleaning and disinfection activities; these
are covered under compensation.

Meat-type chicken. A domesticated chicken grown to produce meat, including but not
limited to broilers, roasters, fryers, and Cornish hens.

Meat-type turkey. A domesticated turkey grown to produce meat.

Official State Agency (OSA). The State authority VS recognizes to cooperate in
administering the NPIP.

Part 56 / Part 145 Poultry. Domesticated fowl, including chickens, turkeys, ostriches,
emus, rheas, cassowaries, waterfowl, and game birds, except doves and pigeons, bred
to produce eggs or meat.

Part 146 Poultry. Domesticated chickens and turkeys bred to produce eggs or meat.

Premises Designations.
e Infected Premises: Premises where a presumptive positive case or a confirmed

positive case exists based on laboratory results and/or compatible clinical signs.
These premises are in the Infected Zone.

e Contact premises: Premises with susceptible animals potentially exposed to Al,
either directly or indirectly, including but not limited to exposure to animals, animal
products, fomites, or people from Infected Premises. These premises may be in the
Infected Zone or the Buffer Zone.

e Suspect Premises: Short-term designation for premises under investigation due to
the presence of susceptible animals reported to have laboratory results or clinical
signs compatible with Al. These premises may be in any zone or in the free area.

e At-Risk Premises: Premises with susceptible animals, but none of those susceptible
animals have Al-compatible laboratory results or clinical signs. Premises objectively
demonstrates that it is not an Infected Premises, Contact Premises, or Suspect
Premises (via flock testing or epidemiological investigation). These premises may be
in the Infected Zone or Buffer Zone.

e Monitored Premises: Premises objectively demonstrates that it is not an Infected
Premises, Contact Premises or Suspect Premises (via flock testing or
epidemiological investigation). Only At-Risk Premises are eligible to become
Monitored Premises. Monitored Premises meet a set of defined criteria in seeking to


United States Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

a. Steps to eradicate H5/H7 LPAI from a positive flock, or to prevent introducing
H5/H7 LPAI into another flock.

b. Poultry and poultry product movement and geographically appropriate infected
and control/monitoring zones.

c. Control measures, such as detailed plans for safe handling of conveyances,
containers, and other materials that could serve as fomites; flock disposal;
cleaning and disinfection; downtime; and repopulation.

d. VS has flock plan templates on the FAD PReP HPAI site, under the Finance and
Administration Processes tab, Commercial Flock Plan and Backyard Flock Plan.

8) Detailed plans for disposal of infected flocks and materials that come into contact
with poultry infected with or exposed to H5/H7 LPAI:

States can choose methods appropriate for their industries and geographical areas,
as long as they follow the minimum standards set forth at 9 CFR 56.5:

a. Destruction of poultry. VS and the Cooperating State Agency may destroy poultry
infected with or exposed to H5/H7 LPAI in accordance with the ISRCP. The
Cooperating State Agency and VS selects a method to destroy such poultry
based on the following factors:

1. The species, size, and number of the poultry to be destroyed.

2. The poultry’s environment.

3. The risk to human health and safety of the method used.

4. Whether the method requires specialized equipment or training.

5. The risk the method poses of spreading the H5/H7 LPAI virus.

6. Any hazard the method could pose to the environment.

7. The degree of bird control and restraint required to destroy the birds.

8. The speed needed to destroy the birds.
States should choose depopulation methods approved by VS and/or the
American Veterinary Medical Association. VS does not pay indemnity for
flocks depopulated by a non-approved method. See the Stamping Out and

Depopulation Policy and Ventilation Shutdown Evidence and Policy
documents on the FAD PReP HPAI site, under the Initial Response tab.

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United States Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

c. Clean and disinfect the premises and materials thoroughly to remove all
contaminants, especially manure, dried blood, and other organic materials. In
most cases, heat disinfection effectively rids a premises of virus. If you use wet
cleaning and/or disinfection, minimize the amount of water used. VS discourages
wet cleaning in structures with dirt or clay floors.

d. For outdoor pens, remove as much organic bird debris (manure, litter, feathers)
as possible. Use UV light and drying to disinfect the premises. VS does not
recommend wet cleaning or disinfection for outdoor structures.

e. Clean and disinfect all trucks and vehicles transporting affected poultry or
materials before soiled material dries in place.

1) Clean both exterior, including the undercarriage, and interior surfaces,
including truck cabs.

2) Dry clean the truck cab interior or wash it with clean water and spray or
sponge it with a disinfectant authorized in 9 CFR 71.10(a).

3) Handle manure and litter removed from these vehicles in a manner similar to
that described above.

See the FAD PReP HPAI site under the Disposal & Cleaning /Disinfection
(Virus Elimination) tab for additional information.

f. You must check the premises for virus before repopulation in accordance with
the IRSCP. Do not restock the premises with poultry until after the date specified
in the ISRCP.

You can use Al antigen detection tests on environmental samples to ensure virus
freedom. See the Post C&D Environmental Sampling Guidance document under
the Recovery and Restocking tab of the FAD PReP HPAI site.

g. After placing new flocks, follow a monitoring protocol for subsequent flocks that
includes specific directions to submit any unexpected mortality to the NAHLN lab
for testing. Include specific morbidity and mortality parameters triggering testing
of repopulated flocks in the flock plan.

10) Provisions for Appropriate Control/Monitoring Zones, Contact Surveys, and
Movement Restrictions:

a. Contact surveys:

Complete an Initial Contact survey (to determine trace-in and trace-out
information). You can collect this information while waiting for final confirmation

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United States Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

Compensation. In the case of Al infection, compensation specifically refers to
reimbursement for the activities associated with the depopulation of infected or exposed
poultry, the disposal of contaminated carcasses and materials, and the cleaning and
disinfection of premises, conveyances, and materials that came into contact with
infected or exposed poultry. In the case of materials, if the cost of cleaning and
disinfection would exceed the value of the materials, or cleaning and disinfection would
be impracticable for any reason, VS bases compensation on the fair market value of
those materials. Compensation does NOT include payment for depopulated birds or
eggs destroyed (see definition of Indemnity).

Contact Survey. A data collection tool used to gather information about all of the
individuals, vehicles, equipment, and materials that may have come into contact with an
infected or exposed flock. This generates trace-in and trace-out information.

Cooperating State Agency. Any State authority VS recognizes as cooperating in
administering 9 CFR part 56. This may include the State animal health authority or the
Official State Agency.

Disinfection: The process of destroying or eliminating Al virus on cleaned surfaces
through physical (e.g., heat) or chemical (e.g., disinfectant) means, or both.

Flock plan. A written flock management agreement VS, the Official State Agency (OSA),
and the flock owner develop, with input from other affected parties. The flock owner may
be either a poultry company or an individual. A flock plan sets out the steps the owner
needs to take to eradicate H5/H7 LPAI from a positive flock or to prevent the introduction
of H5/H7 LPAI into another flock. A flock plan includes poultry and poultry product
movement procedures and geographically appropriate infected and control/monitoring
Zones. Flock plan control measures should include detailed plans for safe handling of
fomites (conveyances, containers, and other associated materials); flock disposal;
cleaning and disinfection; downtime; and repopulation. See 9 CFR 56.1 for more
information.

H5/H7 LPAI exposed. At risk of developing H5/H7 LPAI because of association with:

¢ Birds or poultry infected with H5/H7 LPAI.

e Excrement from birds or poultry infected with H5/H7 LPAI.

e Other material touched by birds or poultry infected with H5/H7 LPAI.

e There is reason to believe that association has occurred with H5/H7 LPAI or vectors
of H5/H7 LPAI, as determined by the Cooperating State Agency and confirmed by
APHIS.

H5/H7 LPAI virus infection (infected). VS considers poultry infected with H5/H7 LPAI if:

e H5/H7 LPAI virus has been isolated and identified as such from poultry, or viral
antigen or viral RNA specific to the H5 or H7 subtype of Al virus has been detected
in poultry; or


United States Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

e VS Memo 800.85 Avian Influenza Vaccines
C. Definitions

Avian Influenza. VS adopts the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) definition of
avian influenza (Al). The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code defines Al (which is
notifiable to the OIE) as an infection of poultry caused by any influenza A virus with high
pathogenicity (HPAI) and by H5 and H7 subtypes with low pathogenicity (H5/H7 LPAI).
Non H5/H7 influenza A viruses (i.e., H1-4, H6 and H8-16) are not defined as “avian
influenza” and are not notifiable. See OIE Terrestrial Manual Chapter 2.3.4.

Backyard Flock. A poultry flock (not including pet birds and commercial breeder birds) on

a premises having fewer than the number of birds required to participate in the National

Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) part 56 Control of H5/H7 LPAI program:

e For egg-laying flocks, flocks with fewer than 75,000 birds.

e For meat-type chickens, plants slaughtering fewer than 200,000 birds a week.

e For meat-type turkeys, plants slaughtering fewer than 2 million birds a year.

e For Commercial Waterfowl and Upland game, plants slaughtering fewer than 50,000
birds a year.

e For Raised for Release upland game bird premises, premises releasing fewer than
25,000 birds per year.

(VS uses this definition for reporting to the OIE and bilateral trading partners. VS makes
the final determination of a flock as either commercial or noncommercial/backyard once
it examines all flock data).

Breeding flock. A flock composed of stock developed for commercial egg or meat
production and maintained for the principal purpose of producing hatching eggs.

Cleaning. The removal of gross contamination, organic material, and debris from the
premises or respective structures, via mechanical means like sweeping (dry cleaning)
and/or the use of water and soap or detergent (wet cleaning). Cleaning should minimize
remaining organic material for effective disinfection.

Commercial meat-type flock. All meat-type poultry on one farm.

Commercial table-egg layer flock. All table-egg layers of common age or pullet source
on one premises.

Commercial upland game birds. Upland game bird pheasants, quail, or partridges grown
under confinement to produce eggs and/or meat for human consumption.

Commercial waterfowl. Domesticated ducks or geese grown under confinement to
produce eggs and/or meat for human consumption.


United States Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

9. States should include plans for handling cases of LPAI in backyard flocks.
Quarantine and test out is the most common response for an infected
backyard flock, but States may consider depopulation if the flock is
considered to be a risk to commercial premises.

10. See the New State Checklist (this includes activities required for both HPAI
and LPAI incidents) on the FAD PReP HPAI site, under the Initial Response
tab. The risk and severity of infection will determine the speed of the
response.

DO NOT WAIT — Communication is key to a successful response. The sooner States
make these calls the better. VS, State agencies and producers can cancel plans if
the flock tests negative, but can begin to deploy supplies and personnel while waiting
for confirmation. VS recommends that plans emphasize the need for quick
communication and include timelines for response activities, including the initial
contact with VS and the EDMC.

5) Detailed, specific procedures for reporting test results to APHIS:

a.

According to 9 CFR 56.10(a)(5), commercial poultry producers and breeders
must work with State officials to develop reporting procedures. Producers and
States must immediately report suspect cases of H5/H7 LPAI in accordance with
9 CFR 146.14. VS recommends reporting non-negative test results by calling the
AD in the State with the suspect flock.

The NPIP OSA and each NPIP-authorized Al lab should sign a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) specifying approved testing methods, as well as specific
protocols to immediately report non-negative samples to VS.

VS is the governmental organization authorized to represent the United States to
the OIE; procedures must specify that only VS, rather than any individual State,
reports H5/H7 LPAI to the OIE.

6) Detailed, strict quarantine measures for suspect and confirmed index cases:

a.

States and producers should develop quarantine procedures for handling
suspect and confirmed cases of H5/H7 LPAI, adding specific details for each
State.

1. Immediately quarantine suspect and infected premises.

a) Do not allow animals or animal products, including but not limited to
mortalities, litter, or manure to leave the premises.

b) Limit vehicle and human traffic to essential visits.

c) Establish a vehicle cleaning and disinfection station as soon as possible.

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United States Department of Agriculture
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Veterinary Services

VS Guidance 8601.2

b. Disposal of Poultry. States and producers must dispose of carcasses of dead
infected or depopulated poultry promptly and efficiently in accordance with the
ISRCP to prevent the spread of H5/H7 LPAI. The Cooperating State Agency and
VS select disposal methods which may include burial, incineration, composting,
rendering, or when appropriate, controlled marketing or controlled slaughter.
Regardless of the method used, producers must implement and enforce strict
biosecurity procedures for all personnel and vehicular movement into and out of
the area.

c. Further guidance and examples on disposal of infected flocks:

1. Detailed plans for biosecure and environmentally sound disposal of
carcasses must be in place, including pre-existing agreements with other
regulatory agencies and pre-identified disposal sites (whether by burial,
incineration, rendering, or composting). States and producers can find
additional disposal option resources on the FAD PReP HPAI site, under the
Disposal & Cleaning /Disinfection (Virus Elimination) tab.

2. Some States may elect strict quarantine, followed by rigorous testing for virus
and controlled marketing of subsequent virus-negative flocks. VS and the
Cooperating State Agency may allow infected or exposed poultry to move for
controlled marketing in accordance with the ISRCP and with the requirements
(from 9 CFR 56.5(c)), which are further set forth at Section 6. C.13) of this
document.

9) Detailed plans for cleaning and disinfecting premises, plans for repopulation, and
monitoring of repopulated flocks.

Producers must clean and disinfect all contaminated surfaces and buildings including
pump houses and service areas.

a. Dispose of all birds, eggs, contaminated litter, manure, debris, and contaminated
feed. Compost this material in the house if possible or remove under permit to an
approved site for burial, piling, or composting. Do not clean out the house or
move or spread litter until inactivating any H5/H7 LPAI virus that may have
contaminated the manure and litter. Dispose of and compost material in
accordance with State and local regulations. If piling litter, cover the pile and
allow it to set undisturbed for the amount of time VS and the Official State
Agency have approved.

b. Wash, disinfect, and inspect equipment used to clean out manure, debris, and

feed. You may wash, disinfect, and inspect the equipment at offsite stations in
inclement weather, at VS’ and the Official State Agency’s discretion.

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