23.04.2014

A commercial Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) layer flock was experiencing increased mortality in the adult laying population. Samples were submitted for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for influenza A virus (IAV) subtype H5. The amino acid sequence at the hemagglutinin protein cleavage site of the laboratory specimen is compatible with North American low pathogenic avian influenza virus. The sequence is 99.1% similar to A/American green-winged teal/Wisconsin 10OS3127/2010.

The quail flock consists of two (2) houses. The affected layer house contains approximately 56,000 adult quail. The brooder house contains approximately 39,000 quail.
There are nine (9) additional houses on the premises that house Peking ducks for egg production and contain approximately 21,000 ducks.
The index premises and two epidemiologically linked premises were placed under quarantine. Laboratory testing for influenza A virus (IAV) on the two epidemiologically linked premises was negative for IAV. Depopulation of adult quail on affected premises began.