Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a potentially devastating disease that is spreading rapidly around the globe. You can view the spread in poultry and human populations by visiting the BBC News website below.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is the lead USDA agency in containing any avian influenza outbreak in the U.S. However, NRCS employees could also be involved. Review the two PowerPoint presentations below for information about the role NRCS may play in response to a pandemic.

At this time, a national strategy has been developed for addressing a pandemic influenza (see below). Based on this plan, USDA is forming guidelines, from which NRCS will also draft a plan of action in the case of a pandemic influenza. Information on this page will be updated as progress is made.

The following information has been gathered by state, national, and international organizations. It may be useful in becoming more educated about this disease. These websites can arm you with information on the risks posed by the spread of avian influenza and possible protections you can take for you and your family. Additionally, technical biosecurity information to guide NRCS employees in work on farms and wild areas has been included.

Strategy

If you encounter any problems with the files provided on this page, please contact Webmaster at 406-587-6945.

These documents require Acrobat Reader.

National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (PDF; 702 KB)

Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (PDF; 4 MB)

USDA Role in the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (PDF; 77 KB)

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan (PDF; 861 KB)

Links & Information

• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• APHIS Biosecurity for the Birds - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - USDA
• Avian & Pandemic Flu Information - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Continuity of Operations Planning: Bird Flu & Beyond
• How Bird Flu Has Spread Worldwide - BBC News
• Influenza & Federal Agency Response - U.S. Office of Personnel Management
• Montana State & Local Planning & Response Activities - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• NRCS General Manual Title 130, Part 403, Subpart H: Homeland Security/Crisis Responsibilities - NRCS Electronic Directives System
• Pandemic Influenza - Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• Pandemic Flu: Preparing and Protecting Against Avian Influenza - The White House
• WHO Global Coordination & Response - World Health Organization

These documents are available in Acrobat Reader format. There are two options for opening the PowerPoint files. First, you can  click on the hyperlink and save the file to your computer. Then, run it using the PowerPoint software installed on your computer. Second, you can click on the hyperlink, click on "Open," and wait for the file to open in your internet browser. At this point, right click on the slide and choose "Edit Slides" to view all of the slides in the presentation.

Avian Influenza & What it Means to NRCS (PDF; 316 KB) NRCS California website

Federal Occupational Health Pandemic Presentation (PDF; 174 KB) NRCS Oregon website

Report Sick or Dead Birds

• To report sick or dead wild birds, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks toll free at 1-866-608-5024 or online at Avian Bird Flu-Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
• If domestic birds are sick or dying, contact USDA's Veterinary Services toll free at 1-866-536-7593, or your State Veterinarian or local extension agent to find out why. Check out the APHIS Biosecurity for the Birds website for more information.

Last Modified: 10/08/2008