A very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) that had been smoldering in California since December 2008 has broken out in commercial chicken production in Washington State.

How this strain of IBDV got from California to Washington is not confirmed but is suspected to have been through backyard chicken breeders who imported stock from Europe that were infected with this highly pathogenic strain.

Consumer media are reporting potential impact on food prices while pointing out there is no known risk to human health.

"IBDV is not known to infect people or other animals," Rocio Crespo, the branch chief of the WSU Avian Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Puyallup, told the The Daily Evergreen. "It is not a food safety problem. However, it may increase the cost of production."

The first confirmed flock in Washington was 6 weeks of age and lost 20% of the flock in 3 days. A second flock on the same farm lost a similar number of birds. No other flocks in Washington have been diagnosed to date.

As this disease is not listed as a foreign animal disease, there is no indemnification for losses nor is there regulatory authority by government to control it. Commonly used IBDV vaccines have not been effective against this strain of virus. However, stronger commercial vaccines are available that will prevent the disease. Special cleaning and disinfecting agents also are needed to rid the houses of the virus.

The use of good biosecurity practices should be able to prevent the virus from infecting flocks. Employees should be reminded frequently to adhere to the following principles:

Diamond V poultry expertise gets another boost this spring with promotions and a new team member in the field.

Mike Mitchell, North American Poultry Director, announced that Don McIntyre, Ph.D., will expand his leadership role as Director, North America Poultry Research, working with Stephanie Frankenbach, Ph.D., to manage Diamond V's world class research program in North America.

Mike also announced that David Kenyon is now Business Manager, Layers & Turkeys. David joined Diamond V in April 2013.

"David has been instrumental in our growth," Mike said, "and his leadership experience will be a tremendous asset."

David will be working directly with Eric Gingerich, DVM, Weldon Michael, MBA, and our newest Poultry Team Member, Paul Price.  

Paul Price

As a Diamond V Poultry Specialist, Paul is concentrating on serving the layer and turkey industries from his home in Texas.

Paul has come to Diamond V with extensive experience in layers, turkeys, and broilers, including previous employment with Enzyvia LLC (poultry and swine enzyme subsidiary of JBS United), Novus International, Inc. (products for broilers), and Agile Mfg. (poultry production equipment). He has been active in the Texas Allied Poultry Association, including a term as first vice-president, and has received certification by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization.

Paul has a bachelor's degree in Poultry Science from Texas A&M University where is working on his master's degree, also in Poultry Science. Paul and his family reside in Fort Worth, TX. You can reach him at tel. 817.821.2256, email pprice@diamondv.com.

Our Poultry Team welcomes your questions. You can contact Team members through DiamondV.com 

Or, if you'd like to share the question and see the answer in PoultryAdvisor, let me know - Clayton.

tel. 319.866.7680

email cgill@diamondv.com 

Thanks!