Inspection & Mission Training

View the full upcoming course calendar published by the FSIS Center for Learning.

FY 2023 Training Sessions

Training Calendar

District Offices or State Inspection programs are responsible for enrolling IPP and coordinating any necessary instructions for a participant to enroll in the courses listed below.
If you need a computer, technical equipment, or access to the FSIS training website to complete your training the District Office will coordinate your needs during the enrollment process.
For technical assistance with computers, technical equipment, or access to the training website during the class, please contact: CFLHelpDesk@usda.gov or call/text 1-833-ASK-OEED (1-833-275-6333).

Course Description: The Inspection Methods course covers the essential FSIS inspection verification tasks for newly promoted or newly hired CSIs and PHVs. This course provides training on PHIS, and includes hands-on practice using the PHIS system. This course focuses on the essential knowledge needed for these positions; some of the major topics covered are: the PHIS establishment profile and the task calendar; sanitation, Hazard Analysis Verification, HACCP verification, sampling, sanitary dressing procedures, humane handling, raw, ready-to-eat, and shelf stable product hazards and preventive measures, the Listeria regulations, export certification, and food defense. Please note that these are training materials and as such have scenarios which represent both compliance and non-compliance. They are not intended as industry compliance guidelines.

The Inspection Methods training course integrates all of the previous Food Safety Regulatory Essentials (FSRE) courses and the Public Health Information System (PHIS) training into one course. Once trained, the CSI or PHV will have the basic knowledge to cover any in-plant assignment for their position, regardless of the processing categories. The exception is thermal processing (canning) which is a separate training course.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Policy Issuance FSIS Directive 5000.1.

Target Audience: This is a Training as a Condition of Employment (TCOE) course. This training is to be completed by CSIs including those selected to work in NPIS/NSIS establishments, and PHVs. State inspectors performing FSIS/CSI inspection duties are also required to complete this course

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

On-the-Job Training Requirement: The objective of the OJT Checklist is to verify that the IM participant practiced navigating through PHIS pages, tabs, tasks entries and applied what they learned during training. Participants must complete within 3 weeks of completing the virtual course in order to achieve successful completion.

Course Materials

Course Description: FSIS has tailored a training program to prepare the Public Health Veterinarian (PHV) to work as part of an in-plant team in establishments that slaughter different animal species and process different types of food products. The training - Entry Training for PHV - is a nine week program which is focused on FSIS' mission of improving and protecting public health. The three weeks classroom curriculum is designed to cover three main categories: FSIS as a public health regulatory agency, animal dispositions/food safety, and FSIS administrative overview.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Policy Issuances: FSIS Directive 6100.1 and FSIS Directive 6900.2.

Target Audience: This is a Training as a Condition of Employment (TCOE) course. All newly hired FSIS in-plant and State inspection program veterinarians who are assigned to slaughter and processing establishments.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

PHV Mentor Training Requirement: Three weeks spent in the plant environment with an assigned mentor.

Course Materials

Course Description: The EIAO course is an instructor-led webinar that covers the essential EIAO responsibilities. The FSIS Enforcement Investigations and Analysis Officer (EIAO) conducts comprehensive food safety assessments (FSA) at establishments in which they consider all food safety aspects that relate to that establishment and its products. The course covers all food safety facets related to establishment processes, including food microbiology, design of food safety systems, statues, rules of practice, EIAO work methods, evaluating establishment HACCP systems, statistical process control, sampling, and testing methods, and writing enforcement letters and documentation. The EIAO course primarily focuses on the design and validity of the hazard analysis, HACCP plan; Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (Sanitation SOPs), pre-requisite programs, testing program procedures; and any other programs that constitute the establishment's food safety system.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Policy Issuances: FSIS Directive 5100.1, FSIS Directive 8080.1, FSIS Directive 10,300.1, FSIS Directive 10,240.5, FSIS Directive 10,250,1.

Target Audience: This is a Training as a Condition of Employment (TCOE) course. This course is designed to prepare the newly selected EIAO to perform food safety assessments. Individuals promoted/hired into EIAO position, State employees with enforcement responsibility.

Course Logistics: Participants will complete preliminary independent work. Participants will need a computer for webinar and training site connection, and internet access.

Course Materials

EIAO FSA Tools

Updates to the FSA tools were issued with Directive 5100.1: Enforcement, Investigations and Analysis Officer (EIAO) Food Safety Assessment Methodology.

Course Description: The FSIS Import Inspection Training Course is offered quarterly and is designed as a prerequisite to performing your duties as an FSIS Import Inspector. The intent of this 3.5-day course is to give Import Inspectors the basic knowledge and policy background they will need to perform their reinspection duties in official import establishments (I-houses) on a daily basis.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 9900.4, FSIS Directive 9900.1, FSIS Directive 9900.8, FSIS Directive 9900.5, FSIS Directive 9900.2, FSIS Directive 9900.6 and FSIS Directive 9900.7.

Target Audience: The course is essential for all Import Inspectors and for Consumer Safety Inspectors who may cover import assignments. Supervisory Public Health Veterinarians and Frontline Supervisors whose circuits include official import establishments may also need this training.

Course Logistics: The course is hosted by CFL using a WebEx Events webinar. Students should use their assigned government laptops, or a training laptop may be issued if needed. Instructors and FSIS subject matter experts (SME) will present import policy and procedures and share relevant resources which may be helpful when on duty in I-houses. Enrolled students will receive prior to the course a welcome letter, including daily links to access the webinar and other technical instructions.

OJT Training: The objective of the OJT Checklist is to verify that the IM participant practiced navigating through PHIS pages, tabs, tasks entries and applied what they learned during training. Participants must complete within 3 weeks of completing the virtual course in order to achieve successful completion.

Course Materials

Import Inspection Student Notebook and Course Materials

Course Description: The Import Sanitation Course is a quarterly training that serves as a prerequisite to FSIS Import Inspection Training. The intent is to give newly promoted Import Inspectors who have not received Inspection Methods (or equivalent) training a foundation of knowledge regarding how FSIS inspectors derive their regulatory authority, and how FSIS verifies sanitary conditions in inspected establishments.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 5000.1 and 5000.4.

Target Audience: Consumer Safety Inspectors, Public Health Veterinarians, and Frontline Supervisors whose assignments include official import establishments (I-houses) do not need to register for this course.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Materials

Import Sanitation Student Notebook

Course Description: This is a 3-day instructor led webinar that provides an overview of the responsibilities of the inspection workforce. This overview includes a mid-level review of the food safety laws, Rules of Practice, HACCP pathogen reduction regulations, slaughter activities, and familiarization of processing environments. Knowledge check questions are provided throughout the training session.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 5000.1.

Target Audience: This course is for CSIs, Public Health Veterinarians, and Frontline Supervisors with limited or simple processing experience that may or will have the responsibility to cover a complex processing establishment.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Materials

Course Description: The PHIS Electronic Export Certification Course is a quarterly, independent online training that is self-paced. Enrolled participants are provided online access to the training and must complete it within the two-week course window. Participants should allow approximately 6 hours total to review the material, but do not have to complete this training in a single day or session.

This training focuses on how to perform the export certification functions in PHIS as outlined in FSIS Directive 13,000.5. It covers how to perform the Export Certification task, including both Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) and Public Health Veterinarian (PHV) roles. It also covers how to use the module to approve or reject export applications, issue replacement certificates, and sign/upload/print the export certificate. In addition, a review of how to process the FSIS Form 9080-3 (Establishment Application for Export) in PHIS is covered. Additionally, participants will be able to download, save, or print resources that are included within the course.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 9000.1 and FSIS Directive 9040.1.

Target Audience: Consumer Safety Inspectors, Public Health Veterinarians, or other OFO personnel whose assignments require them to certify exports using the PHIS module should request to register through supervisory channels.

Course Logistics: Registered participants are emailed a link to Moodle, the learning management software, along with a username and password and instructions on how to access the course. Participants will follow instructions to self-certify completion of the course through AgLearn.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Description: This is a 5-day online virtual course that prepares inspection program personnel to perform the Non-Food Safety Consumer Protection (NFSCP) verification tasks. The essential FSIS policies and regulations, authorities and responsibilities are covered. Participants will learn how to verify establishment compliance with the regulatory requirements and how to use various formulas and calculations. There will be lectures, discussions, workshops, and hands-on calculations.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 7120.1, FSIS Directive 7000.1, FSIS Directive 5000.1, FSIS Directive 7620.3 and FSIS Directive 7221.1.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

Course Materials

Course Description: This course is a 5-day instructor-led webinar that provides an in-depth review of the role of the CSI in thermal processing (canning) assignments. The course covers the principles of thermal processing including the microbiology of thermally processed foods, process equipment such as retorts and containers. Also covered is the FSIS thermal processing regulatory requirements. Prior to attending this course participants must have attended Inspection Methods training.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 7530.1 and FSIS Directive 5100.1.

Target Audience: CSIs with thermal processing responsibility, veterinarians, Front Line Supervisors and EIAOs. And any other FSIS personnel in need to learn the basics of the thermal processing of foods under FSIS jurisdiction.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

OJT Training: The objective of the OJT Checklist is to verify that the IM participant practiced navigating through PHIS pages, tabs, tasks entries and applied what they learned during training. Participants must complete within 1 week of completing the virtual course in order to achieve successful completion.

Course Materials

Course Description: This independent self-paced online course is provided for enrolled participants to complete within a specified 2-week training period. The course focus is on topics including RTE and shelf stable processes, hazards, controls and preventative measures, inspection verification for Listeria monocytogenes regulations, and RTE sampling tasks. The participants are required to complete this training during their regular scheduled duty hours before the 2-week deadline.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 5000.1, FSIS Directive 7230.1, FSIS Directive 5300.1 and FSIS Directive 10,240.4.

Target Audience: Consumer Safety Inspectors who have been assigned to establishments which produce ready-to-eat or shelf stable products.

Course Logistics: FSIS issued computer will be needed. Students will access course documents through the FSIS Training Site, after being enrolled in the course.

Course Materials

Course Description: This course provides an overview of the role of the Egg Products Inspectors and Relief. Consumer Safety Inspectors (CSIs) in Egg Products Plants. The course will cover the food safety laws (EPIA), 9 CFR regulations and FSIS current policies as specified in directives and notices. This training will also include familiarization with the egg products industry practices and several methods used for pasteurization of egg products such as HTST pasteurization and drying methods.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 9900.2.

Target Audience: Newly hired Egg Products Inspectors who are assigned to plants that conduct egg products processing, or Relief CSIs. Frontline supervisors and Enforcement Investigation Analysis Officers who have egg products processing assignments in the circuit or district are also encouraged to attend.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

Course Materials

Course Description: Course topics include: Logistics and Overview of the PHV Intern Course; Mentor Responsibilities; Soft Skills (emotional intelligence, mentor-mentee relationship); In-plant Mentoring checklist which includes FSIS organizational structure (resources, such as LERD, EAP, FSC, Workman’s Comp, Workplace Violence, OPPD, AskFSIS, etc. and the chain of command) and administrative skills (performance evaluation, awards, counseling, scheduling personnel, reviewing PHIS data, conflict resolution, discipline, personnel issue management and T&A’s); Rewards/Frustrations of being a PHV Mentor; Issues that PHVs face; and submission of paperwork.

Target Audience: The training will cover the responsibilities of the PHV Mentor, including an overview of the PHV training program and training in mentoring skills.

Course Logistics: You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Description: This course is conducted as an Instructor-led webinar. It is 5 days a week, but only 4 hours a day that covers the basic information needed by new Compliance Investigators including Agency policy, and directive-based information. The training covers In-Commerce Surveillance, Food Defense Surveillance, Shell Egg Surveillance and Enforcement, Custom Exempt Reviews, Investigative Methodology, Investigative and Surveillance Sampling, Foodborne Illness Investigation, Detention and Seizure, Recalls, Evidence Collection, Report of Investigation, Case Referral and Disposition, Notice of Warning and Safety.

Target Audience: OIEA CID and ICAD investigators and EED compliance specialists, State employees responsible for investigations and enforcement.

Course Description: The FSIS Import Inspection Refresher Course is a self-paced review of policy and procedures for the most critical and routine duties performed by Import Inspectors. Enrolled participants will be sent a username and password to access Moodle, CFL’s learning management software, along with technical instructions on how to access and navigate the course. Students should complete the training in approximately 4 hours (while on duty), and at the end will follow instructions to self-certify completion and receive AgLearn credit.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 9900.1.

Target Audience: Experienced Import Inspectors, Consumer Safety Inspectors, Public Health Veterinarians, Frontline Supervisors, and other OFO District personnel with prior Import Inspection training may request to register through supervisory channels.

Course Logistics: You will need an FSIS issued computer.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Materials

Import Inspection Refresher Student Notebook

Course Description: This course is a 5-day instructor-led webinar that provides a review of SPS, SSOP, HACCP, RTE/SS, NRs, Sampling, and Labeling. It will include scenarios and case studies covering topics such as Egg Products, Slaughter Inspection, HACCP Processing Categories, etc.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 5000.1, FSIS Directive 5000.4, FSIS Directive 7230.1, FSIS Directive 5300.1, FSIS Directive 10,240.4. FSIS Directive 7000.1, FSIS Directive 7620.3 and FSIS Directive 7221.1.

Target Audience: CSIs and PHVs who have previously attended either FSRE (3 weeks) & FSRE Shelf-Stable, FSRE (2 weeks) & RTE/SS or Inspection Methods 5 years ago or more. Egg Inspector (CSIs) who previously attended Inspection Methods 5 years ago or more may also attend this training.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Materials

Student Handout

Course Description: This course provides a review of livestock antemortem and postmortem inspection, poultry antemortem and postmortem inspection, humane handling, good commercial practices, and in-plant safety.

This class is designed and based on FSIS Directive 6900.2, FSIS Directive 6100.1, FSIS Directive 6100.3, Directive 6110.1.

Target Audience: Food Inspectors who have only completed the Food Inspector training in the District Office during orientation or Food Inspectors who have completed Food Inspector Livestock or Poultry classroom training within 5 years or more.

Course Logistics: This course will be instructor-led conducted using a computer and through webinars. You will need an FSIS issued computer and a phone line.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Materials

Slaughter Inspection Refresher Course Student Notebook

Course Description: In-plant Safety Refresher training is an independent 4-hour online training that is self-paced. However, participants have up to 2 weeks to complete this training. Participants do not have to complete the entire 4-hour training in a single day, as long as it is completed within the 2-week timeframe. This training covers the FSIS Health & Safety program, Hazard Communication, Personal Protective Equipment, Occupational Noise, and General Safety.

Target Audience: Consumer Safety Inspectors (CSIs) and Public Health Veterinarians (PHVs) who have previously completed Food Inspector, PHV or In-plant safety training in AgLearn.

Course Logistics: You will need an FSIS issued computer.

OJT Training: There is no On-the-Job Training requirement for this course.

Course Materials

In-Plant Safety Student Guide

Course Description: This video will demonstrate for inspection program personnel how to select, aseptically collect, and submit samples of domestic raw beef products using the MT60_C Cloth Sampling Method that replaced N60 sampling effective February 1, 2023.

By the end of this video, IPP will be able to:

Select the appropriate project code for FSIS verification sampling using the Cloth Sampling Method.
Receive and prepare sampling supplies necessary for cloth sampling.
Aseptically collect cloth samples from beef manufacturing trimmings in combo bins, boxes, or other containers.
Submit cloth samples of domestic raw beef products for FSIS verification sampling.

Course Materials

Video: MT60_C/MT65_C Cloth Sample Collection | Transcript
E-learning course on IPP Help: Cloth Sampling Method

Center for Learning (CFL) Refresher Courses on Aglearn

Course Overview: The Public Health Veterinarian Refresher Training - Sheep & Goat (FY 2023 - PHVRS&G 1500) is a new Center for Learning (CFL) training that can be accessed through AgLearn. The course is an independent, 2-hour self-paced training that will be available 24 hours a day from November 28, 2022, to September 30, 2023. The course should be accessed only during official duty hours. Participants do not have to complete this training in a single day. This training may be accessed on multiple days.

The course provides a brief overview of antemortem and postmortem procedures in sheep and goat slaughter facilities. It focuses on helping the PHV make sound, supportable, and expedient antemortem and postmortem dispositions, including developing differential diagnoses and appropriate regulatory citations.

Target Audience: Current PHVs who previously attended the PHV Training course over one year ago or more, or any PHV without prior experience in sheep and goat slaughter.

Course Access & Logistics: Participants should take the course through AgLearn using their assigned government computers.

Log into your AgLearn account, click on Learn, select Find Learning.
Type the course name in the search box “FSIS-PHV Refresher Training-Sheep & Goat”
Click on the course that is titled FSIS-PHV Refresher Training-Sheep & Goat (FY 2023 PHVRS&G 1500).
Click Enroll me.
Click on the link that has the course title; you will be directed to the FSIS Training Site where you can begin the course.
After completing the training, click on the Return to AgLearn section, then click on the link that says Click here to return to AgLearn website. You will be returned to AgLearn, where you will check the box to indicate that you have completed the training and to receive credit.
Download and save the completion certificate to your computer for your own records.

For technical assistance with accessing the training, please call 1-833-275-6333 (1-833-ASK- OEED) on Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm ET or send an email to CFLHelpDesk@usda.gov. Do not contact the CEC Help Desk.

If you have any questions regarding the course, send an email to CFLClassRegistration@usda.gov or contact LaRia Robinson by phone at 214-601-8831 or by email laria.robinson@usda.gov.

Course Overview: The Enforcement, Investigation, and Analysis Officer Refresher Course (FY 2023 EIAOR 6600) is a new Center for Learning (CFL) training that can be accessed through AgLearn. The course is an independent, 8-hour self-paced training that will be available 24 hours a day from November 28, 2022, to September 30, 2023. The course should be accessed only during official duty hours. Participants do not have to complete this training in a single day. This training may be accessed on multiple days. The course focuses on five important topics: Statistics, Validations, Routine Risk-based Lm (RLm) sampling program, Intensified Verification Testing (IVT), and Evidence Collection.

Target Audience: Current EIAOs and PHVs who previously attended the EIAO Training course over one year ago or more. Also, non-EIAOs who attended the EIAO Condensed Course over one year ago or more are encouraged to attend.

Course Access & Logistics: Participants should take the course through AgLearn using their assigned government computers.

Log into your AgLearn account, click on Learn, select Find Learning.
Type the course name in the search box “FSIS-EIAO Refresher Training”
Click on the course that is titled FSIS-EIAO Refresher Training (FY 2023 EIAOR 6600).
Click Enroll me.
Click on the link that has the course title; you will be directed to the FSIS Training Site where you can begin learning.
After completing the training, click on the Return to AgLearn section, then click on the link that says Click here to return to AgLearn website. You will be returned to AgLearn, where you will check the box to indicate that you have completed the training and to receive credit.
Download and save the completion certificate to your computer for your own records.

For technical assistance with accessing the training, please call 1-833-275-6333 (1-833-ASK-OEED) on Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 6:00pm ET or send an email to CFLHelpDesk@usda.gov. Do not contact the CEC Help Desk.

If you have any questions regarding the course, send an email to CFLClassRegistration@usda.gov or contact LaRia Robinson by phone at 214-601-8831 or by email laria.robinson@usda.gov.

Avian Influenza Training

This course provides the information and resources needed to recognize clinical signs and gross lesions that could be suggestive of Avian Influenza.

Welcome

Purpose
The purpose of this training course is to provide the inplant inspection team with the information and additional resources needed to recognize clinical signs and gross lesions that could be suggestive of Avian Influenza.

Objectives

Recognize the clinical signs associated with Avian Influenza.
Recognize the gross lesions associated with Avian Influenza.
Notification procedures if Avian Influenza is suspected.

Avian Influenza

Etiology Avian Influenza viruses are members of the family Orthomyxoviridae. The influenza viruses that belong to this family are classified into types A, B or C. These types are based on differences between their nucleoprotein and matrix protein antigens. The Avian Influenza viruses belong to Type A.

Influenza viruses are further classified into subtypes according to the antigens of the Haemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N) projections on their surfaces. There are 16 Haemagglutinin subtypes and 9 Neuraminidase subtypes of the Influenza A viruses.

The subtypes that are of concern are the H5 and H7 because of their potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains.

AI viruses can also be classified into low-pathogenicity (LPAI) and high-pathogenicity (HPAI) based on the severity of the illness they cause.

The Low Pathogenic form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production. However, some LPAI virus strains are capable of mutating under field conditions into HPAI viruses.

The High Pathogenic form causes severe, systemic disease with high mortality in chickens, turkeys, and other gallinaceous birds. The HPAI virus is extremely infectious and once established, can spread rapidly from flock to flock.

The strain that is currently causing worldwide concern is the HPAI H5N1 due to the millions of birds that have died in Asia, Africa and Europe. This strain has also infected humans, most of whom have had direct contact with infected birds.

Transmission
Avian Influenza Type A viruses are distributed worldwide, with wild shorebirds and migrating waterfowl, serving as the natural reservoir. Many of the strains in wild birds are either non-pathogenic or mildly pathogenic for poultry. However, through mutation or reassortment of less virulent strains, virulent strains can emerge.

These viruses infect the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts of these birds. Even though they are infected with the virus, the birds usually do not show signs of disease. The viruses are shed in the feces and respiratory secretions. The virus can survive in water and at low temperatures for weeks.

Susceptible birds become infected by contact with contaminated secretions or excretions by either direct or indirect contact.

Domesticated birds may become infected through direct contact with infected waterfowl, other infected poultry or indirectly by dirt, cages, water or feed that is contaminated with the Avian Influenza Type A virus.

Airborne transmission is possible if birds are in close proximity. The virus can be introduced into the nares, conjunctival sac and the trachea.

Once avian influenza is established in a domestic poultry flock, it is a highly contagious disease. Infected birds excrete high concentrations of virus in their feces and nasal and ocular discharges. After the virus is introduced into a flock, the virus is spread from farm to farm by the movement of infected birds, contaminated equipment and people.

Clinical Signs

Common Signs
The clinical signs and course of Avian Influenza Type A are variable and are influenced by the virulence of the infecting virus, species affected, age, sex, concurrent diseases and environment. In some flocks, seroconversion may be the only evidence of infection.

AI tort

Avian Influenza can manifest as respiratory, enteric, or neurological disease with mild signs to a rapidly fatal fulminating disease.

With HPAI, the disease may appear suddenly and birds die either without clinical signs or with minimal signs of depression, inappetence, and ruffled feathers.

Other birds may show ataxia and torticollis.

The combs and wattles can be cyanotic and edematous, with petechial or ecchymotic hemorrhages at the tips

Per orbital edema is often associated with the swollen combs and wattles.

Hemorrhages and subcutaneous edema may occur on the hocks of the birds.

The birds can also be excessively thirsty and have a watery white to green diarrhea.

AI waddle

Layers
In layers, with HPAI, the disease may appear suddenly and birds die either without clinical signs or with minimal signs of depression and inappetence.

The sick birds typically sit or stand, in a semi-comatose state.

The hens at first may lay soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, but then stop laying.

The mortality rate varies from 50 to 100%. Birds that do survive are usually in poor condition and may resume laying after several weeks

image chickens with Cyanotic combs, Periorbital edema and Hemorrages on hocks

Broilers
In broilers with HPAI, like layers, the disease may appear suddenly and birds die acutely or with minimal clinical signs.

Common clinical signs seen are severe depression, ruffled feathers, inappetence, and a marked increase in mortality.

Respiratory signs include clear, mucopurulent or blood-tinged nasal discharge, coughing and respiratory distress.

image chicken broilers

Turkeys
In turkeys, the clinical signs are similar to that seen in layers and broilers. However, the course of the disease generally lasts 2 to 3 days longer in turkeys.

This poult exhibits swollen sinuses which is a common clinical sign in turkeys.

image of turkey

Gross Post-Mortem Lesions

Common Lesions
In the less acute form, significant gross lesions are frequently observed.

image of Subcutaneous Cervical Edema and Excessive Mucous Exudate

Fluid may exit the nares and oral cavity as the bird is positioned for postmortem examination.

The birds may have subcutaneous edema of the head and neck area, which is evident as the skin is reflected.

The trachea may appear relatively normal except that the lumen contains excessive mucous exudates.

There may also be hemorrhagic tracheitis similar to the lesions seen with Infectious Laryngotracheitis.

When the bird is opened, pinpoint petechial hemorrhages are frequently observed on the inside of the keel as it is bent back.

image of Petechial Hemmorhages and White Urate Deposits

Petechia may cover the abdominal fat, serosal surfaces, and peritoneum.

Kidneys are severely congested and may occasionally be grossly plugged with white urate deposits in the tubules.

Hemorrhages may be present on the mucosal surface of the proventriculus particularly at the juncture with the gizzard.

image of Hemorrhages on the Mucosal Surface and Hemorrhagic Areas on the Intestines

The lining of the gizzard peels easily and exposes hemorrhages and erosions underneath.

The intestinal mucosa may also have hemorrhagic areas which can be seen on the serosal surface. These hemorrhagic areas are usually associated with the Peyer's Patches and in the cecal tonsils.

Layers
In laying hens, the ovary may be hemorrhagic or degenerated with darkened areas of necrosis.

In birds that survive for 7 to 10 days, the peritoneal cavity is filled with yolk from ruptured ova, causing severe airsacculitis and peritonitis.

image of Hemorrhagic Ovaries and Egg Yolk Peritonitis

Broilers and Turkeys
Broilers and turkeys that die peracutely may not have significant gross lesions other than severe congestion of the musculature and dehydration.

If the birds do not die peracutely, there can be petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhages in the trachea, epicardial fat, serosal surfaces and intestines.

The spleen, liver, kidneys and lungs may have grey or yellow necrotic foci.

image of Epicardial Petechial Hemorrhages and Necrotic Foci

Differential Diagnosis

Velogenic Viscerotropic Newcastle Disease (VVND)
Infectious Laryngotracheitis
Acute bacterial diseases such as fowl cholera
Escherichia coli
All these diseases have similar clinical signs and post mortem lesions.

However, in an area where AI is prevalent, such as during an outbreak, a sound presumptive diagnosis can be made by flock history, signs, and gross lesions.

View the slideshow

If you see something unusual, it is most important that you contact the District Office as soon as possible. FSIS Directive 6000.1, Rev. 1 provides specific instructions when you observe symptoms of Foreign Animal Diseases or other reportable conditions.

You should be able to provide the producers name, address, and county/parish and telephone number. Also provide a description of clinical signs, number affected and any gross lesions observed.

The District Office will notify the Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) of APHIS or the State Animal Health Official (SAHO). The SAHO or AVIC will determine how the case is to be handled and will give the DO specific instructions at that time.

Follow existing FSIS procedures and retain or control any poultry products until directed by APHIS.

FSIS Directive 6000.1 Rev. 1
- Key Points
  - Provides PHVs instructions to follow if FADs or reportable diseases are suspected.
  - Updated list of reportable diseases to include Lagomorphs.
  - Clinical signs and gross lesions of FADs or reportable diseases.

Educating the media and the public about the complexities of avian influenza as a disease among birds is one of USDA primary communications objectives.

As part of this effort, USDA, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of the Interior, and Department of Homeland Security, have developed three scenarios in the event of a detection and/or outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the United States.

Each of these scenarios contains a series of key questions and answers about animal health, guidance for the public, as well as a summary of the actions USDA would take in the event of a highly pathogenic avian influenza detection in the United States.

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Export Verification Training

FSIS-6005 Export Verification is designed to provide current Agency policy pertaining to Export Certification, Re-Inspection of Product Intended for Export, and Certifying Beef Products under Export Verification Programs. The Export Certification process instills confidence in United States meat and poultry products distributed world wide. The Food Safety and Inspection Service must continue to ensure high levels of integrity, security, and accuracy within the process by following the instructions in the new Directives and Notice.

This training provides summaries and information on FSIS Directive 9000.1, canceled FSIS Directive 9040.1 Rev. 3 (by 9000.1 v2), and expired FSIS Notice 06-09. All additional pertinent Export Directives, FSIS partner websites, and other essential contact information is provided via links and printable PDF files.

This course is not intended for FSIS Employees. Employees must complete the course in AgLearn.

Locate and access the current export information and USDA partner websites on the internet.
Generate a contact list of phone numbers and email addresses for additional technical advice regarding issues with Export Certification.
Evaluate and verify all information on FSIS Form 9060-6 and FSIS Form 9060-5.
List the reasons why a Certifying Official would not sign an FSIS Form 9060-5.
List Resources available for additional information or documentation regarding information on FSIS Form 9060-5.
Generate and file Memorandums of Interview related to Export Certification.
Describe how to perform the Inspection Verification Procedures outlined in FSIS Directive 9040.4, Rev. 3.
Describe the notification procedure if an establishment fails to meet the requirements of its approved Export Verification (EV) Program.
Describe required AMS documents for EV Programs.

Export Library

The Export Library contains the requirements that have been officially communicated to FSIS by the country to which the product is to be exported. It should be used to determine the eligibility of shipments for export and includes the following information: