If avian influenza and END are on your rule-out list, what should you do?

• A. Do not notify anyone until you have a diagnosis
• B. Notify AVMA
• C. Notify Public Health because these are zoonotic
• D. Notify state or federal authorities

Answer: (D)

Suspected cases of high-consequence animal diseases, like avian influenza and Exotic Newcastle disease, must be reported to the appropriate authorities without delay. The right move is to immediately notify the state veterinary authorities or federal animal health agencies so they can arrange confirmatory testing, implement quarantine and movement controls, and coordinate a rapid response. Delaying notification until a diagnosis is confirmed can allow the disease to spread and may violate legal reporting requirements. While public health agencies are involved if there’s a human health risk, and AVMA can offer guidance, the formal channel for these animal diseases is to alert state or federal authorities right away.