Monday, April 12, 2004 Animal health officials declare victory over AI in Gonzales, Texas AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas animal health officials say the H5N2 strain of avian influenza found near Gonzales in mid-February has been eradicated. Officials reported April 1 that no incidences of the highly pathogenic variety of the disease were found in more than 352 noncommercial flocks recently tested. "Laboratory test results, epidemiological reports and good veterinary science provide assurance that this Texas AI infection has been wiped out," Texas Animal Health Commission Deputy Director Dr. Max Coats said. For more than a month, a task force made up of individuals from the TAHC and USDA's veterinary services investigated noncommercial flocks in the area. The group also reports the disease has not appeared in commercial poultry operations. The original infected flock, totaling approximately 6,600 broilers, was depopulated on Feb. 21. The farm has since been disinfected, along with several live bird markets in Houston. Two of those markets had received birds from the infected farm. 'We are still working to determine how the infection may have been introduced into the flock, and routine disease surveillance will be continued in commercial poultry flocks," Coat said. "We were very fortunate that this outbreak involved only one farm." The Texas Animal Health Commission can be reached at 800-550-8242. Originally published Monday, April 12, 2004