Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What challenge did responders face during the 2015 HPAI outbreak in the United States?

1. Coordination of international teams

2. Depopulation and cleanup exceeding capabilities

3. High human infection risks causing delays

4. Lack of public awareness

The correct answer is: Depopulation and cleanup exceeding capabilities

During the 2015 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the United States, one significant challenge that responders faced was that the depopulation and cleanup efforts exceeded their operational capabilities. The scale of the outbreak necessitated the rapid culling of millions of affected birds to control the spread of the virus effectively. This massive scale of depopulation required a substantial amount of resources, manpower, and logistical coordination. Responders had to manage not only the physical act of culling the birds but also the subsequent disposal of carcasses in an environmentally safe manner that complied with regulations. The sheer volume of birds involved overwhelmed some local and state efforts, leading to delays and challenges in managing the outbreak effectively. While other factors like international coordination, human infection risks, and public awareness may have played roles in the broader context of the outbreak management, the immediate logistical challenge of depopulating and cleaning up the affected areas was a pressing concern that significantly affected response efforts.