Timeline For Influenza H5N1 Incident

Press Release

March 12

• CDC Influenza Division (ID) shipped low pathogenic avian influenza H9N2 to USDA SEPRL in Athens, Ga
  Genetic analysis confirmed identity of H9N2
• Shipment delivered on March 13 to USDA Southeast Poultry Research Laboratories (SEPRL) (Athens GA)
  SEPRL observed pathogenicity in chickens inconsistent with H9N2 virus
  SEPRL performed molecular analyses on SEPRL virus stock and material sent by CDC
  SEPRL confirmed highly pathogenic H5N1 contamination and destroyed all SEPRL virus stocks in biosafety level 3
  (BSL-3) enhanced

May 23

• SEPRL notified CDC ID that SEPRL virus stock was contaminated and destroyed

May 23

• CDC ID confirmed H9N2 virus was contaminated by H5N1 virus

July 9

• CDC Responsible Official was notified; investigation is ongoing