The epidemiology of the first reported non-fowl-plague avian influenza (AI) virus, A/Chicken/Alabama/75 (Hav4Neq2), isolated from chickens in the United States is discussed. The signs and pathologic changes have been described. The environment, nutrition, and stress factors are discussed as possible contributors to the disease syndrome observed in 3 commercial egg-laying flocks. Avian influenza antibody was demonstrated by agargel precipitation in convalescent chickens through 83 days postinfection. A serological survey of 321 additional poultry flocks was negative for antibodies against avian influenza. A survey was made by serology and virus isolation techniques on 387 wild free-flying birds that fed and roosted in the area. Wild waterfowl are discussed as a possible source of the AI virus.

In January 1971, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) initiated a national animal-bite surveillance program in cooperation with 15 health jurisdictions that agreed to submit data to the center. During the 2-year surveillance period (1971-1972), 196,684 animal-bite cases were reported from the 15 reporting areas. An animal-bite case was defined as any biting of a person by an animal reported to CDC by a participating health department. Data pertaining to some factors associated with animal bites were reported, including the age and sex of the bitten person, the species of the biting animal, and, in some areas, the status of the biting animal with respect to vaccination against rabies.

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Despite the availability of effective control measures, simian tuberculosis continues to be a major colony management problem. In 1972, 909 cases of simian tuberculosis were reported to the Center for Disease Control. Most of the cases (838) were in rhesus monkeys (Macaco mulatta). The attack rate was higher for animals conditioned by commercial importers prior to sale (6.6%) than for animals received shortly after importation without conditioning (1.2%). Failure to apply control measures effectively and consistently both in trade channels and at the user level is a significant factor in perpetuation of the problem.