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
