Latest Avian / Bird Flu News
Friday, May 24, 2013
No H7N9 Virus Found in Poultry Farms in ChinaCHINA - The H7N9 bird flu virus has not been detected in poultry farms, with positive samples mainly coming from live poultry markets, China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Thursday (23 May).
ThePoultrySite News DeskWednesday, May 22, 2013
Shanghai to Allow Chicken Sales AgainCHINA - With no new confirmed cases of the H7N9 virus on the Chinese mainland for more than a week, Shanghai is planning to allow cold-processed poultry meat onto the market by the end of May, giving the heavily hit poultry industry a chance at recovery.
ThePoultrySite News Desk
HK Bans Catalonian Poultry Product ImportsHONG KONG - The importation of poultry and poultry products, including eggs, from Catalonia, Spain have been banned with immediate effect, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety announced.
ThePoultrySite News Desk Officials Eat Poultry to Restore ConfidenceCHINA - Agricultural officials ate poultry products at an ongoing national animal husbandry expo over the weekend in order to boost public confidence in the poultry industry as bird flu concerns begin to diminish.
ThePoultrySite News Desk Chicken Sample in Guangdong Found to Contain H7N9 VirusCHINA - The Chinese veterinary authorities have reported finding the low-pathogenic avian influenza A(H7N9) in one chicken sample at a market in Zengcheng in Guangdong province.
ThePoultrySite News DeskTuesday, May 21, 2013
China Rallies Poultry Industry as Bird Flu Fears WaneCHINA - Agricultural officials ate poultry products at an ongoing national animal husbandry expo in order to boost public confidence in the poultry industry, as bird flu concerns are starting to disappear.
ThePoultrySite News Desk
LPAI in Cataluna Affects Breeding HensSPAIN - The Spanish veterinary authorities have reported one outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (H7N1) at a farm in Cataluna.
ThePoultrySite News Desk Poultry Farms May be H7N9 Source, Study FindsCHINA - A joint study by the World Health Organisation and the central government said poultry farms might be the source of the H7N9 virus that has killed 21 people.
South China Morning PostMonday, May 20, 2013
Human Infection with Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus – Update 17 MayCHINA - Since 8 May 2013, no new laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported to WHO by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, China. However, four additional deaths have been reported from previously laboratory-confirmed cases.
To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 131 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 36 deaths.
Authorities in affected locations continue to maintain enhanced surveillance, epidemiological investigations, close contact tracing, clinical management, laboratory testing and sharing of samples as well as prevention and control measures. In the past week, the Shanghai and Zhejiang provincial governments have started to normalize their emergency operations into their routine surveillance and response activities. WHO offices in country, regional and headquarters continue to work closely to ensure timely information updates.
Until the source of infection has been identified and controlled, it is expected that there will be further cases of human infection with the virus.
So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.
WHO continues to work with Member States and international partners. WHO will provide updates as the situation evolves.
WHOTo date, WHO has been informed of a total of 131 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 36 deaths.
Authorities in affected locations continue to maintain enhanced surveillance, epidemiological investigations, close contact tracing, clinical management, laboratory testing and sharing of samples as well as prevention and control measures. In the past week, the Shanghai and Zhejiang provincial governments have started to normalize their emergency operations into their routine surveillance and response activities. WHO offices in country, regional and headquarters continue to work closely to ensure timely information updates.
Until the source of infection has been identified and controlled, it is expected that there will be further cases of human infection with the virus.
So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.
WHO continues to work with Member States and international partners. WHO will provide updates as the situation evolves.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Outbreak with a Novel Avian Influenza A(H7N9) virus in China - Scenarios and Triggers for Assessing Risks and Planning Responses in the EU, May 2013EU - As part of the risk assessment and strategic planning related to the emergence of avian influenza A(H7N9) in China, Schenk and colleagues at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has considered two major scenarios.
The current situation is the one of a zoonotic epidemic (Scenario A) in which the virus might be transmitted sporadically to humans in close contact with an animal reservoir. The second scenario is the movement towards efficient human to human transmission (a pandemic Scenario B).
The authors identified epidemiological events within the different scenarios that would trigger a new risk assessment and a review of the response activities to implement in the European Union (EU).
They also identified the surveillance activities needed to detect these events.
EurosurveillanceThe current situation is the one of a zoonotic epidemic (Scenario A) in which the virus might be transmitted sporadically to humans in close contact with an animal reservoir. The second scenario is the movement towards efficient human to human transmission (a pandemic Scenario B).
The authors identified epidemiological events within the different scenarios that would trigger a new risk assessment and a review of the response activities to implement in the European Union (EU).
They also identified the surveillance activities needed to detect these events.
Surveillance of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Infection in Humans and Detection of the First Imported Human Case in Taiwan, 3 April to 10 May 2013TAIWAN - According to Y.C. Lo and colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control in Taipei, on 3 April 2013, suspected and confirmed cases of influenza A(H7N9) virus infection became notifiable in the primary care sector in Taiwan, and detection of the virus became part of the surveillance of severe community-acquired pneumonia.
On 24 April, the first imported case, reported through both surveillance systems, was confirmed in a man returning from China by sequencing from endotracheal aspirates after two negative throat swabs. Three of 139 contacts were ill and tested influenza A(H7N9)-negative.
EurosurveillanceOn 24 April, the first imported case, reported through both surveillance systems, was confirmed in a man returning from China by sequencing from endotracheal aspirates after two negative throat swabs. Three of 139 contacts were ill and tested influenza A(H7N9)-negative.
Human H7N9 Cases Linked to Poultry or Live MarketsCHINA - Researchers have established a clear link between 12 cases of human cases of influenza A(H7N9) and direct exposure to poultry or live poultry markets in Huzhou city.
ThePoultrySite News Desk
SENASICA Reports No Further Bird Flu CasesMEXICO – Surveillance work by the national health service has discovered no new cases of bird flu in Puebla, the Ministry of Agriculture (SAGARPA) revealed at a council of poultry industry organisations.
ThePoultrySite News DeskWednesday, May 15, 2013
Bird Flu in Pokhara NEPAL - Hundreds of diseased fowls were culled in Kaski’s Lekhnath Kalikachowk, following confirmation of bird flu in the area, on Tuesday. About 555 chickens and 40 kg chicken-feed were destroyed at a poultry farm owned by Basant Shrestha, said Dr Bansi Sharma, director, Regional Livestock Directorate. On Monday, the lab test confirmed bird flu in the dead fowls sent by the poultry farm seven days ago. Shrestha’s farm will be put under surveillance for three months. Dr Sharma said the farm owner will be compensated.
The Himalayan
Vietnam Province Says Bird Flu Epidemic is Over VIET NAM - Authorities in the south central province of Ninh Thuan have declared that the bird flu outbreak which took place among swiftlets raised for profitable nests at a local farm is over.
ThanhNien News.com H7N9 Bird Flu Kills One in Central ChinaCHINA - The H7N9 bird flu has killed one person in central China's Hunan Province, local health authorities said Wednesday.
China.org.cnTuesday, May 14, 2013
Bird Flu Expert Working on Vaccine that Protects against Multiple StrainsUS — As the bird flu outbreak in China worsens, a Purdue University expert is working on vaccines that offer broader protection against multiple strains of the virus.
Suresh Mittal, a professor of comparative pathobiology in Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine, has developed a new vaccination method that incorporates genes from multiple strains of the virus and creates protection that could persist through different mutations, he said.
University of PurdueSuresh Mittal, a professor of comparative pathobiology in Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine, has developed a new vaccination method that incorporates genes from multiple strains of the virus and creates protection that could persist through different mutations, he said.
North Korean Duck Farm Hit by H5N1 Avian InfluenzaNORTH KOREA – A new outbreak of the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus has been confirmed at a duck production unit in P’yongyang-Si, resulting in the deaths of more than 164,000 ducks.
ThePoultrySite News Desk OIE Reports H5N1 HPAI Outbreak in TibetCHINA - The Chinese veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in a village flock of chickens and geese in Tibet.
ThePoultrySite News Desk Egg and Broiler Prices to Bounce Back from Bird FluCHINA – Fewer cases of H7N9 bird flu through May and the announcement of a government subsidy boost will bring a dramatic increase in market fortunes over mid-summer, Chinese economists have predicted.
ThePoultrySite News Desk
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Avian Influenza
(aka bird flu, avian flu) is caused by a type of influenza virus that is hosted by birds, but may infect several species of mammals. It was first identified in Italy in the early 1900s and is now known to exist worldwide. A strain of the H5N1-type of avian influenza virus that emerged in 1997 has been identified as the most likely source of a future influenza pandemic. Strains of avian influenza virus may infect various types of animals, including birds, pigs, horses, seals, whales and humans. However, wild fowl act as natural asymptomatic carriers, spreading it to more susceptible domestic stocks. Avian influenza virus spreads in the air and in manure and there is no evidence that the virus can survive in well cooked meat.
Diagnosis
How to Recognise Avian InfluenzaWhat to look for
- Ruffled feathers
- Soft-shelled eggs
- Depression and droopiness
- Sudden drop in egg production
- Loss of appetite
- Cyanosis (purplish-blue coloring) of wattles and comb
- Edema and swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
- Green diarrhoea
- Blood-tinged discharge from nostrils
- Incoordination, including loss of ability to walk and stand
- Pin-point hemorrhages (most easily seen on the feet and shanks)
- Respiratory distress
- Increased death losses in a flock
- Sudden death
- Nasal discharges
Poultry Vaccination
Poultry Vaccination as a strategy for controlling AI in commercial birds
Outbreaks of avian influenza in the poultry industry cause devastating economic losses and is generally controlled through extensive culling of infected birds. Alternative strategies also use vaccination as a supplementary control measure during avian influenza outbreaks.
. Advantages of Vaccination- Vaccination reduces susceptibility to infection.
- A higher dose of virus is necessary to infect the vaccinated birds.
- Vaccinated birds shed less virus.
- Decreased contamination of the environment.
- Decreased risk of human infection - Used strategically vaccination compliments a stamping out strategy by slowing/stopping the spread of the virus
- Vaccination as Part of an Avian Influenza Control Strategy
- VECTORMUNE® HVT AIV
- www.avian-influenza.com
Biosecurity
Avian Influenza (Fowl Plague) is a potentially devastating disease, predominantly of chickens and turkeys, although the virus can also affect game birds (pheasants, partridge and quail), ratites (ostrich and emu), psittacine and passerine birds.
Avian Influenza is caused by an orthomyxovirus, or influenza virus and can survive for considerable lengths of time outside of the host and birds are infected through contact with other birds, mechanical vectors such as vehicles and equipment and personnel travelling between farms, markets and abattoirs.
Precautionary requirements include cleaning and disinfection of premises and the establishment of a Biosecurity barrier to help prevent spread of disease is essential.
For more information on biosecurity see the links below
Useful Links
- Efficacy of rHVT-AI Vector Vaccine in Broilers with Passive Immunity Against Challenge with Two Antigenically Divergent Egyptian Clade 2.2.1 HPAI H5N1 Strains
- Efficacy of a Recombinant HVT-H5 Vaccine Against Challenge with Two Genetically Divergent Indonesian HPAI H5N1 Strains
- OIE - HPAI Situation Reports
- Avian Influenza WHO information
- Avian Influenza CDC information
- Bird flu timelines Recombinetics
- About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
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