Low Pathogenic Bird Flu in Western Cape Ostriches
SOUTH AFRICA - The South African veterinary authorities have reported outbreaks of H5N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) at seven farms across the Western Cape Province between 9 July and 2 November 2013.
24 December 2013
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The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 4 on 23 December. The report states that the affected population comprises commercial ostriches.
A total of 10,171 birds were involved, out of which 2,230 tested positive for the virus. None died or been destroyed.
According to the OIE's Animal Health Information Department, H5 and H7 avian influenza in its low pathogenic form in poultry is a notifiable disease as per Chapter 10.4. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2013).
The OIE, in conjunction with the country's competent authorities, have applied several control measures in an effort to contain the situation.
The source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive.
