Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in China
CHINA - This is an emergency report via OIE on the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza in the Peoples Republic of China.
6 February 2004
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Information received on 4 February 2004 from Dr Shen Zhenzhao, Director General, Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing:
Date of the report: 4 February 2004.
Five outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed (see Table and map)..
Eighteen other outbreaks are suspected. Samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza.
Nature of diagnosis: clinical and laboratory.
Date of initial detection of animal health incident: 23 January 2004.
Description of affected population: poultry, ducks, geese, doves.
Diagnosis:
A. Laboratory where diagnosis was confirmed (27 January 2004): National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza.
B. Causal agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type A, subtype H5N1.
Control measures:
- stamping out within a 3-km radius of the outbreaks and suspected outbreaks;
- vaccination within a 5-km radius of the outbreaks and suspected outbreaks on a compulsory basis.
Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: no outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the People’s Republic of China have been reported before to the OIE. The monthly reports for September, October and November 2003 indicate the absence of the disease. To date, no information for January to August 2003 or for December 2003 has been received at the OIE Headquarters.
Source: Office International des Epizooties - 6th February 2004
