Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Japan - JAPAN - Follow-up report No. 3 via OIE, confirming the recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Japan.

See also: 23 January 2004, 16 January 2004, 16 January 2004

Information received on 18 February 2004 from Dr Masako Kurimoto, Director of Animal Health and Animal Products Safety Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tokyo:

End of previous report period: 20 January 2004 (see Disease Information, 17 [4], 14, dated 23 January 2004).

End of this report period: 18 February 2004.

New outbreaks:

Location	No. of outbreaks
Oita Prefecture	1 (suspected)

Description of affected population in the new outbreak (suspected): hobby flock.

Total number of animals in the new outbreak (suspected):

species	susceptible	cases	deaths	destroyed	slaughtered
avi	14*	...	7	7	0

* 13 capon chickens and 1 duck

Diagnosis:

A. Laboratory where diagnosis was made: National Institute of Animal Health, Ibaraki Prefecture.

B. Diagnostic tests used: haemagglutination inhibition test positive on 17 February 2004.

C. Causal agent: avian influenza virus subtype H5.

Epidemiology:

A. Source of agent / origin of infection: unknown; under investigation.

B. Mode of spread: unknown.

Control measures:

- stamping out;

- quarantine;

- movement control inside the country;

- control of wildlife reservoirs;

- screening.

Source: Office International des Epizooties - 20th February 2004