Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease in China

China reported an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in migratory waterfowl in Qinghai province (in the central part of the country) on May 21, 2005. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) was reported in the eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Shandong on May 13, 2005 and on May 26 China reported additional cases of FMD in Beijing municipality, Hebei province and Xinjiang Autonomous Region (far western part of the country). Over 1,00 cattle and about 2,464 cows have been destroyed.

After the waterfowl tested positive for H5N1, China ordered emergency measures to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza in Qinqhai province. Over 1,000 migratory birds were found dead, including the bar-headed goose, two types of gulls, ruddy shelduck and great cormorant. There are three major migrating routes for birds in China and the recent outbreak occured in the western route. The western route runs from the northern part of the Indian Peninsula, then over Tibet and the Himalayas to Qinqhai province.

China quickly closed nature reserves, prohibited people from entering the habitats of migratory birds, and told the public to avoid contact with poultry. Three million doses of vaccine were rushed to the area to inoculate the domestic poultry in the Qinghai province and quarantine measures were imposed in the area where the birds were found. China’s last reported outbreak of avian influenza in poultry was reported to the OIE in June 2004. Chinese authorities estimate the current outbreak occurred April 15, 2005 in the Qinghai Lake Nature Reserve. Located in the Tibetan highlands at 10,515 feet above sea level, Qinghai Lake is China’s largest saltwater lake and the migratory birds are a major tourist attraction.
Source: Source: OIE, CIA Factbook, news wires

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Source: USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - 31st May 2005