Bird Flu Virus Found at Nine More Ostrich Farms
SOUTH AFRICA - Routine surveillance has revealed H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at nine more commercial ostrich farms, all in the Western Cape.
8 August 2011
2 minute read
The veterinary authority sent Follow Up report No. 5 dated 5 August to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The report reviews nine new outbreaks of HPAI starting between 2 June and 6 July, all on ostrich farms in Western Cape province. In total, 4,238 ostriches were affected, of which 1,706 showed symptoms; 14 were destroyed and 1,186 were slaughtered.
All the farms tested positive for H5 but some were reported HI positive for H5 and H6.
The report adds that the farms tested positive on serology during routine surveillance but tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found. Diagnosis only confirmed after several follow-up PCR tests. South Africa only reports outbreaks on confirmation on PCR tests. Initially no clinical signs or mortalities were seen. Stamping out in positive farms is taking place.
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