LPAI Detected in Denmark
DENMARK - The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has reported an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza, serotype H7, in the western region of Viborg, affecting a hatchery for farmed game birds (1,400 mallards and 12,500 pheasants).The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 1 June 2013, stating that a total of 13,900 birds were found susceptible to the outbreak.
However, no cases have been reported and as a result, no deaths were recorded and no birds were destroyed.
According to the OIE, on 31 May 2013, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H7 was detected in mallards in samples collected in connection with the Danish surveillance programme for avian influenza.
The stamping-out of the mallards at the infected holding will be initiated as soon as possible. The mallards and the pheasants are kept epidemiologically separated and LPAI H7 has only been detected in the mallards.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has established a restricted zone at 1 km around the holding and are implementing the necessary measures in accordance with Council Directive 2005/94/EC.
On 31 May, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was conducted at the National Veterinary Institute, confirming the presence of the H7 virus.
The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.
Note by the OIE 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 (2012).
Further Reading
You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.