LPAI Outbreaks Detected in Taiwan

TAIWAN - The Taiwanese veterinary authorities have reported two outbreaks of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in Hua-Lien affecting ducks.
calendar icon 5 August 2013
clock icon 3 minute read

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) was notified twice on the same date last week (2 August) about the outbreaks.

In the first outbreak, the causal agent was identified as LPAI virus, serotype H5N3. A total of 13,400 ducks were found susceptible, out of which 20 cases were reported. No deaths were recorded and no birds were destroyed.

In the follow-up report, the causal agent was found to be the LPAI virus, serotype H5N2. A total of 11,672 ducks showed signs of susceptibility, out of which 20 cases were reported. Again, there were no deaths, and none of the birds were destroyed.

According to the immediate notification sent to the OIE, during the first round surveillance conducted on the poultry farms around the H5N2 infected duck farm detected in Hua-Lien County, the H5N3 avian influenza virus was isolated from swabs taken from a meat-type duck farm on 16 July 2013.

Movement restriction was conducted on this infected farm. The result of clinical investigation showed that the duck were in healthy condition without clinical signs and abnormal mortality. Subsequently, the national laboratory confirmed this H5N3 case as LPAI by virological tests and pathogenicity test on 2 August 2013.

The surveillance of poultry farms around the H5N3 affected farm are in progress.

According to the follow-up report, the low pathogenic viral infection was detected on a meat-type duck farm in the process of active surveillance and identified as H5N2 strain by virus isolation. Movement restriction and investigation were implemented on the infected farm.

The ducks within the farm were normal without clinical signs. Subsequently, the national laboratory confirmed this H5N2 outbreak as LPAI by virological tests and pathogenicity test on 2 August 2013.

The surveillance of poultry farms around the H5N2-affected farm is in progress.

The source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive.

Further Reading

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