OIE Reports HPAI Outbreak in Emilia-Romagna
ITALY - The Italian veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in at a commercial poultry farm in Emilia-Romagna, an administrative region in Northern Italy.
19 August 2013
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The outbreak was initially observed on 10 August 2013 and the presence of the HPAI virus, serotype H7, was confirmed on 14 August after a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was carried out Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute (IZSVe) located in Padova or Padua.
Commercial layer hens were found to be PCR positive for H7 after which an immediate notification was sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on 15 August.
A total of 128,000 layers were found susceptible to the HPAI virus, out of which 105,000 cases were observed. A total of 4,000 deaths were reported. However, no birds were destroyed.
According to the OIE, timely notification from the farmer of suspect clinical signs allowed the detection of the disease affecting a commercial farm of layer hens.
A protection zone of 3 km and a surveillance zone of 10 km have been established around the farm, which is under restriction. Tracing is underway and depopulation has commenced.
Further diagnostic examination, also to determine the N type, and the epidemiological investigation are on-going.
The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.
