H7N3 Outbreaks Undergoing Comprehensive Investigation
US - Although there have been no new outbreaks of low-path H7N3 bird flu in the US, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reports that the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of this event.
9 September 2014
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According to follow-up report no. 1 sent to the OIE, the epidemiological summary of the H7N3 bird flu outbreak as of 3 September 2014 is as follows:
- Routine testing detected low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in pheasants on a breeding farm/hunting preserve. There have been no clinical signs of illness or increased mortality in birds on the premises
- Virus isolation was confirmed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for LPAI H7N3. The amino acid sequence at the hemagglutinin protein cleavage site of the virus isolate is compatible with North American low pathogenic avian influenza virus
- Pheasants on the premises will be tested at least once every 7 days for a minimum of 4 weeks after the last PCR-positive test
- Follow-up surveillance and testing for influenza A virus (IAV) on one epidemiologically linked farm was negative for IAV
- There are no commercial poultry farms within a 10km radius of the affected premises. The epidemiological investigation and response to the event are continuing.
The OIE's Animal Health Information Department reports that 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 (2014).
The usual control measures have been applied in order to prevent further spread of the disease. The source of the outbreaks has not yet been determined to date.
