Taiwan's veterinary authority sent an Immediate Notification dated 26 December to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The report outlines the finding of a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H7N9 type in a wild bird in Yilan country in the north-east of Taiwan in mid-December and one day later, another variant, an H5, was detected at a duck farm nearby.

H7N9 subtype LPAI was confirmed on 16 December 2014 from a wild bird faecal sample in a wetland in Yilan County by active surveillance program. The gene sequence of the H7N9 subtype LPAI is different from China’s strain. This wild bird case will be reported in OIE wildlife annual report specifically.

On 16 December, following intensified active surveillance in the area, an RNA product of H5 avian influenza virus (AIV) was detected at a duck breeding farm at Jiaoxi Township, which is within three kilometres of the wetland.

The gene sequence analysis of the HA0 cleavage site of the H5 RNA demonstrated that the causal agent was of low pathogenicity. Movement restriction was implemented on the duck breeder farm.

A total of 20 samples from the 2,600 birds on the farm tested positive for the virus. Clinical investigation on the affected farm showed that the ducks were in healthy condition without abnormal mortality and egg production. The clinical investigation and surveillance of surrounding poultry farms are ongoing.

Further Reading

You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.