Mexican Avian Flu Outbreak Confirmed
MEXICO - An outbreak of avian influenza in Mexico's Sinaloa province has been confirmed in a report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).The outbreak was reported last week in local media.
The farm had a susceptible population of 433,093 layers. The virus was identified as H5N2, but a low pathogenic version of the disease.
Despite the low pathogenicity of the disease, the authorities said that a humane culling programe will now get under way. The infected production unit has so far been quarantined and a sanitary barrier set up.
An epidemiological investigation was also initiated, including sampling in four industrial poultry farms and in 33 backyard poultry farms located in the 10km zone around the outbreak.
The investigation took a total of 720 samples of blood serum and tracheal and cloacal swabs, without detecting evidence of virus circulation.
Further Reading
Visit our bird flu page by clicking here.