Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2008

Baby girl in Hong Kong infected with H9N2 avian influenza strain

30.12.2008

Hong Kong confirmed a two-month-old baby girl was infected with the H9N2 avian influenza strain, the fifth human case in the city since 1999. The two-month-old girl, who lives with her parents in China's southern city of Shenzhen, was diagnosed with the influenza A (H9N2) infection after she developed vomiting, a cough, and a runny nose.

Avian influenza detected in Belgian farms

24.12.2008

Emergency measures have been taken after an outbreak of avian influenza was detected in two farms in northern Belgium. Control tests showed last Friday that some ducks and geese in a farm in Bocholt, which borders the Netherlands, were infected with the H5 avian influenza virus. Low pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 is responsible for the outbreak in Bocholt. The H5 virus was also detected in a farm in Buggenhout in the province of East Flanders, the neuraminidase has not been identify yet.

Avian influenza suspected in Denmark

23.12.2008

A flock of free-range chickens on a farm in south-western Denmark is suspected of being infected with avian influenza, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said on yesterday. The suspicion arose following unexpected results in blood tests done as part of routine checks for avian influenza.

Taiwan: H5N2 found in poultry farm

19.12.2008

Taiwan

Japan decided to halt poultry imports from Taiwan following a report about a suspected avian influenza H5N2 outbreak on the island. A large number of chickens at a poultry farm in Tainan County were confirmed by a government laboratory to have died from the H5N2 avian influenza virus last month.

Germany: Avian influenza in Germany is expanding

18.12.2008

LPNAI of the H5N3 strain has now been officially confirmed on 14 turkey fattening units. Approximately 200,000 turkeys have been destroyed so far. 9 additional holdings are under investigation, either as suspects or as contact holdings.

H5N1 Outbreak in Jiangsu China

16.12.2008

China culled 377,000 poultry in eastern Jiangsu province after finding the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus in chickens in the area. The H5N1 virus was discovered on a chicken farm in Dongtai city and in another farm in Haian county both in eastern Jiangsu province.

Egypt: First avian influenza fatality in six months

16.12.2008

Egypt suffered its first avian influenza fatality in six months when a girl died on 15 December, bringing the death toll from the disease to 23. The case is a 16-year-old female from Assuit Governorate, Upper Egypt whose symptoms began on 8 December 2008. She was initially hospitalized at the district hospital on 11 December and then transferred to the Assuit University Hospital on 13 December where she died on 15 December.

Germany: LPAI H5N3 found in turkeys

15.12.2008

Avian influenza was detected in Cloppenburg, in different turkey flocks. Affected are a total of 58,000 turkeys. The avian influenza virus strain was diagnosed as low pathogenic H5N3.

Cambodia confirms new human case of avian influenza

12.12.2008

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The 19-year-old male, from Kandal Province, developed symptoms on 28 November and initially sought medical attention at a local health centre on 30 November.

USA: Avian Influenza found in Rhode Island duck

12.12.2008

A state veterinarian says a duck shot by a hunter in Johnston last month has tested positive for avian influenza. Officials are asking hunters and poultry farmers to keep an eye out for birds that appear ill. Poultry farmers may notice some of their fowl with respiratory illnesses or a drop in egg production Veterinarian Scott Marshall tells The Providence Journal the H5 strain appears to be nonfatal, but there is concern it could mutate into fatal form for birds.

Hong Kong reports avian influenza outbreak

10.12.2008

Three dead chickens tested positive for avian influenza in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, prompting the city to suspend poultry imports for 21 days and begin slaughtering 80,000 birds. Chickens, found Monday at a farm with 60,000 broiler breeders, had the H5 virus and further tests were being done to see if they had the deadly H5N1 strain.

Indonesia: Two new avian influenza cases of Humans

09.12.2008

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. A 9-year-old female from Riau Province developed symptoms on 7 November and was hospitalized on 12 November. She recovered and was discharged from hospital on 27 November. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate poultry deaths at her home on 2 November. The second case, a 2-year-old female from East Jakarta, developed symptoms on 18 November, was hospitalized on 26 November and died on 29 November. Laboratory tests have confirmed infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Norway: LPAI detected in poultry

05.12.2008

A case of low pathogenic avian influenza was detected in Ostfold, Norway. The affected population reported: 39 hens and 11 geese. No data was reported regarding the virus strain type.

H5N1 confirmed in Assam India

28.11.2008

Authorities in India's northeastern state of Assam have ordered culling thousands of chicken and ducks after a fresh outbreak of avian influenza in poultry was detected. More than 30,000 chickens and ducks would be slaughtered in next three days in 20 villages, after one of them was hit by avian influenza.

Newcastle disease in Bulgaria

21.11.2008

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was reported in Kardzali (South Bulgaria) in laying hens. In 2007 totally 13 outbreaks of ND have been reported in backyard poultry flocks in the Republic of Bulgaria.

New case of avian influenza found in northern Thailand

10.11.2008

The H5N1 avian influenza virus strain has been detected in northern Thailand in the country's first case in 10 months. Laboratory tests on Sunday confirmed one chicken was infected with the virus after seven poultry deaths were reported in Sukhothai province last week. The deaths occurred at a rural home where a family was raising 17 chickens. The remaining 10 birds were killed as a precautionary measure and a 3-mile (5-kilometer) radius around the home was declared an outbreak zone and sealed off.

Laos Reported Fresh Avian Influenza Outbreak

05.11.2008

Avian influenza outbreak has been confirmed in Donngeun village, Xayaboury district of Xayaboury province of Laos. The Xayaboury Provincial Avian Influenza Control Committee has declared a red zone which covers areas within one kilometer radius of the outbreak. This area includes the seven villages, said Phompan on Monday. All birds in these villages will be slaughtered to prevent the virus from spreading and the movement, consumption and sale of birds throughout the district has been banned until further notice.

Thailand: Avian Influenza Emerges in Sukhothai

30.10.2008

The H5N1 avian influenza virus was found in chicken carcasses in northern Sukhothai Province. Livestock officials in Sukhothai Province reported the discovery of the H5N1 virus in domestic chickens raised in Nong Wong Kwian Village in Swankalok District. 29 families in the village raised a total of nearly 1,000 chickens before a number of them began to die of suspicious causes. After officials declared the discovery, all chickens in Sawankalok District were destroyed and their owners are to receive 32 baht per kilogramme for the killed birds.

EFSA identifies risk factors for Salmonella infections in turkey flocks in the EU

29.10.2008

EFSA’s Task Force on Zoonoses Data Collection has today published an analysis of risk factors related to Salmonella in flocks of turkeys within the European Union (EU). The report, entitled “Part B - Factors related to Salmonella prevalence in turkey flocks”, highlights how in the case of turkeys reared for human consumption, the so-called fattening turkeys, farms with a greater number of birds are at higher risk of Salmonella infection.

Siberia: avian influenza vaccination

22.10.2008

About 7 million birds received their first vaccinations against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and 2.25 million birds were revaccinated. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, reports that there are over 5.34 million poultry in high-risk areas on the territory of the Siberian District. In the course of monitoring for laboratory research, experts discovered antibodies to A-H5 avian influenza virus in blood serum of 300 wild migratory birds in the Altaisky and Krasnoyarsky Krai, the Republic of Buryatia, Tuva and Khakassia, and the Tomsk Region. So far, no cases of avian influenza among wild and domestic birds have been registered on the territory of the Siberian Federal District.

Hong Kong finds avian influenza virus in crow

20.10.2008

Hong Kong

A house crow found dead in a crowded district in Hong Kong last week has tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. The appearance of the virus in Hong Kong, more active in the cooler months between October and March, is closely watched as it may indicate the level of activity of the virus in mainland China, which has a poultry population of 13 billion. The crow was found dead in a public refuse bin on Wednesday.

Germany: Low pathogenic avian influenza

17.10.2008

Germany - LPAI

LPAI H5N3 infections have been detected in waterfowl in the zoo of Leipzig, Saxony and in a small mixed poultry holding near Leipzig. These viruses turned out to be typical representatives of Eurasian H5 LPAIV currently also detected in aquatic wild birds in Germany. Poultry at the LPAIV-affected holdings had been culled as well.

Germany reports new H5N1 outbreak

10.10.2008

Animal health officials in Germany today reported an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak at a commercial farm in Saxony, signifying the country's first outbreak since December 2007. The outbreak was detected at a farm in Markersdorf, in east central Germany not far from the border with Poland. According to the OIE report, the H5N1 in the single bird was detected during "routine laboratory investigation." There were no movements of animals into or out of the affected farm within the last 21 days, the report said. The OIE report said 1,434 of the remaining birds were culled to control the spread of the disease. The farm contained 800 geese, 550 ducks, 60 chickens, and 24 turkeys.

South Korea: LPAI H5N2 at a duck farm

06.10.2008

South Korea reported a low-pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza outbreak at a duck farm in the city of Yesan, in South Chungchong province, south of Seoul, according to an Oct 6 report to the OIE. The disease was detected during routine surveillance that has been conducted since September at all parent stock duck farms, the OIE report said.

Salmonella in Livestock Production in Great Britain: 2007 report

28.09.2008

The annual publication provides data on salmonella reports from livestock species in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). From the UK Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA). The report covers the incidence and typing of Salmonella in chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and game birds submitted to the VLA last year.

New Zealand: H5N1 LPAI was found in ducks

18.09.2008

New Zealand

A surveillance programme researching the presence of avian influenza in New Zealand has found low pathogenic (LPAI) H5N1 virus in two samples taken from wild mallard ducks. Sampling of healthy wild birds took place at seven locations across New Zealand in February this year, as part of MAFBNZ's ongoing avian influenza surveillance programme.

Togo says avian influenza hits poultry farm

10.09.2008

Togo

An outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in the West African nation of Togo for the first time since last year. The virus was detected at a poultry farm housing more than 4,500 birds in the village of Agbata outside the capital, Lome. The first avian influenza cases in Togo were discovered on a farm that had received a shipment of birds from Ghana, months before Ghana’s government announced a bird flu outbreak and an export ban in May 2007.

Avian Influenza found in northern Laos

10.09.2008

Laos

Authorities in Laos detected a fresh outbreak of avian influenza in the north of the country last week and slaughtered all poultry affected. The government did not say how many birds were infected with the deadly virus, which was detected in a village about 150km north of the ancient royal capital Luang Prabang.

Indonesia: two confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus

10.09.2008

WHO

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has retrospectively announced two confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The first case, a 38 year old male from Tangerang Municipality, Banten Province developed symptoms on 4 July 2008, was hospitalized on 9 July and died on 10 July. There were free roaming poultry throughout his neighbourhood, including a commercial poultry pen owned by a neighbour.

USA: LPAI found in game birds

04.09.2008

USA - LPAI

Low pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 was found in game birds in Idaho, Payette county. The virus was diagnosed in a game birds farm, approximately 30,000 game birds (pheasants, chukars, partridges, mallard ducks) which are bred and used for release activities (hunting). There was no report of major mortality losses in the game birds. At this time, the positive results only trace back to the pheasant pen (approximately 1,000 pheasants). The game bird owner recently submitted three dead birds to the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory and Pennsylvania State University (PSU) for diagnostic work-up. The PSU laboratory identified Pasturella and Mycoplasma from culture but also ran the PCR test for avian influenza (AI), which is a routine testing procedure. The PCR test gave positive results for AI. Samples were also forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation.

Benin: New case of avian influenza

26.08.2008

Benin

Chickens in Lokossa market, were found positive to the H5 avian influenza virus.

USA: Newcastle disease diagnosed in wild waterfowl in Minnesota

26.08.2008

USA - Newcastle disease

The National Veterinary Service Laboratory has identified the virulent strain of Newcastle disease, VVND, in free-living cormorants, pelicans, and other birds in a number of lakes in Minnesota. The Federal authorities including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and APHIS are cooperating with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and Department of Agriculture. Previously, virulent Newcastle disease has been diagnosed in free-living cormorants in the upper Midwest, but there has been no record of infection extending to poultry flocks.

H7N3 in Rhode Island

21.08.2008

USA

The H7N3 strain of avian influenza has been detected in four swans found in the Seekonk River. The cases were discovered as part of routine surveillance by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The swans were caught near the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, and subsequently tested by the USDA.

Indonesia: Factors associated with case fatality of human H5N1 virus infections

19.08.2008

Research

Indonesia has had the most human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) and one of the highest case-fatality rates worldwide. A recent study, published online Aug 15 in The Lancet includes data from public health investigations and, when available, patients' clinical information. The evaluation covered all confirmed human cases between Jun 22, 2005 to Feb 1, 2008. Of the 127 patients with confirmed H5N1 infections, 103 (81%) died. Median time to hospitalisation was 6 days (range 1–16). Of the 122 hospitalised patients for whom data were available, 121 (99%) had fever, 107 (88%) cough, and 103 (84%) dyspnoea on reaching hospital. However, for the first 2 days after onset, most had non-specific symptoms; only 31 had both fever and cough, and nine had fever and dyspnoea.

New avian influenza strain detected in Nigeria

12.08.2008

Nigeria

FAO: A strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza previously not recorded in sub-Saharan Africa has been detected in Nigeria. Laboratory results from Nigeria and an FAO reference laboratory in Italy show that the newly discovered virus strain (H5N1, clade 2, EMA3) is genetically different from the strains that circulated in Nigeria during earlier outbreaks in 2006 and 2007. The new strain has never been reported before in Africa; it is more similar to strains previously identified in Europe (Italy), Asia (Afghanistan) and the Middle East (Iran) in 2007.

South Korea: Cat infected with H5N1 virus

28.07.2008

South Korea

A cat found dead in April had been infected with the virulent strain of the avian influenza. The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) said tests conducted by Chungnam National University showed the cat, found in Gimje located 262 kilometers south of Seoul, died of the H5N1 virus that swept through the country from early April to mid-May. Gimje, North Jeolla Province, was one of the first regions hit by this year's avian influenza that resulted in a record 8.46 million birds being culled at the cost of 264.1 billion won ($262 million).

UK: High incidence of S. enteritidis in Layers flocks

25.07.2008

VLA

According to the surveillance report published by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (May 2008), an increasing number of salmonella enteritidis isolates has been recorded in the first quarter of 2008. All incidences were reported in commercial layers flocks, producing eggs for human consumption.

Nigeria: New case of Avian Influenza reported

25.07.2008

Nigeria

On Jun 27, veterinary officials detected the virus in a chicken at a live bird market in Kebbi state, in northwestern Nigeria. On Jul 19, animal health workers found the virus in a duck at a live bird market in Gombe state in the east-central part of the country.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N7, June 2008 - Epidemiology Report

11.07.2008

UK - Avian Influenza

Following a report of suspected avian notifiable disease in laying hens in Oxfordshire on 2 June 2008, highly pathogenic (HP) H7N7 avian influenza (AI) infection was confirmed on 4 June 2008. This report updates the initial epidemiology report, published on 17 June 2008, and completes reporting of all the epidemiological investigations carried out, which seek to explain the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N7 infection in free range laying hens on a permises near Banbury, Oxfordshire.

An Infectious Bronchitis Survey in Western Europe

06.07.2008

Research: Avian Pathology 2008 37:247-257

A survey of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) genotypes in poultry flocks in selected countries in Western Europe was carried out between March 2002 and December 2006 by researchers from the University of Liverpool and Fort Dodge Animal Health. During the survey, 4103 samples were processed, of which 2419 (59%) were positive for IBV. Samples were taken from poultry flocks with disease problems that could be associated with IB. The predominant IBV genotypes detected were 793B and Massachusetts. The third and fourth most common genotypes were two new economically important field types: Italy02, and a virus similar to genotypes originally detected in China called QX.

Pakistan confirms new avian influenza outbreak

23.06.2008

Pakistan

An outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus has been found in chickens on a farm in Pakistan. The virus was detected in Hamid poultry farm in the northwestern province of Swabi district. 4,000 chickens died and other 2,000 were culled.

Indonesia: Two Avian Influenza Deaths

19.06.2008

Indonesia

The Indonesian Health Ministry has reported the deaths of two women from avian influenza, easing concerns about whether Jakarta would share information about the disease. The WHO said a 16-year old girl from Jakarta died in May from exposure to sick poultry. Earlier this month, a 34-year-old woman from Java's Banten province died this month. The cases appear unrelated.

UK: Avian influenza outbreak in Oxfordshire - The report

18.06.2008

Defra has published an epidemiology report on the outbreak of avian influenza in Oxfordshire earlier this month. The report suggests that the outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N7 Avian influenza, which has so far been confined to a single premises, could have derived from a low pathogenic strain already present on the farm. Analysis and investigations are ongoing, however, and a number of other source hypotheses are being considered.

Haiti reports avian influenza cases

13.06.2008

Haiti

Haiti’s authorities have detected several avian influenza outbreaks in at least 4 regions (Limonade, Cap Haitien; Baskin, Miragoane; Ti Lory, Cerca La source). At least 2,000 birds and fighting roosters were tested by a lab in Ohio, U.S., which confirmed an H5N2 LPAI infection. In January Haiti banned Dominican chicken and egg imports after the virus H5N2 was found in cockfighting roosters in Higüey.

Hong Kong: Avian Influenza threat widens

13.06.2008

Hong Kong

China’s Hong Kong moved to stop what could be its biggest threat from bird flu since 1997, after chickens from three more wet markets in different districts tested positive for the H5N1 virus on June 11. Some 3,500 chickens have been culled from 260 stalls, all 64 wet markets have been shut, and chickens products at 209 fresh provision shops were seized. According to Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the new positive samples were found in Leun Wo Hui market in Fanling, Wan Oi Street market in Tuen Mun, Ap Lei Chau market and also at the Po On Road market in Sham Shui Po, where positive samples were found on June 7.

Newcastle disease found in Finland

09.06.2008

Finland

Newcastle disease was diagnosed in racing pigeons in ITÄ-SUOMI. The outbreak was confirmed in an area with very little poultry production. In Finland vaccination against Newcastle disease is prohibited in poultry.

Avian Influenza detected in Hong Kong market

07.06.2008

Hong Kong

Hong Kong detected the H5N1 avian influenza virus in a live poultry market in Kowloon, and stopped importing poultry from mainland China. The H5N1 avian influenza virus was found in five of 20 samples taken from three stalls at Po On Road Market. 2,700 chickens in all nine stalls at the market were culled. Hong Kong, with immediate effect, banned poultry imports from mainland China, and will suspend exports from local farms for as long as 21 days.

Avian Influenza H7N7 confirmed in Oxfordshire

05.06.2008

On 3 June, Avian Influenza was confirmed in laying hens at a farm in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The strain is highly pathogenic H7N7. Preliminary analysis also indicates that this H7N7 strain is likely to be related to viruses which have occasionally been detected in domestic poultry and wild birds elsewhere in Europe. Further laboratory tests are in progress. A Protection Zone of 3km and a Surveillance Zone of 10km have been established and bird gatherings and movement restrictions apply within these zones.

UK: avian influenza confirmed in Oxfordshire

03.06.2008

A new case of avian influenza is being investigated in free range laying hens (25,000) at a farm in Oxfordshire (in a village near Banbury). Chickens on a farm in Oxfordshire have tested positive for the H7 strain of avian influenza. All birds on the premises will be slaughtered as a precautionary measure. A temporary control zone with a 3km (1.8-mile) inner zone and a 10km (6.2-mile) outer zone is being set up.

USA: Low pathogenic avian influenza in a breeder flock

03.06.2008

USA - LPAI

Tyson Foods is working cooperatively with the USDA and the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission to manage a flock of breeder hens that has been exposed to a low pathogenic strain of avian influenza (LPAI). Preliminary tests on the flock indicate the presence of antibodies for H7N3 avian influenza, however, there is no indication the birds currently have the virus. The 15,000 chickens involved show no signs of illness. No clinical signs of disease in the poultry broiler breeder flock at the time of testing. Three weeks prior to testing, the flock had experienced a mild increase in mortality and drop in egg production lasting one week.

Japan: Highly virulent avian influenza virus detected in 2 swans

23.05.2008

Japan

The highly virulent H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in two swans found dead or weakened at the shores of Lake Towada in Aomori Prefecture. A similar strain has already been detected in dead swans found last month and earlier this month at the Towada lakeside in neighboring Akita Prefecture and the shores of Lake Saroma in eastern Hokkaido.

Bangladesh reports its first human H5N1 case

22.05.2008

Bangladesh

The Bangladeshi health ministry says that a 16-month-old boy has been confirmed as the country's first human case of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. This case brings the number of countries which have recorded human avian influenza infections to 15. The 16-month-old boy became ill in January but recovered.

Siberian birds test positive for avian influenza antibodies

21.05.2008

Novosibirsk - Russia

Agricultural experts have detected avian influenza antibodies in migratory birds in southern Siberia. A total of 903 samples have so far been taken during the ongoing research. Over 4 million domestic birds in high-risk areas of a total of 5.8 million birds have been vaccinated and revaccinated as part of the anti-avian influenza campaign.

EFSA publishes EU-wide survey on Salmonella levels in turkeys

13.05.2008

EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a survey on Salmonella levels detected on commercial turkey farms across the European Union in 2006-2007. The full range of Salmonella types were estimated on average to be present in almost one third of turkey flocks reared for human consumption (30.7%) and in 13.6% of turkey flocks kept for breeding purposes, according to an EU-wide report from an EFSA Task Force. Amongst the full range of Salmonella types, Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium (the two Salmonella types responsible for the majority of Salmonella-related food infections in humans) were detected in 3.8% of flocks reared for human consumption and in 1.7% of breeding flocks.

South Korea: Second Avian Influenza Outbreak Checked in Seoul

12.05.2008

A new case of avian influenza was found in Seoul yesterday, less than a week after the H5N1 virus struck the capital. Over 8,000 ducks and chickens were immediately culled at an illegally-run farm in Songpa District. Quarantine officials said the two outbreaks trace back to the same traditional market in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

H5N1 avian influenza detected in another dead swan in Hokkaido

10.05.2008

Japan

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in a dead swan found beside Lake Saroma in eastern Hokkaido. It is the third H5N1 case confirmed this year in Japan, following a dead swan found April 24 in the Notsuke Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido and in three out of four swans found dead or dying near Lake Towada in Akita Prefecture on April 21.

North Korea to vaccinate poultry against avian influenza following outbreak in South Korea

06.05.2008

North Korea

North Korea will vaccinate poultry against avian influenza to prevent the spread of the virus from neighboring South Korea. All poultry in provinces near the border with the South have received emergency vaccinations.

South Korea: Avian influenza reaches Seoul

06.05.2008

South Korea

Avian Influenza has spread to South Korea's capital Seoul despite a massive nationwide cull that saw the slaughter of six million ducks and chickens. Four dead birds raised at a Seoul district government office had tested positive fotr H5N1. The four birds were among 57 chickens, ducks and turkeys raised in pens at the district office in the eastern part of Seoul.

Japan: Dead swan in Hokkaido tests positive for avian influenza

02.05.2008

A dead swan found in the Notsuke Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido has tested positive for avian influenza virus. The swan was found April 24. Earlier Thursday (2/5), the ministry began testing wild swans, geese and ducks for avian influenza in Hokkaido, Akita and Aomori prefectures. The action follows the discovery of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in four swans near Lake Towada in Akita Prefecture on April 21.

Indonesia avian influenza death toll rises

30.04.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 3-year-old male from Wonogiri District, Central Java Province developed symptoms on 14 April, was hospitalized on 21 April and died on 23 April. Investigations into the source of his infection indicate exposure to sick and dead poultry. Of the 133 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 108 have been fatal.

Low Pathogenic avian influenza in Denmark

29.04.2008

Denmark

On 28 April 2008 an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza of the type H7N1 was found in a holding with geese, ducks and mallards on the island of Funen. The holding was tested in accordance with the Danish surveillance programme for avian influenza in poultry. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has established a restricted zone of 1 km around the holding and are implementing the necessary measures in accordance with Council direstive 2005/94/EC. All the birds in the holding are killed today.

Japan detects avian influenza in four wild swans

28.04.2008

Japan

Japan has detected a strain of avian influenza in four wild swans after stepping up checks following major outbreaks of the disease in neighboring South Korea. The birds, three of which had died, were found on the shores of Lake Towada in Akita prefecture in the north on April 21. Inspectors detected the H5 strain of avian influenza in the swans but they were still checking whether it was the highly virulent H5N1 strain.

Over 400,000 poultry vaccinated against avian influenza in Primorye

21.04.2008

Russia

Over 400,000 domestic birds have been vaccinated against avian influenza during a vaccination campaign in the Primorsky Territory. Additional vaccination was made in districts bordering on the settlement of Vozdvizhenka. Poultry death cases were reported from Vozdvizhenka on April 7.

South Korea confirms 25th outbreak of H5N1 strain of avian influenza

19.04.2008

South Korea

The South Korean government confirmed today a new outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, which becomes the 25th confirmed case since late March. The new case was reported on Thursday (17/4) on a chicken farm in Jeongeup, North Jeolla province, and has been tested positive for the H5N1 virus. The farm is located 4 km away from the area where an outbreak of avian influenza was confirmed earlier this month.

2-year-old Egyptian boy infected with avian influenza

17.04.2008

Egypt

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 2-year-old male from Al-Honsanya, Sharkea Governorate. He developed symptoms on 13 April and was hospitalized on 14 April and is currently in hospital. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3) .

South Korea probe spread of avian influenza

16.04.2008

Suspected case of avian influenza has now been reported at a farm in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometres south of Seoul, where 356 chickens died. A poultry dealer who breached quarantine restrictions is suspected of spreading South Korea's avian influenza outbreak. Avian influenza outbreaks first reported early this month have, according to this story, spread to within 70 kilometers of Seoul despite efforts by quarantine authorities to contain the disease.

Avian influenza - situation in EGYPT April 2008

15.04.2008

Egypt

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 30-year-old female from Al-Matarya, Cairo Governorate. She developed symptoms on 2 April, was hospitalized and died on 11 April. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3) . Investigations into the source of her infection indicate a history of contact with sick and dead poultry. Of the 49 cases confirmed to date in Egypt, 22 have been fatal.

Avian Influenza in Primorye in Southeastern Russia

12.04.2008

Russia

Russia's agriculture ministry confirmed a avian influenza outbreak in a village in the Far East region of Primorye which was quarantined after scores of chickens died. Authorities in Russia's Far East confirmed the presence of avian influenza in a village in the Primorye territory. This story says that more than 40 birds have been slaughtered at the farm, and quarantine has been introduced in the area. A total of 350,000 birds have been vaccinated.

South Korea reports ninth confirmed avian influenza outbreak

10.04.2008

South Korea

South Korea confirmed its ninth avian influenza outbreak this month despite the culling of hundreds of thousands of poultry and intensive quarantine efforts. The agriculture ministry said in a statement the country had another 13 suspected cases in which test results were awaited. Ministry officials said all nine confirmed cases involved H5 avian influenza and two of them involved the H5N1 strain.

Egyptian man dies of avian influenza

08.04.2008

Egypt

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is a 19-year-old male, named Mohammed Idris Hassan Ibrahim, Behera governorate from Kafr El-Dawar District. He developed symptoms on 30 March was hospitalized on 31 March and died on 4 April. The case was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratories and by Cairo-based US Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3) .

Human to human infection with avian influenza in China: study

08.04.2008

China

A 24-year old man in China probably infected his father with the H5N1 strain of bird flu before dying, renewing concerns that the disease could one day spread easily among humans. Yu Wang of the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing and colleagues investigated the cases of the man and his son, who were diagnosed within a week of each other in December 2007 in Jiangsu Province. This was published early online and in the April 2008 issue of The Lancet.

South Korea reports fourth farm infected with avian influenza

08.04.2008

South Korea

South Korea reported that a fourth farm was infected with avian influenza. The first two cases were caused by the H5N1 strain, and tests were under way to see if two other poultry farms were struck by the same virus. A total of 380,000 birds have so far been targeted for slaughter to contain the disease. The first case was in a commercial layer flock in Gimje, the second one occured at a duck farm in Jeongeup the third outbreak occurred at a duck farm just 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) from the first case in Gimje, while the fourth case was at a duck farm near the second outbreak in Jeongeup.

China (Tibet): avian influenza attacks Tibetan village

07.04.2008

Tibet

China’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza at a farm in a village of Tibet Autonomous Region. Tests on 268 dead chickens at a farm at Zhuba Village of Qamdo County in recent days revealed H5N1 avian influenza killed them.

2nd avian influenza outbreak confirmed in S. Korea

05.04.2008

South Korea

A second avian influenza outbreak has been discovered among poultry in south-western South Korea. The new outbreak was confirmed at a duck farm in Jeongeup, about 250 kilometres south-west of Seoul, where half of its 12,500 ducks have died since Monday (31/3). The farm is 27 kilometres from a chicken farm where this year's first avian influenza outbreak was confirmed three days earlier. The last time a virulent strain was reported in South Korea was in March 2007.

South Korea confirms H5N1 avian influenza outbreak

04.04.2008

South Korea

South Korea has started culling over 300,000 chickens and other poultry after confirming an outbreak of highly virulent H5N1 avian influenza at a farm in the southwest -- its first case in 13 months. The case was confirmed at the farm (egg production farm - 150,000 chickens) in Gimje, about 215 km (135 miles) south of Seoul.

Pakistan: family cluster in Peshawar - Nov. 2007.

03.04.2008

Pakistan

Two additional H5N1 cases were confirmed by serological testing, thus providing final H5N1 infection test results on a previously reported family cluster of four brothers in Peshawar. - Case 1 (Index case): Mohammed Ishtiaq (a veterinarian who slaughtered chickens suspected of carrying avian influenza at a farm near Abbottabad) onset date: 29/10/07; confirmed by serology test - Fully recovered. - Case 2: onset date: 12/11/07; Died on November 19 . - Close contact with Case 1. No sample available. - Case 3: onset date: 21/11/07; Died on November 28 (25-year-old). - Close contact with Case 1 and 2. confirmed by PCR - clade 2.2 strain of H5N1[The Mohammed Ilyas and Mohammed Idrees]. - Case 4: onset date: 21/11/07; (Mohammed Tariq) Fully recovered; Close contact with Case 1. Confirmed by serology test .

South Korea reports AI outbreak

02.04.2008

South Korea

Officials in South Korea sealed off a poultry farm after some 2,400 chickens died at a farm in Gimje, 260 kilometres southwest of Seoul in a H5 avian influenza outbreak. The final diagnosis including pathogenicity index (HPAI or LPAI) is pending. Some 2,400 chickens out of about 150,000 birds on the farm died between Saturday and Tuesday. The last time a virulent strain was reported in South Korea was in March 2007.

Indonesia: 3 additional AI human cases

02.04.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced three new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The cases are not linked epidemiologically. The first is a 15-year-old male student from Subang District, West Java Province who developed symptoms on 19 March, was hospitalized on 22 March and died on 26 March . The second case is an 11-year-old female student from Bekasi City, West Java Province who developed symptoms on 19 March, was hospitalized on 23 March and died on 28 March. The third case is a 21-month-old female from Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra Province who developed symptoms on 17 March, and was hospitalized on 22 March. She is presently recovering in hospital.

Switzerland detects first avian influenza case in two years

27.03.2008

Switzerland reported its first case of avian influenza in two years, after diagnosing a wild duck with the disease. The H5N1 virus was detected in a wild duck on Lake Sempach, near Lucern, during a regular detection programme in which 200 specimens obtained from birds were tested. The duck shows no symptoms of the disease, said the office, adding that the detected virus is almost identical with those detected in Europe last year.

Fresh avian influenza outbreak reported in Laos

19.03.2008

Laos

A fresh outbreak of avian influenza has been detected in Laos’ northwestern Luang Namtha province, near the border with China and Myanmar. About 100 chickens died in a village and subsequent tests revealed the birds had contracted the H5N1 virus.

Ukraine: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Krasnogvardeisk - Crimea

19.03.2008

Ukraine

The HPAI H5N1 was detected in a commercial layer flock in Krasnogvardeisk .

Turkey: a new outbreak of avian influenza

18.03.2008

Turkey

The new case of avian influenza H5N1 was diagnosed in backyard chickens, in Edrine (Edirne, Esetce, Ipsala).

Vietnamese child dies of avian influenza

18.03.2008

Viet Nam

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The case is an 11 -year old male from Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province. He developed symptoms on 4 March was hospitalized on 9 March and died on 14 March. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to his illness.

Vietnam: H5N1 kills five civets at Cuc Phuong National Park

12.03.2008

Viet Nam

Five civets have been killed by the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Cuc Phuong National Park. In a meeting with the National Committee on avian influenza Prevention, director of the National Diagnostic Animal Health Center Nguyen Van Cam said it was unclear what exactly had caused the outbreak. A total of 16 exotic animals had died at Cuc Phuong between February 2 and March 2, Cam said. Park officials had sent samples of all the animals for testing at the Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Hospital. Only the four civets came up H5N1-positive. The civets were Owston’s palm civets. Three other civets at the park were killed by the avian influenza in June 2005.

Egyptian child positive to H5N1

11.03.2008

Egypt

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced a new human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. The case is an 8-year-old male from Etsa District, Fayum Governorate. He was hospitalized with symptoms on 3 March. He is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition.

Egypt: 3 new human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection

05.03.2008

Egypt

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced 3 new human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. 1. The case is a 4 years old female from El-Edwa district, Menia governorate. She developed symptoms on 21 February and was hospitalized on 24 February. She is receiving treatment and is in a stable condition. 2. The case is a 25 years old female from Sennoris District, Fayum Governorate. She developed symptoms on 24 February and was hospitalized on 27 February. Her death has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Population. 3. The case is an 11-year-old male from Menof District, Menofia Governorate. He was hospitalized with symptoms on 26 February and was confirmed as being infected with A(H5N1) by the Central Public Health Laboratory and NAMRU-3 on 4 March. He remains in a critical condition.

New avian influenza cases found in Dominican Republic

01.03.2008

Dominican Republic

New cases of avian influenza have been reported in the northeastern region of the Dominican Republic and thousands of birds were culled to prevent the spread of the virus. Precautionary measures have been taken, including the culling of chickens within a radius of five kilometers of the virus-hit area, since the cases were found earlier this week. This is the avian influenza outburst in the country since December 2007. The strain identified in the Dominican Republic is a low pathogenic H5N2.

UK reports new avian influenza case

29.02.2008

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the remains of the bird were discovered around 1km (0.6m) from Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, where a number of swans have been found with the disease. The Canada Goose was found dead on February 25.

China reports avian influenza human case

26.02.2008

China

The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 44-year old female from Haifeng county, Shanwei city, Guangdong province. She developed symptoms on 16 February was hospitalized on 22 February and died on 25 February. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory on 25 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness. All contacts have been placed under medical observation. All remain healthy to date.

Vietnam: a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza

26.02.2008

Viet Nam

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The case is a 23 -year old female from Cam Khe district, Phu Tho province. She developed symptoms on 14 February was hospitalized on 19 February and died on 25 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to her illness.

NetB, a new toxin associated with Necrotic Enteritis

24.02.2008

Keyburn et al (2008) PLoS Pathogens, 4, e26

For over 30 years a phospholipase C enzyme called alpha-toxin was thought to be the key virulence factor in necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens. However, using a gene knockout mutant Keyburn et al. have recently shown that alpha-toxin is not essential for pathogenesis. They now discovered a key virulence determinant Carriage of the NetB gene distinguishes virulent strains of Clostridium perfringens that are capable of inducing necrotic enteritis in poultry from strains that do not cause this syndrome.

China confirmed a human case of H5N1 avian influenza

22.02.2008

The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 41-year old male From Xixiangtang District of Nanning City of Guangxi Autonomous Region . He developed symptoms on 12 February and died on 20 February. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory on 21 February.

More avian influenza human cases detected in Viet Nam and Indonesia

21.02.2008

Viet Nam - Indonesia

The Ministry of Health in Viet Nam has confirmed a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The case has been confirmed by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The case is a 27 -year old male from Ninh Nhat district, Ninh Binh province . He developed symptoms on 3 February was hospitalized on12 February and died on 14 February. The case had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to his illness. The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection.

China reports human death due to avian influenza

20.02.2008

The Ministry of Health in China has reported a new case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The case is a 22-year old male from Jianghua County, Yongzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province. He developed symptoms on 16 January was hospitalized on 23 January and died on 24 January. The case was confirmed by the national laboratory on 17 February. Investigations into the source of his infection are ongoing.

Vietnam reports additional avian influenza fatality

16.02.2008

A 27-year-old man from Vietnam's northern Ninh Binh province died from avian influenza Friday morning. It is the third human death from avian influenza since start of 2008.

UK: A new outbreak of avian influenza

16.02.2008

The new outbreak refers to a mute swan euthanised in a nature reserve - Radipole Lake, in Weymouth city and later tested positive for H5N1. The outbreak location is some 10 km (6 mi) from the former site at Abbotsbury Swannery. There is no direct connection between the 2 lakes.

Vietnamese man dies from avian influenza

14.02.2008

Viet Nam

Vietnam's Health Ministry confirmed that a 40-year-old man from northern Hai Duong province died on February 13, from avian influenza, after four days of treatment in Hanoi. The man slaughtered two dead chickens for meal before exhibiting avian influenza symptoms early this month. He was admitted to the city-based Tropical Diseases Hospital on February 8.

H5N1 found in Hong Kong market

13.02.2008

Hong Kong

Authorities are stepping up health measures at Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market after an oriental magpie robin found there tested positive for the H5 avian influenza virus. A black-crowned night heron found at Ocean Park tested positive for H5N1 on January 28.

Avian influenza resurfaces in Northern Laos

12.02.2008

Laos

A fresh outbreak of avian influenza among fowls has struck Laos' southern Luang Namtha province. Some 600 poultry in Nam Ma village, Long district died last week, their specimens have been tested positive to avian influenza virus strain H5N1.

Indonesia: New avian influenza human cluster

12.02.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 15-year-old female from West Jakarta, Jakarta Province developed symptoms on 2 February, was hospitalized on 8 February and is currently in hospital in a critical condition. The case is the daughter of a previously confirmed case, the 38-year-old female from West Jakarta, Jakarta Province who developed symptoms on 23 January.

Another H5N1 Outbreak in Ukraine

08.02.2008

Ukraine

Another H5N1 outbreak was detected on the Ukraine peninsula. The case was reported in Kirovskoye village.

Serbia: H5 detected in swan

07.02.2008

Serbia

National media reported on 7 February that H5 avian influenza has been detected in samples taken from a swan captured near Lake Apatina (near Brcka Palanka). The wild bird was captured on February 5 during routine veterinary testing of local waterfowl. According to a veterinary official, the swan that originated from Poland carried the H5 virus but further testing will be conducted in order to determine whether the virus was H5N1. Samples have been sent to Weybridge in the UK and results are still pending.

India: Over 3.6 million birds culled in West Bengal

07.02.2008

India

The cumulative figure of bird culling done so far is 3.6M The latest position of destruction of eggs and feed carried out till 07.02.2008 are 14,84,804 and 79,946 kg respectively The rates of compensation payable for forced culling of birds have been revised. While earlier the rates were prescribed only for chicken, now these have been prescribed for all the poultry species reared in the country.

Italy: LPAI H7N1

06.02.2008

On 26 January 2008 the National Reference Laboratory confirmed the isolation of a Type A, sub-type H7N1 LPAI virus in a tracheal swabs taken from guinea fowls present in a dealer farm located in the municipality of Conselice (RA) in Emilia Romagna Region. On 22 January 2008 a dealer farm was subjected to premovement tests carried out in the frame of the regional avian influenza monitoring plan.

UK: H5N1 in tenth swan in Dorset

06.02.2008

Defra confirmed on 4 February that another mute swan, found in the same area, has tested positive for H5N1. This brings the total number of swans confirmed with H5N1 in the Control Area to ten. Evidence suggests that the level of infection in the mute swan population is low, and there remains no evidence of spread to other wild birds or domestic poultry.

New avian influenza outbreak hits Turkey

05.02.2008

The outbreak was discovered in the village of Yenicam, Sakarya province, where dozens of chicken died recently. At the weekend, the Turkish agriculture ministry said it had detected a bird flu outbreak in the city of Samsun on the Black Sea Coast, nearly 600 kilometres (370 miles) east of Sakarya.

Indonesia: Two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection

05.02.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The first is a 29-year-old female from Tangerang City, Banten Province who developed symptoms on 22 January, was hospitalized on 28 January and died on 2 February. Investigations into the source of her infection are ongoing.

Dorset avian influenza epidemiology report published

04.02.2008

Defra published an epidemiology report into the H5N1 avian influenza case in wild birds in Dorset. The report was prepared by the National Emergency Epidemiology Group. Analysis of the virus indicates that it is related to contemporary viruses from continental Europe and is most closely related to a cluster of isolates recovered in mid to late 2007 from wild and domestic birds in the Czech Republic, Romania and Poland.

Romania: Newcastle disease in backyard poultry

04.02.2008

Romania

The disease was found in backyard poultry in Bacau.

New avian influenza case detected in chickens in Turkish village

03.02.2008

Avian influenza was detected in a small village in northern Turkey. The village near the Black Sea city of Samsun was placed under quarantine and dozens of chickens were culled to contain the disease. This outbreak is the second detected in chickens this year in Turkey.

Pakistan finds H5N1 avian influenza on Karachi farm

01.02.2008

Pakistan

Pakistani authorities have detected an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza at a poultry farm on the outskirts of its biggest city, Karachi. About 5,500 chickens at the farm had died because of the virus while 500 that survived had been culled.

H7 Strain Avian Influenza Case Registered in Bulgaria's Shumen

01.02.2008

Bulgaria

A case of avian influenza of the H7 strain was registered in Bulgaria's northern town of Shumen. The virus has been found in a killed wild duck in Kamchiya River valley, between the villages of Khan Krum and Milanovo.

UK: More swans test positive for H5N1 avian influenza

01.02.2008

Two more wild swans found dead on a nature reserve in south-west England have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.The results bring the total number of swans found to have the disease at the Abbotsbury Swannery, in the Chesil Beach area of Dorset, to nine since the first cases were detected on December 27, 2007.

Avian influenza: A new death in Indonesia

01.02.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection. The 31-year-old female from East Jakarta, Jakarta Province died on 31 January. Of the 124 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 102 have been fatal

Hong Kong's Ocean Park closes aviary after avian influenza found

31.01.2008

Hong Kong

One of Hong Kong's major tourist attractions, Ocean Park, closed its aviary for three weeks after a heron there tested positive for avian influenza. A preliminary test on the black-crowned heron showed it had the H5 virus and further tests are being conducted. The move means the aviary will be closed throughout Lunar New Year, a busy period at the park. The bird's carcass was found at Ocean Park -- a popular destination for families. The heron is a common visitor to Hong Kong in the winter period.

Saudi Arabia in new avian influenza cull

29.01.2008

Agriculture ministry orders cull of 158,000 chickens following new outbreak of H5N1 strain of avian influenza. The outbreak was detected on a poultry farm in the Al-Kharj region, 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Riyadh. Since the latest outbreak of avian influenza was discovered on November 15, some four million birds have been culled on at least 15 separate infected farms.

China reports new avian influenza outbreak in Tibet

29.01.2008

Tibet

An outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been discovered in Tibet. The outbreak in the Gongga county left a total of 1,000 birds dead and a further 13,080 were slaughtered. No human infection has been reported. Local authorities have imposed quarantine restrictions in the affected areas. The recent outbreak comes less than a month after another case in Turpan, in northwest China, killed 4,850 birds and another 29,383 were culled.

Indonesia: Four cases of human avian influenza

29.01.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional four cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Three of these cases were fatal. There is no evidence of an epidemiological link between the cases. Of the 124 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 101 have been fatal.

UK: Sixth swan tests positive for H5N1 Avian Influenza

26.01.2008

As we promissed more cases of avian influenza will be detected at Abbotsbury. It means the infected swans are still shedding and it is a case of an H5N1 active focus. The swan was found in the same area as five previous cases. The event began already on December 27, after all we deal with an active focus of one month at the same area.

Summary of avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks in Europe during 2007

25.01.2008

Europe

During the year of 2007, 66 outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza were registered in European states: France (3); Germany (6); Great Britain (3); Poland (10); Czech republic (3); Romania (1); Russia (Europe- 21); Turkey (17); Hungary (2).

Thailand confirms new avian influenza outbreak

24.01.2008

Thailand

Thailand confirms new avian influenza outbreak. This is the first detection of the H5N1 virus in poultry in 10 months. The virus was found last week among broiler chickens on a farm in Nakhon Sawan province, 245 kilometres north of Bangkok, 4,085 chickens have already been slaughtered (the total number of bird is 59,670). The chickens are housed above a fish pond.

Indonesia: Avian influenza, human case

24.01.2008

Indonesia:

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 30-year-old male from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 13 January 2008, was hospitalized on 19 January and died on 24 January 2008. Investigations into the source of his infection are ongoing.

Vietnam reports H5N1 fatality

24.01.2008

Viet Nam

Avian Influenza -afflicted countries have shared >700 viruses with WHO labs: report

22.01.2008

WHO

Between 2003 and 2007, Member States shared 8763 human and animal specimens from avian influenza A(H5N1) suspected/confirmed cases with WHO (Data provided in the file attached). From these specimens, 734 viruses were isolated and maintained in WHO laboratories. Based on these viruses, 13 viruses have been selected for further development into A(H5N1) vaccine viruses. Those viruses came from China (2), Indonesia (1), Vietnam (3), Cambodia (1), Turkey (1), Hong Kong (4) and Mongolia (1). So far, 8 reverse genetics engineered vaccine viruses, suitable for vaccine development and production, are available for distribution. 292 institutions have received one or more of the 8 WHO selected and developed vaccine viruses, and 46 institutions have received wild type vaccine viruses.

New avian influenza case reported in Turkish village

21.01.2008

Turkey

Several dead chickens tested positive for the avian influenza virus in a northern Turkish village. The chickens were found dead in Saz, on the southern coast of the Black sea, a village in Zonguldak province. Samples tested positive for avian influenza. the avian influenza virus strain is H5N1.

WHO confirms 119th avian influenza case in Indonesia

21.01.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. An 8-year-old male from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 7 January 2008, was hospitalized on 16 January and died in an AI referral hospital on 18 January. Investigations into the source of his infection are ongoing, however initial reports indicate the case lived in close proximity to a chicken slaughter house.

Ukraine finds H5N1 avian influeza in Crimea

18.01.2008

Ukraine

A new outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 has struck Ukraine after being kept under control for two years. Ukraine's Veterinary Inspectorate said the outbreak was detected this week in the village of Rivne in the Crimean peninsula, the same region hit in late 2005. A total of 153 birds died suddenly at a private firm where more than 25,000 poultry were kept.

UK (Dorset): Fifth swan has avian influenza

18.01.2008

Tests have confirmed that a fifth swan at Abbotsbury had avian influenza H5N1. Two more swans have been found dead, bringing the total number of fatalities to 14 and the latest bodies have been sent off for tests. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs now plans to make random tests on some of the swans with the help of swanherds to check on their health.

Indonesian girl dies of avian influenza

18.01.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection. The 16-year-old female from West Java Province died on 15 January 2008. Of the 118 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 96 have been fatal.

India: Topography and high density aid spread of avian influenza virus

18.01.2008

The avian influenza outbreak in Bengal may turn out to be the worst the country has experienced and threatens to mirror the prolonged crisis faced by Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam. The topography of some Bengal districts and its high density of poultry population are favourable for rapid spread of the H5N1 virus. The density of poultry in Bengal is higher than that in the other four states that had reported H5N1 outbreaks over the past two years. Human population density is also higher in these districts than in the earlier districts. Fresh outbreaks were reported from Burwan in Murshidabad and Kinnahar in Birbhum during the day.

Deadly Avian Influenza Detected in a Fourth Swan in Southwest England

16.01.2008

Defra has today confirmed that another mute swan collected on 11 January as part of wild bird surveillance from the same area has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza.

Iran: Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in backyard chickens

16.01.2008

Iran

This outbreak was diagnosed in Mazandaran in backyard chickens. Iran reported that 14 birds were infected and that another 475 were destroyed The diagnosis was done by Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSV), Padova (Italy). The outbreak on Dec. 10 was not reported to the Paris-based body until today.

India: avian influenza confirmed in west Bengal

15.01.2008

India

Culling of thousands of chickens began in West Bengal after preliminary tests on dead poultry indicated they had avian influenza. Unconfirmed reports said more than 50,000 poultry died showing avian influenza symptoms in many farms. Death of poultry has been reported from parts of Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts over the past 10 days. Thousands of backyard poultry in the Birbhum region have died.

Indonesia reports 95th avian influenza death

15.01.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 32-year-old female from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 3 January 2008, was hospitalized on 9 January 2008 and died on 10 January. Investigations indicate the case had a history of close contact with birds and poultry in the week prior to her onset of symptoms.

Indonesian teenage girl tests positive for avian influenza

11.01.2008

Indonesia

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 16-year-old female from West Java Province developed symptoms on 30 December 2007, was hospitalized on 4 January 2008 and is currently in hospital. Investigations found a history of deaths in chickens in the case’s neighborhood in the two weeks preceding her onset of symptoms.

Avian influenza virus found in three dead swans in Dorset

10.01.2008

Three swans found dead on a nature reserve in south-west England have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. Defra said avian influenza was confirmed in the wild mute swans near Chesil Beach, Dorset following positive test results for the highly pathogenic strain of H5N1.

Israel: Avian influenza H5N1 in a kindergarden

03.01.2008

Israel

Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in a kindergarden in Binyamina. 18 out of 25 different poultry (Ducks, chickens and pigeons) died in the last week (Mortality started at 27 December 2007) the remaining birds were destroyed by the Israeli Veterinary Services.

Egypt: Another death due to avian influenza

03.01.2008

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has announced the death of a previously confirmed case of H5N1 infection. The 50 years old female from Domiatt governorate died on 31 December.

Egypt announced two new cases of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza

02.01.2008

The Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt has announced two new cases of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. The first case is a 25 years old female from Dekerns District, Dakahlyah Governorate. She developed symptoms on 26 December, was hospitalized on 27 December and died on 30 December.

Portugal: Low pathogenic avian influenza in poultry

02.01.2008

Portugal

National and international sources have reported a new outbreak of low pathogenic H5 avian influenza at a farm in Mafra. The General Veterinary Directorate (DGV) has confirmed the outbreak, indicating that the site is located within the security zone established on 21 December. In response, the security zone has been extended, and 16,000 chickens will be culled.