Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2011

China reports suspected human avian influenza case

31.12.2011

China has reported a suspected human case of the H5N1 virus, or avian influenza, in a southern city bordering Hong Kong. The man, a bus driver surnamed Chen, was hospitalised with a fever earlier this month and tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Shenzhen, the provincial health department said. The report said the 39-year-old was taken to hospital on December 21, but the Hong Kong health department said in a statement he developed symptoms that day and was hospitalised on December 25 because of "severe pneumonia."

Egg producers get final guidance on safety rule

29.12.2011

The Food and Drug Administration published final guidance for egg producers to help them further comply with the FDA egg safety rule. The guidance entitled: “Guidance for Industry: Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation” was initially published as draft for comment on Aug. 12, 2010. The guidance provides recommendations on the following provisions of the final rule: Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) prevention measures; environmental testing for SE; egg testing for SE; sampling methodology for SE; and recordkeeping requirements for the SE prevention plan. While the rule lists the measures producers must take to comply with the rule, the guidance offers more specific recommendations and options for several of the measures. The final guidance differs from the draft guidance in that it addresses environmental sampling plans for a variety of poultry house styles, as requested by commenters. The FDA issued the egg safety rule in July 20

The European Commission publishes latest avian influenza surveillance report

29.12.2011

In response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus the European Commission required all Member States to step up their surveillance for avian influenza to enable early detection and rapid response in the event of an outbreak. The Commission is providing funding for the national monitoring of domestic poultry and wild birds. Member States must send a disease notification to the European Commission and to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in case highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is detected in poultry or wild birds and in case low pathogenic avian influenza virus of the subtype H5 and H7 is isolated from poultry.

Seven new Newcastle Disease outbreaks in Israel

28.12.2011

More newcastle disease cases are reported in Israel: Nahal Oz (South): Broilers, 3 weeks old (160,000) Devora (North): Broilers, 5 weeks old (140,000) Zur Nathan (Central): Broilers, 3 weeks old (50,000) Ammioz (South): Broiler breeders, 36 weeks old (34,000) Eshtaol (Central): Commercial layers Adirim (North): Commercial layers, 33 weeks old Kibbutz Shluhot (North): Poults, 4 weeks old

HK: another case of avian influenza in wild birds

24.12.2011

The Hong Kong authorities say a second dead bird in a week has tested positive for avian influenza, raising health concerns in the city. The agricultural department said yesterday that lab tests confirmed an Oriental magpie robin found dead on Dec 17 in the New Territories was infected with H5N1 avian influenza. This type of robin is commonly found in Hong Kong.

Research: Salmonella Enteritidis in human cases in Canada 2003-2009

23.12.2011

Nesbitt, A. et al. (2011) Epidemiology and Infection

In Canada, human salmonellosis is notifiable, with about 5000 cases reported annually, second only to campylobacteriosis in causing bacterial gastroenteritis. S. Enteritidis has become the most common serotype of human salmonellosis in Canada, surpassing S. Typhimurium and representing about 33% of all human Salmonella isolates reported in 2009. Recent trends of S. Enteritidis subtypes and their potential sources were described by integrating Salmonella data from several Canadian surveillance and monitoring programmes. A threefold increase in S. Enteritidis cases from 2003 to 2009 was identified to be primarily associated with phage types 13, 8 and 13a. Other common phage types (4, 1, 6a) showed winter seasonality and were more likely to be associated with cases linked to international travel.

Hong Kong Culls 19,000 Chickens to stop avian influenza from spreading

21.12.2011

Hong Kong culled more than 19,000 birds and banned the sale and import of live poultry until Jan. 12 after the H5N1 avian influenza virus was found in a chicken carcass at a wholesale market. In 1997, the government ordered all poultry in Hong Kong to be culled. Public hospitals in the city activated their “serious” response level and enhanced surveillance after the government discovered the H5N1-infected chicken carcass in Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market, in the western part of Kowloon.

H3N8 avian influenza virus has been associated with a large scale mortality in marine mammals

21.12.2011

Science team identifies influenza virus subtype that infected five dead seals

Scientists studying a string of deaths in 162 seals since September off the New England coast have confirmed H3N8 influenza in five of the dead seals, according to a news release today from the Northeast Regional Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "This H3N8 virus is usually associated with wild birds, and a separate group of H3N8 infects horses and dogs," said Dr. Hon Ip, of the US Geological Survey's (USGS's) National Wildlife Health Center in the release.

Israel reports 5 new cases of Newcastle disease

19.12.2011

Five Newcastle disease outbreaks were reported by the Israeli Veterinary Services

Survey of Campylobacter Contamination of Packaged Poultry 2011

17.12.2011

The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland

A report on the results of a survey into the contamination of raw poultry packaging was published lately; this revealed that about 10% of samples were found to be contaminated with Campylobacter on the external packaging. This survey was carried out by the West of Scotland Food Liaison Group – a liaison network of Environmental Health Officers, Public Analyst Laboratories, Food Safety Officers and other professionals working together to protect public health.

Hong Kong school closed in avian influenza scare

16.12.2011

A Hong Kong school was closed today after a dead bird found in the southern Chinese city was tested positive for the H5 strain of the avian influenza virus. The closure came after the school clerk, a 48-year-old woman, picked up a sick black-headed gull at the school on Tuesday, which died the next day and was tested positive for the H5 strain.

Egypt: two cases of human infection with avian influenza

15.12.2011

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of two cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus.‬‪ The two cases are a mother and her young child from Dakahlia Governorate. Both developed symptoms on 26 November 2011.‬‪The mother was admitted to a Hospital on 1 December 2011 and received oseltamivir on admission. The child was hospitalised on 2 December 2011 and received oseltamivir on admission. The mother was 24 weeks pregnant. She died on 3 December 2011. The child is in stable condition.‬‪

China Confirms Avian Influenza Outbreak In Tibet

12.12.2011

China’s Ministry of Agriculture on Monday confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza at a village in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Laboratory tests showed that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza killed 290 fowls raised by farmers in the Sangda village in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa on Dec. 2.

USA: Roasted chicken recall for possible Listeria contamination

09.12.2011

Listeria monocytogenes

House of Raeford Farms, a Raeford, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,140 pounds of cooked chicken breasts that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The problem was discovered after a customer's laboratory sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Israel: Newcastle disease in two layer flocks

08.12.2011

Newcastle disease was reported in two commercial egg type layers. The first case in Kfar Yedidya a moshav in central Israel, located in the coastal plain.

Kingston bakery linked to Salmonella outbreak

07.12.2011

Australia

It is believed raw egg in mayonnaise made at the Silo bakery in Kingston is to blame for the outbreak. ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Health has confirmed 13 people have been affected by Salmonella bacteria. Five were hospitalised with dehydration after suffering severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

Four Outbreaks of avian influenza in South Africa

06.12.2011

Four new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 at several farms in the Western Cape Province, were reported by The South African veterinary services.

Newcastle disease in Switzerland

05.12.2011

A Newcastle disease outbreak was diagnosed in a flock of layers. Drop in egg production was observed.The farm is located in Marin-Epagnier (La Tène).

Israel: 6 more cases of Newcastle disease

04.12.2011

Newcastle disease was diagnosed in the following farms: Ma'ale Hachamisha, Broiler breeders Masada 85,000 broilers 4 weeks old Mevo Hama, 40,000 broilers Gazit, broilers 3.5 weeks old Meitav, broilers 4 weeks old Barak, broilers 6.5 weeks old

FSIS issues notice on Salmonella control programs for raw classes of meat or poultry product

03.12.2011

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently issued Notice 61-11: Reviewing Establishment Salmonella Control Programs for Raw Classes of Meat or Poultry Product. This notice directs IPP to become familiar with, and to review data from, any programs establishments use to control or monitor Salmonella in raw classes of product. FSIS is issuing this notice in light of recent illness outbreaks related to Salmonella contamination in raw ground turkey products. IPP are to determine whether an establishment has procedures in place designed to address the control or the monitoring of Salmonella in any programs within its food safety system (e.g., HACCP, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures, prerequisite programs, or other programs the establishment does not consider part of the HACCP system).

Nepal: Avian Influenza crisis

03.12.2011

Nepal government has issued high alert against avian influenza after receiving confirmed reports an outbreak in dozens of chickens in Manahara river area of Bhakatapur district in the eastern part of Kathmandu valley. Some 500 birds including 250 ducks and 75 chickens were killed and dozens of eggs were destroyed after the incident. The samples sent to the laboratory at VLA, Weybridge, UK confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus in the birds.

QX-like infectious bronchitis virus in Africa

02.12.2011

Toffan et al., Veterinary Record 2011 169: 589

A study, published as a letter reported a QX-like IB infection in Africa. In August 2011, a set of 10 cloacal swabs, 10 tracheal swabs and 25 serum samples from Zimbabwe was submitted for investigation. Samples were collected from two villages in the Beitbridge district, namely Mapai and Majini, which had reported high mortality in domestic birds. Only chickens appeared to be affected while other species, such as guinea fowl and pigeons, were apparently healthy. Clinical signs observed included dropping of wings and leg paralysis, greenish, watery diarrhoea, dyspnoea and The birds belonged to indigenous breeds and were not vaccinated against infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease (IBD).

UK: Foodborne campylobacter outbreaks at catering premises and catered events

02.12.2011

Health Protection Agency - HPA

Campylobacter is the principal cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United Kingdom and control of campylobacter in poultry meat is a major public health strategy for the prevention of campylobacteriosis. Poultry livers carry a high risk of campylobacter contamination as the bacteria can be present throughout the liver, and may remain as a source of infection if insufficiently cooked.

Newcastle a continuing threat in Australia

02.12.2011

Occasional cases of APMV-1 in hobby and feral pigeons in Victoria continue to be reported. The event remains limited to hobby pigeons and wild pigeons in Victoria.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infections in 2010 in England and Northern Ireland linked to duck eggs

30.11.2011

Noble et al (2012) Epidemiology and Infection 140:146-149

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium definitive phage type (DT) 8 is uncommon in humans in the UK. In July 2010, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported an excess isolation rate of pan-susceptible S. Typhimurium DT8 in England and Northern Ireland. By the end of October, this amounted to 81 laboratory-confirmed human cases for all regions of England and Northern Ireland in 2010, an increase of 26% and 41% on 2009 and 2008, respectively. Descriptive epidemiological investigation found a strong association with infection and consumption of duck eggs.

Reintroduction of H5N1 in Japan

29.11.2011

Sakoda et al (2011) J Gen Virol

H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was reintroduced and caused outbreaks in chickens in 2010-2011 winter season in Japan, that had been free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since 2007 when HPAI outbreaks occurred and were controlled. On October 14, 2010 at Lake Ohnuma, Wakkanai, the northernmost part of Hokkaido, Japan, H5N1 HPAIVs were isolated from fecal samples of ducks flying from their nesting lakes in Siberia.

A woman in Egypt is in critical condition with an H5N1 avian influenza infection

29.11.2011

The Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has notified WHO of one case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a 31 year-old female from Meet Salseel district, Dakahlia governorate. She developed symptoms on 10 November 2011 and was hospitalized on 16 November 2011. She is in critical condition and is provided with ventilation support.

Campylobacter: A food poisoning at The Lowry Hotel

26.11.2011

British five-star hotel's chicken pate poisons 80 guests

Health officials are investigating an outbreak of food poisoning which affected 80 guests at a five-star hotel in Greater Manchester. Diners at Salford's Lowry Hotel, which is located on the banks of the River Irwell in Salford, reported fever, dizziness, and vomiting after attending a charity bash thrown to raise funds for The Message Trust youth charity.

CDC: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Heidelberg

23.11.2011

In August 2011, CDC identified a sustained increase in the number of Salmonella Heidelberg isolates with the outbreak strain reported to PulseNet from New York and New Jersey. A total of 179 illnesses due to Salmonella Heidelberg with the outbreak pattern were reported from 6 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state the product is distributed to is as follows: New York (99), New Jersey (61), Pennsylvania (10), Maryland (6), Ohio (2), and Minnesota (1).

Newcastle disease in Mexico

23.11.2011

Mexico reports two outbreaks of Newcastle disease: The first case was diagnosed in a poultry farm in Road Lagos de Moreno-San Luis Potosí (Jalisco) with 30,000 birds. The second outbreak is in a farm in Col. Montoro (Aguascalientes) with 85,000 birds.

Newcastle: a major problem in Israeli poultry farms

22.11.2011

The Israeli Veterinary Services have reported six new outbreaks (all cases in broiler farms) of Newcastle disease: Ramat Zvi, two broiler farms, a total of 180,000 birds. Elqosh, a total of 52,000 birds. Mevo Horon, a total of 85,000 birds.

Avian Influenza H5N2 in Taiwan

17.11.2011

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 strain was detected on a native chicken breeder farm in the process of active surveillance on 15 November 2011. Movement restriction was implemented on the infected farm immediately when the virus was detected. Clinical health investigation in the infected farm was done and showed that the breeders were in healthy condition and without clinical signs.

Newcastle: A major problem in poultry farms in Israel

15.11.2011

In the last days, 3 new confirmed cases of Newcastle disease were reported in poultry farms in Israel. One case was diagnosed in a broiler breeder farm in Ma'ale Ahamisha (near Jerusalem), the two other cases are in broiler farms (Natur in the heights, and Beerot Itzhak near the international air-port.

Indonesia: one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza

15.11.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced one new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a 29-year old female, mother of the 2 cases earlier reported from Bangli district, Bali Province. She developed symptoms on 10 October and died on 17 October.

Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Italy

12.11.2011

Epidemiological situation From 08 Sep to 31 Oct 2011

Italy reports 6 more outbreaks of H7 LPAI in backyard flocks. 15 Oct 2011: In the frame of monitoring rural poultry sector serum samples were collected in 2 Backyard flocks located in Basilicata Region –Potenza province. On the 18th of October the NRL confirmed positive results for LPAI Virus subtype H7 on serum samples.

Research: Risk Factors Associated with Detection of Salmonella in Broiler Litter at the Time of New Flock Placement

11.11.2011

Zoonoses and Public Health 58 (2011) 158–168

This study, investigated risk factors associated with the probability to detect Salmonella in samples of litter collected within 2 h prior to new flock placement in 76 grow-out houses on 38 conventional broiler farms located in the US states of Mississippi, Alabama and Texas. The study evaluated characteristics of location and layout of the farm; area adjacent to and surrounding the house; house construction; condition and type of equipment in the house; litter management and other production, sanitation, visitation and biosecurity practices; non-broiler animal species on the farm; and weather conditions on the 3 days leading up to flock placement. Logistic regression was used to model the relationships between probability to detect Salmonella in litter and potential risk factors.

New York Firm Recalls Broiled Chicken Liver Products Linked to Salmonellosis Illnesses

09.11.2011

Salmonella Cluster Tied to Chicken Livers

Schreiber Processing Corporation, a Maspeth, N.Y. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of broiled chicken liver products that are linked to a cluster of Salmonellosis illnesses in New Jersey and New York, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. FSIS is continuing to work with states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during this ongoing investigation.

More cases of Newcastle disease in Israel

06.11.2011

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was confirmed in a broiler flock in Shomera, a village in the North part of Israel. The flock is 5.5 weeks of age.

Survey: Prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Raw Chicken on Retail Sale in the Republic of Ireland

04.11.2011

A retail survey was undertaken to define the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in raw chicken products sold in the Republic of Ireland. Processor codes on pack labels showed that 67% of samples were produced in the Republic of Ireland and 25% in the United Kingdom. Salmonella was present in 5.1% of samples, but the eight serovars found caused less than 7% of human salmonellosis reported in the Republic of Ireland.

Israel reports another Newcastle Disease outbreak

04.11.2011

There has been an outbreak of Newcastle disease on a farm in the South of Israel

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was diagnosed in a broiler farm in Ein Habsor (South of Israel). The establishment had 180,000 broilers, 4 weeks of age. The previous outbreak of Newcastle disease was reported a week ago.

Canada: Low Pathogenicity H7 avian influenza virus detected in wild birds

02.11.2011

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a low pathogenicity H7 avian influenza virus in wild birds in central and western Canada. The birds were sampled through Canada’s Inter-Agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey, which serves as an early warning system designed to detect avian influenza viruses circulating in the wild that could be transmitted to domestic poultry.

Egypt: a human case of avian influenza

02.11.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has notified WHO of one case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a 1 year-old male from Mahala district, Gharbia governorate. He developed symptoms on 17 September and was hospitalized on 21 September. He completed the course of oseltamivir, recovered and was discharged from the hospital on 25 September.

Newcastle Disease breaks out in Israel

26.10.2011

A new outbreak of Newcastle disease in the North of Israel - Shtula village. The outbreak was recorded in a broiler farm. The broilers are 6 weeks old. Culling will start tomorrow.

Two H5N1 human cases in Indonesia

26.10.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The first case is a 5-year old female from Bangli district, Bali Province. She developed symptoms on 27 September, and was first admitted to a local general hospital on 5 October. She died on 9 October. The second case is a 10-year old male, the brother of the first case. He developed symptoms on 30 September, and was first admitted to the hospital on the same day as his sister. He died on 10 October.

Frozen Egg Product Recalled for Salmonella

25.10.2011

A Georgia company is recalling five pound cartons of frozen egg product because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. American Egg Products of Blackshear, GA, said the recall was initiated as a result of a routine sampling by a private laboratory that revealed the finished product contained Salmonella.

Salmonella linked to organic eggs in Minnesota

20.10.2011

At least six people in Minnesota have Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to contaminated organic eggs. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) said that they are investigating the outbreak and have traced back the eggs to the Larry Schultz Organic Farm in Owatonna, where environmental testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis. The farm is cooperating with the MDA investigation and has recalled its eggs, which were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, food wholesalers and food service companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Queensland bans pigeon importation from Victoria

20.10.2011

Queensland has joined other states in banning the importation from Victoria of pigeons, pigeon eggs, and fittings such as cages and egg boxes used with pigeons, to prevent the introduction of Newcastle disease virus.

Avian Influenza surveillance in the European Union during 2010

13.10.2011

This surveillance contribute to demonstration of disease free status of country/region/compartment from Notifiable AI and to detect sub-clinical infections of high-pathogenicity Avian Influenza (Ducks, Geese, Game birds). In 2010 29,484 holdings were sampled by 26 Member States (MS).

Avian influenza in Iran

13.10.2011

Finally Iran reports cases of avian influenza H5N1 in the country. The reported cases are from Balazarrin Kola and Khaj Kola (both in Mazandaran province) in a Free-range ducks (backyard). According to bird numbers it seems more likely as commercial flocks (2285 and 397 respectively).

Avian influenza kills one children in Bali, Indonesia

10.10.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is an 1-year old female from West Jakarta district, DKI Jakarta Province. She developed symptoms and was treated at a health care facility on 8 August, and first admitted to a private hospital on 15 August. She died on 25 August. A family member in the case’s household works as a caterer, frequently processing poultry product, including slaughtering.

Risk Assessment of Shell Eggs Internally Contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis

29.09.2011

A risk assessment was performed to determine the health risks associated with the consumption of Canadian grade A eggs internally contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. The distribution of the prevalence of contaminated eggs yielded an average of 1.7 per million from regulated laying flocks. The poorest storage and handling conditions for eggs represent 0.6% of exposures but result in 46% of illnesses; eggs handled under ideal storage and handling conditions account for 96% of exposures and represent 49% of illnesses. These findings suggest that risk management options targeting contaminated egg prevalence and the number of illnesses from a contaminated egg would be appropriate.

Israel: Outbreaks of Newcastle disease are still occurring

27.09.2011

Today, an outbreak of Newcastle disease was diagnosed among more than 100,000 broilers in Avigdor. A small village in the southern part of Israel. The Flock age is ~6 weeks old. All chickens have been culled.

Is there a new meningoencephalomyelitis virus in poultry in Europe ?

26.09.2011

Spanish researchers report an outbreak of disease in wild birds (partridges and pheasants) caused by a flavivirus, Bagaza virus (BAGV). This virus was first isolated in Bagaza, Central African Republic, in 1966, from a pool of mixed-species female Culex spp. mosquitoes. BAGV has been shown to be synonymous with Israel turkey meningoencephalomyelitis virus (ITMEv), a pathogen affecting poultry (turkeys) and reported only in Israel and South Africa. In September, 2010, an unusually high number of red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) died on several hunting properties in southwestern Cádiz, the southernmost province in Andalusia, Spain. Clinical signs included weakness, prostration, lack of motor coordination, weight loss, and white diarrhea. Some common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were also affected.

South Africa: More avian influenza cases in Ostriches

23.09.2011

Evidence of the avian influenza virus has been found at three further ostrich farms in the Western Cape. Surveillance has revealed evidence of the avian influenza virus – H5 and H6 sub-types – at three further ostrich farms in Western Cape, the same province where previous outbreaks occurred.

Research: the reuse broiler litter decreases the bacterial load of Salmonella

23.09.2011

The reuse of poultry litter is a common practice in the Brazilian poultry industry for flocks of healthy chickens, due to 2 fundamental aspects: production cost and environmental sustainability. Litter is a potentially important source of infection for Salmonella, which requires characterization by microbiological analysis in different aspects of management and reuse. The objective of this study (Poult Sci.2011; 90: 2257-2262) was to verify the occurrence of Salmonella in broiler litters reused up to 14 times in Brazilian poultry farms.

Avian influenza, detected in poultry samples in Nadia, West Bengal

20.09.2011

Avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry samples collected from two villages of Tehatta I block in Nadia District of West Bengal. A Bhopal-based forensic laboratory confirmed that the samples sent to it for testing was positive to H5. The government has ordered immediate culling of birds and destruction of eggs and feed material to control the spread of the disease.

Paramyxovirus infection in pigeons: Victoria situation report

19.09.2011

Issued by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries for the pigeon and related industries

Situation Analysis: • Spread of infection is through the moving of hobby pigeons between properties and the mixing of pigeons at sales, races, shows and other events; to stop the spread of the disease, these activities have to cease. • There is no safety and efficacy data available for the vaccine in pigeons; vaccination is not the silver bullet – stopping the mixing of pigeons will be what contains this outbreak. • There are now 34 infected properties in Victoria, where the virus has been confirmed in pigeons that are sick or have died.

The Netherlands: Traces of Mild Avian Influenza Variant Found in 83 Swans

16.09.2011

Dutch authorities said traces of a mild variant of avian influenza have been found in 83 swans at a trade company in the northern Dutch town of Zuidwolde.

Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Ground Turkey: a multi-drug resistant strain

16.09.2011

A total of 119 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 32 states. On August 3, 2011, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, a Springdale, Arkansas, establishment, recalled approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. On September 11, 2011, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation recalled another 185,000 pounds of ground turkey products after product samples at the plant tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg based on sample results from an intensive in-plant investigation.

ECDC: The veterinary measures in Egypt are insufficient to control H5N1 outbreak in poultry

16.09.2011

Potential implications for human health in Europe

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) infections are continuing to occur in poultry and humans in Egypt, and there is now a concern that the veterinary control measures may be insufficient to keep a check on the continuing outbreaks in poultry, with potential implications for human health in Europe. However, ECDC concludes in its rapid risk assessment, that there is no evidence of a significant change in the pattern of human illness and deaths related to A(H5N1) virus infections, and there are certainly no epidemiological data or analyses consistent with adaptation of these viruses to humans in Egypt. Although some limited virological analyses carried out may indicate that the risk of an A(H5N1) pandemic emerging could be higher in Egypt than other countries, the implications of these analyses are difficult to interpret.

Influenza-A Viruses in Ducks in Northwestern Minnesota

15.09.2011

Avian influenza was detected in 9% of ducks in northwestern Minnesota in July through October 2007 and in 18% of ducks in the same period in 2008, according to a study published in PLoS One. Using cloacal swabbing, US researchers detected avian influenza in 222 of 2,441 ducks (9.1%) in 2007 and in 438 of 2,452 (17.9%) ducks in 2008, with a peak incidence in late summer of both years. Almost two thirds of birds sampled were mallards. The researchers detected 27 avian influenza subtypes during 2007 and 31 during 2008.

LPAI: Epidemiological situation in Italy and Germany

13.09.2011

Italy: From June 8 to September 7: 2 outbreaks of LPAI H7 were recorded. 05 July: LPAI, H7 was diagnosed in an ornamental bird farm (1,117 different bird species) located in Fiesso Umbertiano municipality (Veneto region). This same farm has suffered a LPAI outbreak in 2007 and 2010. Depopulation was performed. 08 July: LPAI, H7 was confirmed in an ornamental bird farm (1,074 different bird species) located in Soragna municipality (Parma province, Emilia Romagna region). Depopulation was performed.

Same salmonella again found in Cargill ground turkey

12.09.2011

For the second time in barely a month, Cargill has voluntarily recalled ground turkey due to tests showing the presence of Salmonella, and has temporarily suspended ground turkey production at its Springdale, AR, processing plant.

Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks - United States, 2008

09.09.2011

CDC

Foodborne agents cause an estimated 48 million illnesses annually in the United States, including 9.4 million illnesses from known pathogens. CDC collects data on foodborne disease outbreaks submitted from all states and territories through the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System. During 2008, the most recent year for which data are finalized, 1,034 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, which resulted in 23,152 cases of illness, 1,276 hospitalizations, and 22 deaths.

Salmonellosis outbreak, Austria, September 2010

08.09.2011

Eurosurveillance

This study (Eurosurveillance, Volume 16, Issue 34, 25 August 2011) reports a salmonellosis-outbreak due to Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b resistant to nalidixic acid (S. Enteritidis PT14b Nx) among residents and employees of a student residence in Austria, September 2010. In the European Union (EU), food-borne outbreaks are mandatorily reported since 2003 The outbreak was described and analysed by a retrospective cohort study, and microbiological environmental investigations were conducted to identify the outbreak source(s) and the reservoir of the outbreak strain. A total of 66 persons fulfilled the outbreak case definition including 14 laboratory-confirmed cases.

India: Avian Influenza outbreak in Assam

08.09.2011

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, was diagnosed in rural backyard poultry in Bhamondanga Pt-1 (Assam). Epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Stamping out of all domestic poultry is being applied in an approximately 3-km-radius zone around the outbreak followed by compensation to the owners.

Australia: Newcastle disease found in pigeons in Victoria

07.09.2011

A strain of Avian Paramyxovirus (Newcastle disease) not previously found in Australia has been confirmed as causing deaths in a number of hobby pigeon flocks in in the Goulburn Valley and is the likely cause of pigeon deaths in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. The reported mortality rates in adult birds are between 50 and 100%. According to the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, the avian-paramyxovirus has already started killing some hobby birds, and threatens to spread to Victoria's chicken population.

Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b outbreak is over

05.09.2011

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Phage Type (PT) 14b that affected 262 people in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man since the beginning of April this year has been declared over. The majority of the cases were in North West England (111), the West Midlands (38), Yorkshire and Humberside (36) and the East Midlands (31).

Research: Campylobacter and Eggs

03.09.2011

In a study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, June 2011, p. 3896–3897 German researchers analyzed the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. compared that of to Salmonella spp. in raw yolk and on eggshells. The aim of this study was to collect data about the prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in raw yolk and in parallel on the eggshells. These data can be used for a risk assessment concerning possible human foodborne campylobacteriosis via cross-contamination of ready-to eat food or via eating undercooked eggs or food produced with raw egg.

Characterization of the H5N1 that caused the first highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in Bhutan

03.09.2011

The influenza A/H5N1 virus that caused the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in chickens in Bhutan in 2010 was characterized. The virus was highly virulent to chicken, killing them within two days of the experimental inoculation with an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) of 2.88. For genetic and phylogenetic analyses, complete genome sequencing of 4 viral isolates was carried out.

Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

19.08.2011

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was a 6 year old female from Taing Thleung Village, Mepring Commune, Cheung Prey District, Kampong Cham Province. She developed symptoms on 7 August, was initially treated by local practitioners with no effect and was later admitted to Kantha Bopha Children Hospital in Phnom Penh on 12 August. She died on 14 August, two days after admission.

Risk factors for Salmonella prevalence in laying-hen farms in Japan

19.08.2011

Human salmonellosis cases, particularly those caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, have been closely linked to egg consumption. An epidemiological survey was conducted to determine the baseline Salmonella prevalence and identify the risk factors for Salmonella prevalence in laying-hen farms in Japan.

England and Wales: Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b investigation continues

18.08.2011

A multi-agency investigation is continuing after a link has been established between a batch of imported eggs and an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Phage Type (PT) 14b infection in England and Wales. Two hundred and forty-five cases of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b infection have been reported since the beginning of this year, the majority of cases being in North West England (107 cases), the West Midlands (37 cases), Yorkshire & Humberside (32 cases) and the East Midlands (28). Dr. Joe Kearney, an HPA director who chairs the outbreak control team (OCT), said: "A strain of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b that is indistinguishable from samples taken from the human cases was isolated from a small number of eggs that had the same batch number.

Salmonella Ground Turkey Outbreak Cases Climb to 111

18.08.2011

CDC Says 31 States Have Reported Illnesses

At least 111 people in 31 states have been sickened with salmonella in an ongoing outbreak of food poisoning tied to ground turkey manufactured by meat giant Cargill. One person has died. The new total reflects cases reported between Feb. 27 and Aug. 9, 2011. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (6), Colorado (3), Georgia (2), Illinois (14), Indiana (1), Iowa (2), Kansas (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (1), Michigan (12), Minnesota (2), Mississippi (1), Missouri (4), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New York (2), North Carolina (3), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (15), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (4). Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began on or after February 27, 2011. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year to 89 years old, with a median age of 21 years old. Fifty-five percent are male.

Cargill restarts Arkansas turkey plant

16.08.2011

Cargill Inc. has resumed ground turkey production at an Arkansas plant that was the source of a massive recall. But the agribusiness giant was also hit Tuesday with the second of what could be several lawsuits connected to a nationwide salmonella outbreak. On Aug. 3, Cargill recalled about 36 million pounds of ground turkey, one of the largest U.S. meat recalls ever, after its product was linked to a salmonella outbreak that began in February. As of Aug. 11, the outbreak had sickened 107 people in 31 states, federal health authorities say.

Ireland: four cases of Newcastle Disease, which has affected racing pigeons Newcastle disease

15.08.2011

Racing pigeon enthusiasts across the south are on high alert after an outbreak of a potentially devastating avian disease in Cork. The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that it has noted four reported cases of the highly contagious Newcastle Disease, which has affected racing pigeons in Cork.

Egypt: a human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

09.08.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has notified WHO of one case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a 6 years old female from Demnhoor district, Behira governorate. She developed symptoms on 1 2 July, and was hospitalized. She completed the course of oseltamivir, recovered and was discharged on 30 July .

South Africa: more HPAI cases in ostriches

05.08.2011

Routine surveillance has revealed H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at nine more commercial ostrich farms, all in the Western Cape. All are commercial ostrich farms. Farms were tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found. Diagnosis only confirmed after several follow-up PCR tests. South Africa only reports outbreaks on confirmation on PCR tests. Initially no clinical signs or mortalities were seen.

Cambodia: a human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

02.08.2011

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was a 4 year old female from Chork Reaksmey Village, Rohath Teuk Comune, Mongkul Borei District, Banteay Meanchey Province. She developed symptoms on 11 July, was initially treated by local private practitioners with no effect and was later admitted to Jayavarma VII Hospital on 18 July. She died on 20 July, two days after admission.

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen, Fresh Ground Turkey Products

30.07.2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella Heidelberg that may be associated with use and consumption of ground turkey.

UK - VLA reports: Salmonella Pullorum in pheasant

29.07.2011

Intestinal swabs were received from ten-day-old pheasant poults of which 100 had died out of 1,000 birds placed. Pale nodules were reported in the wall of the caeca and large intestine and there were caseous caecal cores.

EFSA: a quantitative estimation of the public health impact of setting a new target for the reduction of Salmonella in broilers

28.07.2011

Following a request from the European Commission, the Scientific Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) was asked to deliver a Scientific Opinion on a quantitative estimation of the public health impact of setting a new target for the reduction of Salmonella in broilers. This assessment relates the percentage of broiler-associated human salmonellosis cases to different Salmonella prevalences in broiler flocks in the European Union. It considers the contribution and relevance of different Salmonella serovars found in broilers to human salmonellosis.

USA: Isolation of H5 Avian Influenza Viruses from Waterfowl

28.07.2011

In recent years, the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) has become an important zoonotic pathogen. The surveillance of AIV in its natural host, the waterfowl, is crucial to monitoring and controlling the disease in poultry and other species. In a new study published recently in the scientific journal Avian diseases, the researchers report the isolation of H5 AIV from cloacal swabs of waterfowl captured in Minnesota and South Dakota.

Germany: New outbreak of avian influenza

27.07.2011

The outbreak started on 21 July at Sandhorst in Lower Saxony. Low pathogenic H7N7 has been confirmed.

Evaluating interventions against Salmonella in broiler chickens

26.07.2011

A scoping study and systematic review-meta-analyses (SR-MAs) were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions for Salmonella in broiler chicken, from grow-out farm to secondary processing. The resulting information was used to inform a quantitative exposure assessment (QEA) comparing various control options within the context of broiler chicken production in Ontario, Canada.

UK: Health alert over Spanish eggs on sale in Sutton

19.07.2011

Health experts have issued an alert warning after an increase in cases of food poisoning linked to people eating eggs from Spain. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has notified residents after eggs containing salmonella were found in cafes in Sutton and on sale in shops.

Research: The protective efficacy of vaccines against H5N1 in poultry in Egypt

16.07.2011

Circulation of an antigenically variant lineage of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in chicken breeder flocks in Egypt is a continuing problem. A study published online by Vaccine suggests that avian influenza vaccines being used in Egypt's poultry H5N2 may not adequately protect them from H5N1 avian influenza strain and may even contribute to spread of the disease. A nationwide vaccination campaign was launched after avian influenza first hit Egypt's poultry flocks in 2006, the report notes. In the study, a team of German and Egyptian researchers vaccinated breeder chickens at 6, 12, and 18 weeks with a commercial H5N2 vaccine and later exposed them to H5N1 viruses.

Research: Human Infection with Avian Influenza Virus, Pakistan, 2007

15.07.2011

This study (Emerg Inf Dis 17:1056-1059, 2011)on human infection with avian influenza (H5N1) virus in Pakistan raises concern for the possibility of a pandemic. Previous epidemiologic investigation of the outbreak of infl uenza (H5N1) among persons in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan in 2007 found 5 cases: 3 confirmed, 1 asymptomatic, and 1 probable, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

FDA issues draft guidance on questions and answers regarding the final rule, prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in shell eggs

12.07.2011

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today published draft guidance that provides direction to egg producers and other persons who are covered by FDA’s final rule “Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation” (74 FR 33030). The guidance document responds to questions FDA has received on the final rule since its publication.

Italy: Outbreaks of LPAI H7

12.07.2011

From May 19 to June 6, 3 outbreaks of LPAI H7 were reported: Case 1: On May 16, in the frame of national monitoring plan serum samples were collected in a laying hens holding (5,000 laying hens) located in Naples municipality (Campania Region). The NRL confirms positivity for LPAI Virus subtype H7 on 2 serum samples Ab titres 1:64 and 1:256. The farm was depopulated cleaned and disinfected.

EFSA & ECDC: first joint report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria

12.07.2011

Scientists at two European Union agencies have combined their expertise to analyse Member State data and compile the first joint EU report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria affecting humans, animals and food. Compiled by the EFSA and ECDC, the report indicates that resistance to antimicrobials was observed in zoonotic bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter, which may cause infectious diseases transmissible between animals and humans and which can be found in foods. The report also presents antimicrobial resistance data for non-disease causing bacteria such as indicator E. coli and enterococci, that usually do not cause disease in humans.

FSIS: new Salmonella, Campylobacter standards

07.07.2011

New Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in Chilled Carcasses at Young Chicken and Turkey Slaughter Establishments has been issued by the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The new standards apply to verification sample sets that begin on or after July 1, according to the American Meat Institute.

South Africa: 5 new cases of HPAI

04.07.2011

Ostriches on five new farms in the Western Cape have tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza. Farms tested positive on serology during routine surveillance, but tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found.

Germany: more H7N7 avian influenza outbreaks

01.07.2011

Animal health officials in Germany reported six more low-pathogenic H7N7 avian influenza outbreaks, according to a report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). They occurred at four farms in Saxony state and two farms in North Rhine-Westphalia state.

Avian influenza in Minnesota, USA

30.06.2011

Low pathogenic avian influenza H7N9, was diagnosed in a commercial turkey operation. The diagnosis was made by RRT-PCR during a routine pre-market testing of healthy birds with no clinical signs of avian influenza in Minnesota (Wright County, Wright). The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of this event.

More Dutch farms with H7 detected

28.06.2011

Poultry from other farms in a zone of three kilometres of the contaminated farm were found H7 positive: 1 holding (fattening turkeys) positive: Creil, Flevoland: 6750 fattening turkeys, two poultry houses. All birds in the infected farm were culled.

Avian influenza in Germany

25.06.2011

LPAI [low pathogenic avian influenza] has been found again in Guetersloh, namely in birds on 2 holdings, which tested positive for LPAI H7N7. The outbreaks occurred on a farm with 4500 laying hens and a holding with turkeys for fattening.

Avian Influenza discovered in Dutch farm

24.06.2011

Avian influenza was discovered at a poultry farm (Free range laying hens) in the central Dutch province of Flevoland, the Ministry of Agriculture said. It said the virus discovered was a mild variant (H7N7). The farm's 47,000 chickens were slaughtered.

H5N1 death in Egypt

22.06.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has notified WHO of a new case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a 27 year-old male from Qena governorate, Deshna district. He developed symptoms on 5 June 2011, was hospitalized and was put on oseltamivir treatment on 13 June. He died on 14 June 2011.

Avian Influenza in Iran

19.06.2011

Epidemic avian influenza has been continuing at some Iranian poultry farms, Mehr News Agency reported on Thursday. The epidemic diseases, including avian influenza, have diffused because of lacking enough hygienic and health standards at poultry farms.

Chile: Salmonella outbreak affects 47 people in the Biobío Region

17.06.2011

Chile, Health authorities confirmed an outbreak of salmonella in the Bío Bío Region of Chile. The illness associated with consumption of homemade mayonnaise, that affected 47 individuals.

Egypt: 5 H5N1 infections

16.06.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has notified WHO of five cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The first case is a 40 years old female from Aswan District, Aswan Governorate. She developed symptoms on 14 May, and was hospitalized. She completed the course of oseltamivir, recovered and was discharged. The second case is a 21 years old pregnant female from Ashmoun District, Menofia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 21 May, was hospitalized and received oseltamivir. She died on 29 May.

Cambodia: a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

10.06.2011

The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was a 7 year old female from Prasat village, Prasat commune, Kampong Trabek district, Prey Veng Province. She developed symptoms on 24 May, was initially treated by local private practitioners with no effect and was later admitted to Kantha Bopha Children Hospital on 31 May. She died on 7 June, seven days after admission.

US: Salmonella infections have not decreased during the past 15 years

07.06.2011

Salmonella infections have not decreased during the past 15 years and have instead increased by 10 percent in recent years, according to a CDC report. During the same time period, illnesses from the serious Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 have been cut nearly in half and the overall rates of six foodborne infections have been reduced by 23 percent, the report said.

Indonesia: a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza

03.06.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is an 1 year old female from North Jakarta district, DKI Jakarta Province. She developed symptoms on 3 April, and was referred to a hospital on 8 April. She has fully recovered.

Salmonella prevalence in commercial raw shell eggs in Japan: a survey

02.06.2011

A research group from Japan, examined 20,300 raw shell chicken eggs sold at retail stores in Japan for Salmonella outside and inside eggs. The eggs were purchased at 220 retail stores throughout Japan between August 2007 and January 2008. Of 2030 pooled egg samples (10 eggs/sample), Salmonella was isolated from five shell samples (0·25%), but not from any of egg-content samples.

Germany: LPAI H7 in four poultry farms

02.06.2011

- a turkey holding with ca. 6.000 animals in three stables, 11 weeks old, for fattening - a laying hen holding with 49.100 laying hens and 16.000 geese, 8.500 ducklings, 850 others (two different units), breeding, fattening, trade with young hens - a laying hen holding with ca. 3.600 animals

Egypt: a new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus

01.06.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a 30 year old female from Amria District, Alexandria Governorate. She developed symptoms on 26 April and was hospitalized on 3 May. She was in a critical condition under artificial ventilation and died on 9 May. She received oseltamivir treatment at the time of hospitalization. Investigations into the source of infection indicate that the case had exposure to sick poultry suspected to have avian influenza.

Taiwan: another case of avian influenza

31.05.2011

An avian influenza case was detected again on May 27 at a duck farm in Chiayi County's Dalin township after the virus was discovered in another township in Chiayi this April.

Vietnam halts avian influenza vaccination due to new type

27.05.2011

The Vietnamese government said it had halted the nationwide vaccination of poultry against avian influenza, saying a new type of the H5N1 virus had rendered the vaccine ineffective. Vietnam had planned to use a vaccine imported from China for its vaccination this year.

Germany: Low pathogenic avian influenza in a poultry farm

27.05.2011

LPAI H7N7 was diagnosed in a poultry farm, in Northrhine-Westphalia, Guetersloh - Germany. 20,000 birds (breeders), have been killed on a holding, after a suspicion was raised by the owner.

Chinese researchers found two novel H5N5 viruses in ducks

27.05.2011

As part of routine surveillance for avian influenza viruses from December 2008 through January 2009 in eastern China, tracheal and cloacal swab samples from apparently healthy domestic ducks in live poultry markets were collected for virus isolation and identification. From these samples, 2 influenza (H5N5) viruses—A/duck/eastern China/008/2008 (008 [H5N5]) and A/duck/eastern China/031/2009 (031 [H5N5])—were detected in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). During testing they were highly pathogenic in chickens and moderately pathogenic in mice.

USDA Urged to Prohibit Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella in Ground Meat and Poultry

26.05.2011

Ground meat and poultry found to contain antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella should be recalled from the marketplace or withheld from commerce, according to a regulatory petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (see below). The nonprofit food safety watchdog group wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare four such Salmonella strains as “adulterants” under federal law, making products that contain them illegal to sell. CSPI is also urging testing for antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in ground meat and poultry, citing a number of major outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to the four strains.

Australia: Raw eggs blamed for increase in salmonella

18.05.2011

Between 2001 and 2008 the number of Australians sickened by egg-related salmonella outbreaks rose from 96 to a staggering 753. The rate fell to 358 in 2009, but eggs are still responsible for more than a third of all foodborne outbreaks linked to the pathogen. Restaurants are responsible for the bulk of poisonings: 40 per cent. And while cooking will kill salmonella, restaurants are allowed to serve foods containing raw eggs.

Surveillance: Salmonella Infections Associated with International Travel

14.05.2011

Salmonella species cause an estimated 1.2 million infections per year in the United States, making it one of the most commonly reported enteric pathogens. Among those with Salmonella infections in the United States, 11% had traveled to another country in the week before becoming ill, and Mexico is far and away the most common destination, according to a study in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. Researchers reviewed salmonellosis cases reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FoodNet sentinel surveillance database, from 2004 to 2008. Among 23,712 case-patients with known travel status, 11% (2,659) had traveled internationally in the 7 days before illness. Travelers with Salmonella infection tended to be older (median age, 30 years) than nontravelers (median age, 24 years).

Indonesia: a human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus

13.05.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is an 8-year old female from West Jakarta district, DKI Jakarta Province. She developed symptoms on 1 April, was admitted to a health care facility on 4 April and referred to a hospital on 8 April. She died on 11 April. Epidemiological investigation identified a possible risk factor as exposure to wild bird faeces found around the house. In addition, during the week before the child developed symptoms, her mother purchased chickens from a local market.

The Netherlands: 8,800 chickens to be culled due to avian influenza alert

12.05.2011

Dutch authorities said they would destroy 8,800 chickens at an organic poultry farm in central Netherlands after the discovery of H7N7 low pathogenic avian influenza, the second such case in two months. Sixty farms within a 3 km (2 mile) radius of the farm in Kootwijkerbroek were to be screened.

HPAI Impact on Korea's Broiler Meat Industry

07.05.2011

On December 12, 2010, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MIFAFF) notified the World Animal Health Organization, also known by its French acronym as OIE, of a case of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds located in the southern part of the country. The virus quickly spread, affecting commercial duck and chicken operations in 52 farms in 6 provinces. The last case was reported on April 18. Poultry on the affected farms has been culled and those premises within a 500 meter radius were also depopulated as a pre-emptive measure.

South Korea: Govt. to Cut FMD & Avian Influenza Compensation by up to 80%

06.05.2011

The government will reduce compensation to those affected by livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza starting next year. The agriculture ministry says that in the future, if outbreaks of diseases were brought on by the farmers' negligence, compensation will be cut by up to 80 percent, and under no circumstances will their damages be fully covered.

Italy: H5 and H7 LPAI Outbreak

04.05.2011

Samples collected in a commercial holding (16/03/2011) trading at markets and fairs located in Salzano municipality (Venice province), tested positives for Type A, sub-type H5 LPAI Virus. Birds presented at farm: Broilers 24, Laying hens 40, Guinea fowls 5, Ducks 12 and pigeons 10 (Total: 91 birds). Depopulation, cleaning and disinfection ended at 22 march 2011.

CDC Links Salmonella Outbreak to Lab Work

29.04.2011

Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections associated with exposure to clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories. Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. As of April 20, the CDC said 73 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 35 states. There has been one death and at least 10 people have been hospitalized. Several of those sickened are children who live with someone who works or studies in a microbiology lab.

Egypt: two new cases of human infection with avian influenza

21.04.2011

On 16 April 2011, the Ministry of Health of Egypt notified WHO of two new cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The first case was a 29 years-old male from Fayoum Governorate Wadi Elrian area who developed symptoms on 1 April , was hospitalized on 4 April and died on 7 April.

Viet Nam Reports 7 New Avian Influenza Outbreaks

19.04.2011

Seven H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks occurred in poultry flocks in villages scattered among five provinces of Vietnam in late March and early April. Officials said 5,509 of 6,932 susceptible birds got sick and 1,155 died. The outbreak start dates ranged from Mar 28 through Apr 8.

Nebraska Quarantines Backyard Flocks Due to Low Path Avian Influenza

16.04.2011

The detection of a low-pathogenic avian influenza H7 virus in a backyard bird flock in eastern Nebraska has prompted the quarantine of several other mixed-bird flocks in Eastern Nebraska. A Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Bureau of Animal Industry staff member detected the LPAI case through routine testing conducted at a recent exotic bird sale.

Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in US Meat and Poultry

15.04.2011

A nationwide study: Clinical Infectious Diseases April 15, 2011

This study characterized the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus among US meat and poultry samples (n 5 136). S. aureus contaminated 47% of samples, and multidrug resistance was common among isolates (52%). S. aureus genotypes and resistance profiles differed significantly among sample types, suggesting food animal–specific contamination.

South Africa suspends ostrich exports

14.04.2011

South Africa suspends exports of ostrich meat to the European Union after highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza had been detected among ostriches in the Western Cape Province.

South Africa: H5N2 in Ostriches

12.04.2011

South African agriculture officials announced that a highly pathogenic H5N2 virus has been detected in five commercial ostrich flocks in two cities in Western Cape province, the country's first such outbreaks since 2006.

Israel: H5N1 in a Harrier

11.04.2011

A Circus Circus aeruginosus, a migratory bird of pray was found positive to H5N1. The bird died in the Safari Veterinary Hospital (Ramat Gan, Israel).

Taiwan: LPAI in CHIA-I

11.04.2011

After the H5N2 outbreak identified on 21 March 2011, an epidemiological and clinical investigation was conducted on the surrounding poultry farms within a 3-km-radius of the index farm. In this investigation, the notifiable avian influenza (NAI) viral infection was detected on a duck breeder farm and identified as H7N3 strain on 7 April 2011. Movement restriction was implemented on the farm immediately after the virus was detected. Clinical investigation on that farm was done and showed that the breeders were healthy and without abnormal mortality and dropping of egg production.

Bangladesh: A human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1)

11.04.2011

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has confirmed a new case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a 2 years old male from Kamalapur, Dhaka. He developed symptoms on 1 March. He visited the influenza sentinel surveillance site on 9 March where he was sampled. He completely recovered.

Egypt: Four new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza

11.04.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced four new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The first case is a 20 years old female from Behaira Governorate. She developed symptoms on 14 March and was hospitalized on 19 March. She was in a critical condition and died on 28 March.

Cambodia: a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus

11.04.2011

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case was an 11 year old girl from Steung Trang district, Kampong Cham Province. She developed symptoms on 22 March, was initially treated by local villagers with no effect and was admitted to a local hospital on 29 March. Further treatment at the local hospital was ineffective and she was referred to a regional hospital where she died within four hours of admission on 31 March.

Research: colonization-inhibition between Salmonella strains

08.04.2011

Immunization represents one of the most important methods to increase the resistance of chickens against Salmonella infection. In addition to the development of an adaptive immune response, oral administration of live Salmonella strains to day-old chicks provides protection against infection within hours by intestinal colonization-inhibition.

S. Korea confirms additional avian influenza outbreak

08.04.2011

South Korea confirmed an additional avian influenza case at a chicken farm, 15 days after the last outbreak was reported in the country. Detailed tests showed that the 13,200 birds at an egg-laying farm in Yeongcheon, 344 kilometers southeast of Seoul, were infected with the virulent H5N1 strain of the avian influenza (AI). This is the first case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza reported in the country this month. The last virulent AI outbreak was confirmed on March 24.

EFSA issues advice on reduction of Campylobacter in chickens

07.04.2011

EFSA’s BIOHAZ Panel has published a scientific opinion assessing the public health impact of control measures which could be used to reduce the occurrence of Campylobacter in chickens and chicken meat. The experts also evaluated how reduction targets for Campylobacter in chickens in the European Union may lead to a fall in the number of human cases of campylobacteriosis associated with the consumption of chicken meat. Campylobacteriosis accounted for 198,252 human cases notified in 2009 in the EU. However, this disease goes largely unreported and the effective number of cases is believed to be around nine million each year. The cost of campylobacteriosis to public health systems and to lost productivity is estimated to be around 2.4 billion euros each year across the EU.

USDA Proposes 'Test and Hold' for Meat and Poultry Products

06.04.2011

The U.S. Department of Agriculture moved toward mandating test-and-hold in the meat and poultry industry, a policy change aimed at reducing the amount of unsafe food that reaches grocery stores. The proposed requirement would allow USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to hold meat and poultry products, keeping them out of commerce, until FSIS test results for "harmful substances" -- like pathogens or drug residues -- are received. The current policy does not require companies to hold onto product while test results are pending. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said 44 meat and poultry product recalls were prompted by FSIS tests that revealed Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Listeria monocytogenes from 2007 through 2009. On the basis of those findings, the agency estimates that the test-and-hold rule would save up to $46 million per year.

Egypt: Four new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza

06.04.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced four new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The first case is a one year old male from Behaira Governorate. He developed symptoms on 14 February, was hospitalized on 16 February. He recovered and was discharged on 22 February.

Research: A new Flavovirus is the causative agent of the duck egg drop syndrome occurring in China

04.04.2011

Since April 2010, a severe outbreak of duck viral infection, with egg drop, feed uptake decline and ovary-oviduct disease, has spread around the major duck-producing regions in China. A research paper was published by chinese researchers on 10 Mar 2011 by the electronic, free journal PLoS One. A new virus, named BYD virus [Baiyangdian (BYD) virus (BYDV) after the region name where the virus was first isolated] was isolated in different areas, and a similar disease was reproduced in healthy egg-producing ducks, infected with the isolated virus.

Arko Foods International Recalls Angelina Brand Smoked Roundscad Because of Clostridium Contamination

02.04.2011

Arko Foods International of Los Angeles, CA is recalling Angelina Brand Smoked Roundscad, 8oz packs, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, The product is in 8 oz bags with header indicating Angelina brand which were distributed to the market from 2009 to January 2011.

Salmonella found in egg crates at bakery

02.04.2011

Health officials in Rhode Island say cardboard egg crates at DeFusco's Bakery in Johnston have tested positive for salmonella. The DOH says there are now 56 reported illnesses of salmonella poisoning, up from 39 three 3 days ago; of those, 26 have been hospitalized and 24 have laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella. A man in his 80s who had tested positive for salmonella died on March 23.

Salmonella: Turkey Burgers Suspect in Multistate Outbreak in the USA

02.04.2011

Jennie-O Turkey Store, Minnesota-based company, is recalling nearly 55,000 pounds of frozen, raw turkey burgers that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Indonesia: H5N1 human infection

01.04.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The case is a 28 year old female from Gunung Kidul district, Yogyakarta Province. She developed symptoms on 1 March, was admitted to a health care facility on 6 March and referred to a hospital on 11 March. She died on 14 March.

Japan: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Feral Raccoons

31.03.2011

A new report from japanese researchers found HPAI infection in Raccoons. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are susceptible to influenza viruses, but highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) infection in these animals has not been reported. The researchers performed a serosurvey of apparently healthy feral raccoons in Japan and found specific antibodies to subtype H5N1 viruses.

USA: Avian influenza in turkeys

30.03.2011

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N3 was diagnosed in a turkey farm, Polk County, Missouri. The turkeys did not show any clinical signs of sickness or disease. Samples were collected as part of routine, pre-slaughter surveillance for the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Avian Influenza Clean Program (H5 and H7).

Egypt: Three new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza

29.03.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced three new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. The first case is a 32 year old male from Suez Governorate. He developed symptoms on 8 March, was hospitalized on 12 March and died on 13 March. The second case is a 28 year old female from Giza Governorate. She developed symptoms on 8 March and was hospitalized on 10 March. She is in a stable condition. The third case is a 4 year old male from Behira Governorate. He developed symptoms on 5 March and was hospitalized on 7 March. He recovered and was discharged on 12 March.

The Netherlands: Avian Influenza H7 in a poultry farm

25.03.2011

A LPAI H7N1 strain was found at a poultry farm in southwestern the Netherlands. A government statement said the avian influenza H7 was found in a farm in the village Schore in Zeeland province, around 170 kilometres south-west of Amsterdam near the border with Belgium.

Israel: 7 Newcastle disease outbreaks in pet and backyard birds

25.03.2011

The Isareli Veterinary Authorities reports 8 outbreaks in pet and backyard birds: - Kafar Qara: in a peacock - Petach-Tiqwa Zoo: in 3 pigeons....

EU Salmonella cases fall five years in a row

23.03.2011

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published their annual report on zoonoses and food-borne outbreaks in the European Union for 2009. The report shows Salmonella cases in humans fell by 17% in 2009, marking a decrease for the fifth consecutive year. The report also shows that between 2008 and 2009 the number of laying hen flocks infected with Salmonella fell by 9%. Campylobacteriosis remained the most reported zoonotic disease in humans, showing a slight increase with 198,252 cases in 2009 compared to 190,566 in 2008 (+4%). In foodstuffs, Campylobacter, which can cause diarrhoea and fever, was mostly found in raw poultry meat; and in live animals, it was found in poultry, pigs and cattle.

Indonesia: Avian Influenza H5N1 victim

23.03.2011

Indonesia's health ministry has announced another H5N1 avian influenza infection, in a 22-month-old girl from Bekasi, West Java province, who is recovering, according to a report from Bird Flu Information Corner, a Web message board operated by Kobe University in Japan and Airlangga University in Indonesia.

Taiwan: LPAI H5N2

21.03.2011

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viral infection (H5N2) was detected on a native chicken breeder farm (5,000 birds), in Chia-I in the process of active surveillance and identified as H5N2 strain on 21 March 2011.

Australia: LPAI in wild ducks

18.03.2011

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus has been found in Tasmanian wild ducks tested as part of a national surveillance program. Tasmania is an Australian island.

Research: Oral exposure to H5N1

18.03.2011

Although oral exposure to H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses is a risk factor for infection in humans, it is unclear how oral exposure to these virus results in lethal respiratory infections. To address this issue, a researchers group from Japan inoculated ferrets and hamsters with two highly pathogenic H5N1 strains. These viruses, inoculated directly into the stomach, were isolated from the large intestine and the mesenteric lymph nodes within one day of inoculation, and subsequently spread to multiple tissues, including lung, liver, and brain.

Bangladesh: H5N1 confirmed in a Bangladesh toddler

16.03.2011

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh has confirmed a case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case was detected through the influenza sentinel surveillance centre run by the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

New Performance Standards for Reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter in Poultry

16.03.2011

Trying to cut the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated raw poultry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced stricter standards to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in young chickens and turkey.

Egypt: a new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza

15.03.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The case is a 38 year old female from Ismailia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 1 March and was hospitalized on 7 March. She was in a critical condition under artificial ventilation and died on 11 March.

Indonesia: Two confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A

14.03.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced 2 new but unrelated confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The first case is a 2 year old male from Depok City, West Java Province. He developed symptoms on 3 February, was admitted to a private clinic on 5 February and referred to a hospital on 6 February. He died on 6 February. Prior to his illness, sick and dead poultry were reported in the his neighborhood.

Japan: Avian influenza case confirmed in Chiba

14.03.2011

Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed Sunday among chickens at a poultry farm in Wakaba-ku Chiba City, marking the first such case in the Kanto region centering on Tokyo. Local authorities began culling about 35,000 birds at the farm and restricted the movements of another 869,000 birds being raised within a 10-kilometer radius of the farm in question.

Israel continues to report outbreaks Newcastle disease

14.03.2011

Israel continues to report outbreaks of Newcastle disease in domestic poultry from various regions. There has been an increase in outbreaks of Newcastle disease across the country in recent months including widespread outbreaks in commercial poultry farms and backyard poultry.

Two new Newcastle Disease outbreaks in Israel

10.03.2011

Two cases of Newcastle disease were confirmed in Israel: - A broiler flock of 55,000 birds 5 weeks old in Kibbutz Ramot Menashe. - A broiler flock of 140,000 birds 20 days old in Devora (North part of Israel).

Egypt: two deaths due to avian influenza

10.03.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus and the death of a previously announced case. The first case is a 17 year old female from Behira Governorate. She developed symptoms on 27 February and was hospitalized on 1 March. She is in a stable condition. The second case is a 17 year old female from Dakahlia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 24 February and was hospitalized on 26 February. She died on 28 February.

Vietnam: Two outbreaks of avian influenza

09.03.2011

Vietnam's agriculture ministry yesterday reported two H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks, one at farm in Ha Nam province and the other at a village in Quang Ninh province. Both are in northern Vietnam.

Bangladesh: Avian influenza outbreaks up sharply in 2011

09.03.2011

Outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza among poultry in Bangladesh - already three times higher this year than the same period last year - have caused “serious concern” for the authorities. Bangladesh has a very high population density - and as every backyard farm has poultry, it’s very easy for the virus to spread from one backyard to another.

Japan: 13th case of avian influenza in Miyazaki

07.03.2011

Around 33,000 broiler chickens were culled Sunday at a poultry farm in the town of Kadogawa, Miyazaki Prefecture, after the 13th case of avian influenza in the prefecture was confirmed the previous day, prefectural officials said. Sunday’s cull brought the total number of chickens slaughtered at poultry farms in the prefecture to around 990,000 since the first case of infection was confirmed in the city of Miyazaki on Jan. 22.

Jordan Suspends Poultry Imports from Israel

07.03.2011

The Jordan government has suspended imports of poultry from Israel after several outbreaks of Newcastle disease. The Jordanians has recently suspended the import of poultry from Israel in light of outbreaks of velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus in the country.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Israel

07.03.2011

Highly Pathogenic avian influenza (type H5N1) has been detected in a flock of turkeys 14 weeks of age. The flock contains 14,000 birds. The farm is located in Kibbutz Rosh Tzurim, in the Gush Etzion area.

Egypt: Two human cases of avian influenza H5N1

07.03.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The first case is a 32 year old female from Sharkia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 10 February and was hospitalized on 14 February. She is in a critical condition. The second case is a two year old male from Kafr Elsheikh Governorate. He developed symptoms on 18 February and was hospitalized on 20 February. He is under treatment and is in a good general condition.

New cases of avian influenza in India and South Korea

06.03.2011

India: Fresh cases of avian influenza have been detected in another Tripura poultry farm, and culling of birds is expected to start on Monday. At least 400 poultry birds have died since March 1 at the Gandhi Gram government poultry farm. Central government experts tested the samples of the dead birds and found them positive for the H5 strain of avian influenza. The Gandhi poultry farm, 30 km north of Agartala in western Tripura, is situated between several villages.

Mexico: Newcastle disease

06.03.2011

Mexican agricultural officials say they have euthanized 114 peacocks, ostriches and other birds at a zoo in Chilpancingo (Guerrero state) due to velogenic Newcastle disease virus.

Goose carcass found in Lantau tests positive for H5N1 virus

04.03.2011

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (March 4) that a goose carcass found in Lantau was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after laboratory testing. The goose carcass was found and collected at a beach near Sham Shek Tsuen, Lantau on March 1. It was highly decomposed when found and required a series of tests before H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed today.The spokesman said there were no poultry farms within three kilometres of where the dead goose was found.

South Korea: Low pathogenic avian influenza H7N2

04.03.2011

South Korea reports an outbreak of H7N2 LPAI in a chicken poultry farm in Samdam-ri, Nangsan-myun, Iksan city, JEOLLABUK-DO. According to th Korean report all birds (50,000) were culled.

Italy: H7 & H5 LPAI

04.03.2011

An outbreak of H7 LPAI was recorded in Lombardy region. LPAI H5 was confirmes in Veneto. These regions are densely populated poultry areas. On January 7, a Type A, sub-type H7 LPAI virus in a fecal pool collected from ducks was confirmed by RT-PCR during the monitoring activity of commercial holdings trading at markets and fairs. Birds were reared in a dealer farm located in the municipality of Carpenedolo (Brescia province –Lombardy region).

H5N1 in the Palestinian Authorities

03.03.2011

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed in a turkey flock in Silat al Harithiya, a Palestinian village in the west bank located 10 km Northwest of the city of Jenin.

Israel: More outbreaks of Newcastle disease

02.03.2011

Kfar Mordekhay: Broilers, 6 weeks old Beit Yehoshua: table-egg-layers, 2,000 birds Tel Mond: Broiler breeders 44,000 birds Ortal (Golan heights): 52,000 birds, two weeks old. Mashabei Sade: 70,000 birds (from the same origin: breeders and hatchery as the flock in Ortal) in a fram containing more than 200,000 birds.

Indonesia confirms a human case of avian influenza

02.03.2011

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. A 26 year old female from Karawang District, West Java Province developed symptoms on 30 January. She was hospitalized on 3 February, and was treated with oseltamivir, but died on 8 February.

China: H9N2 human cases

01.03.2011

A report in the Journal of Infection details two cases of immunocompromised Chinese patients who contracted H9N2 avian influenza in 2008 and 2009. The first patient, a 3-year-old girl from Shenzhen who had leukemia, had a history of contact with live poultry at a restaurant. She experienced flu-like symptoms and shed virus for 10 days before recovering uneventfully.

Egypt: 3 new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza

28.02.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced 3 new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The fist case is a 26 year-old female from Dakahlia Governorate. She developed symptoms on 18 January and was hospitalized on 23 January. She has recovered and was discharged on 7 February.

Japan: Avian influenza in wild birds

25.02.2011

Avian influenza infections in wild birds have spread to 13 prefectures from northern to southern Japan this winter. The Environment Ministry says the infections continued to spread since the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain was found in wild duck droppings in Hokkaido in October of last year.

Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and South Korea report H5N1 outbreaks

25.02.2011

South Korea confirmed an additional case of avian influenza at a farm near Seoul. The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the new case of the H5N1 virus was confirmed at the chicken farm in Yeoju, about 100 kilometers southeast of Seoul. About 30,000 chickens on the farm have been culled. 5.5 million birds have been culled due to H5N1 avian influenza, which began in December last year. Avian influenza has returned to Indonesia. Several regions have recently reported outbreaks. Hundreds of chicken suddenly died in Deli Serdang regency in North Sumatra, Surakarta, Central Java and Garut regency, West Java. A mass culling of infected fowl and the restriction of poultry distribution were ordered in Deli Serdang. Vietnam, avian influenza has been discovered in five more provinces in Vietnam.

Cambodia: Avian influenza family cluster

23.02.2011

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has announced 2 new confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. A 19-year-old female, from Takong village, Ta Kong commune, Malay district, Banteay Meanchey Province, developed symptoms on early hours of 5 February, was admitted to a private clinic on 9 February, referred to a hospital on 12 February, and died on 12 February without avian influenza being considered as a diagnosis. She had travelled from her home with her husband, her 11-month old son, her mother in law and her sister in law to Rokar Chor village, Bantey Chakrey commune, Prash Sdach district, Prey Veng Province on 3 January. She had multiple exposures to sick and dead poultry between the second half of January and early February. A blood specimen collected at hospital on 12 February was transferred to Institut Pasteur du Cambodge on 22 February and tested positive by (polymerase chain reaction) PCR.

Risk of salmonella contamination of chicken carcasses varies across EU

22.02.2011

EFSA has published an evaluation of factors associated with Salmonella contamination of chicken carcasses. The report, based on data from an EU-wide baseline survey, shows that the risk for contamination depends on slaughter processes and varies across countries and slaughterhouses.

Israel: New Outbreaks of Newcastle Disease Reported

21.02.2011

The new cases were reported by the Israeli Veterinary Services to the OIE: - Kfar Truman: a broiler farm, with 150,000 birds (5 buildings). - Ein El-Asad: Backyard chickens - Be'erotaym: A commercial layer farm, 4000 birds.

Japan: avian influenza in Wakayama Prefecture

17.02.2011

Avian influenza was confirmed in a poultry farm in the river city of Wakayama Prefecture. 120,000 birds culled.

India: Avian influenza in RK Nagar

17.02.2011

An outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5, was confirmed in a State Duck & Poultry Farm, RK Nagar.

Japan confirms another avian influenza outbreak, 67,000 chickens to be culled

16.02.2011

Local Japanese officials confirmed another outbreak of avian influenza at a poultry farm in Kiho, Mie Prefecture in the western Kansai region of the country. The virus was the highly virulent H5 strain that has plagued poultry farms in southern Japan this season, making it the worst national outbreak in Japan since 2004.

Japan: second case of avian influenza in Aichi

16.02.2011

Chickens raised at a poultry farm in Shinshiro in Aichi Prefecture were confirmed infected with H5 avian influenza, marking the second outbreak of the disease in the prefecture this winter. The prefectural government started culling the approximately 17,500 chickens at the farm and banned transportation of approximately 900,000 chickens at 18 farms within a radius of 10 kilometers.

Newcastle disease in Sweden

15.02.2011

Newcastle disease was confirmed in a farm with 14,500 laying hens in Örsundsbro, Enköping (UPPSALA LÄN). There is a history of egg drop during the last weeks.

S. Korea confirms 2 more avian influenza outbreaks

13.02.2011

South Korea confirmed two additional avian influenza outbreaks in areas near Seoul despite nationwide efforts to stem the spread of the disease. The farm ministry said the new cases were reported at a medium-sized duck farm and a small poultry farm that raises chickens and ducks, which reported symptoms earlier in the week. All 8,400 birds on the two farms in Hwaseong south of Seoul and Dongducheon north of the capital have been culled and buried. These outbreaks are the 42nd and 43rd outbreaks reported in the past 45 days.

Newcastle disease in Mexico

12.02.2011

Breeding poultry farm; The presence of the velogenic strain of the Newcastle disease virus was detected through routine active surveillance activities implemented nationwide in Mexico. The case occured in abreeding farm in Nopala de Villagrán, Hidalgo.

Israel confirms new cases of Newcastle disease

10.02.2011

Israel has experienced another two outbreaks of Newcastle disease one in a poultry farm in Dishon (North part of Israel) with 80,000 broilers, 21 days old and the secon in a backyard poultry farm in Sde Varburg (Central part of Israel).

Avian Influenza Results in the Death of a Five Year Old Cambodian Girl

09.02.2011

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. The 5 year old female, from Prek Leap village, Sangkat Prek Leap, Khan Reussey Keo, Phnom Penh, developed symptoms on 29 January, was admitted to a hospital on 3 February and died 12 hours following admission. The presence of H5N1 virus in nasopharyngeal specimens was confirmed by Institut Pasteur, the National Influenza Centre in Cambodia. The case had been in contact with sick poultry during the 7 days before onset of symptoms.

Japan: Map of prefectures with avian species confirmed with H5N1

09.02.2011

A map of Japan, on the right, shows prefectures with confirmed avian cases of H5N1 since mid-December 2010. Not shown are Kochi and Hyogo prefectures which are still waiting for confirmatory testing. Avian Influenza H5N1 has been widely confirmed in Japan recently.

Research: Frequency of Salmonella detection in a broiler flock depending on different litter materials--a field study

09.02.2011

During the fattening period of a broiler flock four different litter materials (peat, chopped straw, shavings, silage) were tested simultaneously. The separated sections were tested for the presence of Salmonella bacteria.

Cambodia: Avian influenza outbreak

08.02.2011

Cambodia reported its first H5N1 avian influenza outbreak of 2011 yesterday. The outbreak in Cambodia occurred in a village in Kandal province, located in the south central part of the country. The virus killed 48 birds, and 174 more were culled to slow the spread of the disease. Cambodia reported its last H5N1 outbreak in October 2010.

Bangladesh report H5N1 outbreaks

08.02.2011

Three new outbreaks of H5N1 were reported in Bangladesh. one occurring in a poultry shed at border guard headquarters and two at poultry farms in Gazipur and Narayanganj districts of Dhaka division, located in the central part of the country.

Israel: First case of newcastle disease in the south

07.02.2011

The last case of Newcastle disease to be reported is from a broiler farm in Meishar (South part of Israel). The flock is 6 weeks old.

Duck carcass found in Tai O tests positive for H5N1

07.02.2011

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (February 7) that a duck carcass found in Tai O was confirmed to be H5N1 positive after laboratory testing. The duck carcass was found and collected at a beach near Po Chue Tam, Yeung Hau Temple, Tai O on February 3. It was highly decomposed when found and required a series of tests before H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed today.

Japan: Oita culls 13,000 chickens due to avian influenza

04.02.2011

The Oita prefectural government finished culling about 13,000 chickens at a poultry farm and a meat processing center on Thursday after becoming the fifth Japanese prefecture to be hit by avian influenza (AI) this winter. The prefecture imposed a ban on the transport of chickens and eggs within a 10-kilometer radius of the farm and conducted on-site inspections at 10 poultry farms within the area, each holding more than 100 chickens.

Research: Prevalence of Salmonella Isolates and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns in Chicken Meat throughout Japan

04.02.2011

The researchers investigated the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat from northern, central, and southern Japan. Between 2006 and 2008, 821 samples from these three regions were collected and examined. Salmonella isolates were detected in 164 (20.0%) of these samples, with 15 (10.0%) of 150, 113 (27.5%) of 411, and 36 (13.8%) of 260 recovered from the northern, central, and southern regions, respectively.

Sweden: Newcastle disease

04.02.2011

A Newcastle disease was confirmed in a poultry farm (20,000 layers) in GOTLANDS LÄN, Sweden.

Avian influenza in Bangladesh

04.02.2011

The H5N1 virus has struck two more poultry farms in Bangladesh. An outbreak at a commercial farm near Narayangonj district in Dhaka division that was detected on Jan 24 killed 1,500 poultry, and officials culled nearly 8,500 more birds to stop the spread of the disease, according to a report yesterday from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Japan culls 190,000 chickens due to Avian Influenza

03.02.2011

The Miyazaki prefectural government began culling about 190,000 chickens because of avian influenza Wednesday at a poultry farm in Miyazaki City. This is the seventh outbreak in southwestern Miyazaki Prefecture since January 22, and the 10th in Japan this winter, whereas the disease has hit one farm only each in Aichi, Shimane and Kagoshima prefectures.

FDA Inspections Under the Egg Safety Rule

02.02.2011

Salmonella

On the heels of a 500 million egg recall in August and the implementation of a new federal rule aimed at preventing Salmonella in shell eggs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its first comprehensive report on egg inspections Tuesday. The agency inspected 35 shell egg farms in six states--Ohio, Maine, Pennsylvania, Washington, South Carolina, and Utah--all of which had either been associated with an outbreak or were flagged because of a poor compliance history. FDA found that 12 farms needed to make changes, 11 were given a final inspection classification as "No Action Indicated," and 12 farms are still waiting on their status. Of 1,796 environmental swabs collected, 76--four percent--were positive for Salmonella Entertidis.

Egypt reports avian influenza human case

02.02.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a case of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) virus. A 7 year-old male from Gharbia Governorate, developed symptoms on 20 January and was hospitalized on 20 January. He is in a stable condition. Investigations into the source of infection indicated that the case had exposure to sick poultry.

Hong Kong: Two chicken carcasses found in Tai O test positive for H5N1 virus

02.02.2011

Hong Kong's agriculture ministry today ((February 2) reported that the H5N1 virus was detected in two chicken carcasses that washed ashore on a beach in Tai O, a fishing village partially located on Lantau Island, according to a government statement. A ministry spokesman said no poultry farms are located within a 3-km radius of where the birds were found, but precautions are being taken.

Indonesia: reports H5N1 outbreaks

02.02.2011

Animal health authorities in Indonesia are reporting H5N1 avian influenza in two neighboring provinces on Sumatra island, Jambi and South Sumatra. The virus struck thousands of chickens in the Jambi province regency of Kerinci. A regency veterinary official said at least 4,164 chickens were infected. Meanwhile, authorities in South Sumatra reported outbreaks in Prabumulih and Palembang.

Israel: Newcastle disease affects also backyard poultry

01.02.2011

Since the first outbreak of Newcastle disease on December 14, in Kfar Yeoshua, 4 cases of newcastle in backyard poultry were confirmed in: - Haifa - Dir el Asad - Daburia - Binyamina

Japan: More cases of avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture

29.01.2011

The avian influenza virus spreads in Miyazaki Prefecture, with chickens in two more locations confirmed to have infected with a H5N1 virus. It is the fourth and fifth outbreak in the prefecture. The farms are located in Nobeoka and Kawaminami. The local government has decided to cull about 92,000 birds at the Kawaminami farm and conduct a detailed investigation.

Avian Influenza spreads in Japan

27.01.2011

Chickens in Aichi Prefecture suspected of being infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza were found at a poultry farm. It may be the fifth outbreak this winter in Japan. At a poultry farm in Toyohashi, about 450 chickens died in four days through Wednesday. Four chickens there were tested positive for avian influenza in a preliminary examination.

Israel: Newcastle disease still diagnosed

26.01.2011

An outbreak of velogenic Newcastle disease was confirmed in a commercial layer farm, in Sheffer (North part of Israel). The flock is 29 weeks old, with 2200 layers. The birds will be culled.

Avian Influenza recurs in Myanmar

26.01.2011

Myanmar has been recently struck with Avian Influenza for the fifth time since 2006, it was today reported. Following confirmation that birds had been infected with the H5N1 virus, 52,000 chickens and 1,000 ducks were culled in the states Bumay-village tract in an attempt to contain the outbreak.

Avian Influenza detected in Miyazaki, Japan

25.01.2011

Avian influenza H5N1 strain has been detected at two farms in Miyazaki prefecture, Japan. 420,000 chickens are to be slaughtered. The two farms are separated 8.5km from each other. The outbreaks in Miyazaki Prefecture follow one in November at a poultry farm in Shimane Prefecture and come amid a spread of avian influenza among wild birds across Japan.

More cases of Newcastle disease in Israel

25.01.2011

Israel

The Israeli Veterinary Services have reported two new cases of Newcastle disease. One case is in a commercial layer flock (29 weeks of age) at Bnei Atarot (near the Ben Gurion airport) and the other one in a broiler farm in Bnei Zion (4.5 weeks of age).

Israel: Newcastle disease still diagnosed in poultry farms

25.01.2011

A layer flock in Sheffer (North of Israel) was found to be infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus. The flock, 27 weeks old, with 2200 layers, will be culled.

Italy: LPAI H7

21.01.2011

Low pathogenic avian influenza was confirtmed (07/01/2011) in Carpenedolo (Brescia, Italy).

Hong Kong: H5N1 in wild birds

21.01.2011

In an ongoing surveillance programme on wild birds, two H5N1 infected wild birds (A Large-billed Crow and An Oriental Magpie Robin) were detected in Tai O, Lantau Island and Fairview Park (Yuen Long), respectively.

Japan: Avian influenza detected in 2 wild duck

21.01.2011

Japan

Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in the corpses of two migratory wild ducks found at Fukushima reservoir. From Jan. 4 to Jan. 10, the prefecture gathered seven bird corpses from the reservoir and sent them for testing at the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. Four of the corpses tested positive for Type-A influenza, and further investigation at Hokkaido University in Sapporo found that two had the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. The other two are still being investigated.

S. Korea: H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread

21.01.2011

An outbreak of avian influenza was detected at a chicken farm in Paju, northwest of Seoul. The outbreak of the virulent strain of the H5N1 virus is the 30th confirmed case since the first was confirmed on Dec. 31.

Egypt reports new avian influenza death

20.01.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 1-year-old male from Alexandria Governorate, developed symptoms on 12 January and was hospitalized on 13 January. He is in a stable condition.

Israel: A continuing outbreak of Newcastle disease

20.01.2011

Israel is suffering from continuing outbreak of Newcastle disease in poultry farms. The last confirmed case is a broiler breeder farm, containing 19.000 birds (47 weeks of age).

Israel: Newcastle in the Jordan Valley

19.01.2011

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was confirmed in a broiler flock (140,000 birds) located in Mehola. Mehola is situated in the Northern Jordan Valley a settlement in the West Bank.

Newcastle disease detected in Pinellas County

13.01.2011

Newcastle disease, was found in three double-crested cormorants at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores.

Egyptian boy infected with avian influenza

13.01.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 10-year-old male from Giza Governorate, developed symptoms on 5 January and was hospitalized on 8 January. He is in a stable condition.

Newcastle Disease confirm in another farm in Israel

13.01.2011

Laboratory results have confirmed Newcastle Disease in organic egg type layers (12,000 birds). The farm is located in Melea village were the disease was previously diagnosed in a broiler farm.

H1N1 found in turkeys

12.01.2011

H1N1 influenza has been found in a flock of turkeys on a farm in Cheshire. The strain is closely similar to the human pandemic H1N1 strain currently circulating.

S. Korea ups avian influenza alert

12.01.2011

South Korea, already battling a serious outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, has raised its avian influenza alert level after detecting the H5N1 avian influenza virus at poultry farms in four provinces (16 cases). There have been 34 suspected cases of avian influenza poultry, with 16 cases confirmed.

Israel: More cases of Newcastle Disease in poultry

11.01.2011

A new outbreak of Newcastle disease in Israel in the Kfar Shamai village. The outbreak was diagnosed in several commercial egg-type layer farms.

South Korea confirms another H5N1 farm outbreak

07.01.2011

South Korea on Friday confirmed an additional avian influenza outbreak at a duck farm in Jeolla Province. The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said ducks at the farm in Yeongnam, South Jeolla Province, tested positive for the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Israel: Another outbreak of Newcastle disease in the North

05.01.2011

A new outbreak of Newcastle diseases was diagnosed in a broiler farm, in Kalanit village. The farm contains 60,000 birds, at the age of 6 weeks.

France reports another newcastle disease outbreak

05.01.2011

The outbreak started on 27 December at a farm fattening pigeons at Langoat, Tréguier, CÔTES-D'ARMOR. No epidemiological link with the previous outbreak in Morbihan department. All the birds in the holding were destroyed as a pre-emptive measure on 30 December 2010. Cleaning and disinfection operations were carried out on 30 December 2010.

Egypt reports four new cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza

05.01.2011

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced four new cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza. A 56 year-old female from Sharkia governorate. She developed symptoms on 22 December, was hospitalized on 23 December and received treatment with oseltamivir. She was discharged from the hospital on 30 December 2010 in a stable condition. No information is available regarding poultry exposure. Investigations into the source of infection are underway.

Israel: Newcastle disease continues to spread

04.01.2011

The velogenic Newcastle disease started out in Qalqilya (Palestinian authorities) and has now spread to different poultry farms in Israel. Today the disease was reported in 3 farms: - A commercial egg layers (30 weeks old - 30,000 birds), at Hod Hasharon - A broiler breeder farm (29 weeks old), 300 meters from the layer farm at Hod Hasharon - A broiler farm (3.5 weeks old, 27,000 birds) - Tzofit (Central part of Israel)

Romania: Low pathogenic avian influenza (H5N3) in Tulcea

01.01.1900

The outbreak occurred in 20 isolated geese which were the property of Babes–Bolyai University and were brought as sentinel birds to Cot Candura location in August 2010 for avian influenza research. This location is isolated, it is surrounded by lakes Fortuna, Balcanestii Mari, Papadia, Rotelciuc and water channel Sontea Noua and Veche.