Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2013

Hong Kong: A confirmed human case of influenza A(H9N2)

30.12.2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is investigating a confirmed human case of influenza A(H9N2) affecting a man aged 86. The patient is a Hong Kong resident living in Huangbeiling, Luohu, Shenzhen. He has underlying illnesses and has developed chills and cough with sputum since December 28. Upon entry at Lo Wu Border Control Point (BCP) on the same day, he was transferred by ambulance direct to the Accident and Emergency Department of North District Hospital (NDH), where he presented with low fever. He was then admitted to the isolation ward. He was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital today for further management.

Newcastle in Israel

24.12.2013

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was reported in a broiler farm, 6 weeks old chickens. The location is in southern Israel, Klahim.

South Africa: H7N7 in an Ostrich Farm

24.12.2013

One ostrich from a commercial flock of 1,000 birds was found to have H7N7 low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus in October 2013. The H7N7 subtype of the LPAI virus in a single bird in a commercial flock of 1,005 ostriches was found on a farm at Oudtshoorn in Western Cape Province in early October.

South Africa: H7N1 and H5N2 in ostriches

24.12.2013

Three outbreaks of H7N1 loe pathogenic avian influenza were recorded in Eastern Cape Province. The total number of birds: ~3,000. Positive serology detected on pre-slaughter/pre-movement routine testing.

Overcrowding stress and the immune response in broiler chickens

21.12.2013

Gomes et al (2013) Av Pathol 2013 Dec 18. [Epub ahead of print]

Overcrowding stress is a reality in the poultry industry. It is known that chickens exposed to long-term stressful situations present a reduction of welfare and immunosuppression. The auothors designed this experiment to analyze the effects from overcrowding stress of 16 animals/m2 on performance parameters, corticosterone serum levels, the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius, IgA and IgG plasma levels, intestinal integrity, macrophage activity and experimental Salmonella Enteritidis invasion. The results of this study indicate that overcrowding stress decreased performance parameters, induced enteritis and decreased macrophage activity and the relative bursa weight in broiler chickens. When the chickens were similarly stressed and infected with Salmonella Enteritidis, there was an increase of feed conversion and a decrease of IgG plasma levels in the stressed and Salmonella-infected birds.

China confirms H5N2 avian influenza outbreak in Hebei

21.12.2013

An outbreak of H5N2 avian influenza in poultry has been reported in north China's Hebei Province. The disease has killed 4,000 chickens raised by a farm in Baoding City. The National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory on Saturday confirmed the avian influenza strain involved in the outbreak was H5N2.

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Foster Farms - update

19.12.2013

CDC

As of December 18, 2013, a total of 416 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 23 states and Puerto Rico. 39% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Most ill persons (74%) have been reported from California. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials indicate that consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections. On October 7, 2013, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) issued a Public Health Alert due to concerns that illness caused by Salmonella Heidelberg is associated with chicken products produced by Foster Farms at three facilities in California.

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Chester Infections Associated with Frozen Meals — 18 States, 2010

19.12.2013

MMWR: December 6, 2013 / 62(48);979-982

On May 24, 2010, a cluster of 17 human Salmonella enterica serotype Chester clinical isolates with indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns was reported to PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance. This PFGE pattern had not been reported previously. Subsequently, CDC conducted an investigation that identified 44 ill persons in 18 states during May 24–June 19, 2010. In a multistate case-control study, consumption of a brand A frozen meal was associated with illness. On June 17, 2010, the manufacturer (company A) voluntarily recalled its brand A cheesy chicken and rice frozen meals. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Chester was isolated from eight unopened samples.

China: first human case of H10N8 avian influenza

18.12.2013

A 73-year-old woman in Jiangxi province in China has died from an H10N8 avian influenza infection. This is the first report of H10N8 strain in humans. The woman, whose immune system was compromised, had an underlying illness and had visited a live-poultry market. She was admitted to a local hospital on Nov 30, was diagnosed as having severe pneumonia, and died Dec 6.

The Netherlands: A case of avian influenza in Groningen

11.12.2013

12,000 chickens were culled at a organic egg-laying farm in Scheemda, Groningen, after avian influenza (H5N3) was discovered at the farm. The organic food producer is about 30 km from another farm in Groningen where 10,000 chickens were recently destroyed.

H7N9 in live poultry markets near Hong Kong

11.12.2013

Three samples collected from live-poultry markets in the southern city of Shenzhen tested positive for the H7N9 avian influenza virus. The Guangdong province health authority examined 70 samples from 13 live poultry markets in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is an hour’s train ride from downtown Hong Kong. Hong Kong has stepped up surveillance of travelers with fever after finding two cases of the H7N9 strain of avian influenza.

FSIS Releases Comprehensive Strategy to Reduce Salmonella

05.12.2013

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today released its Salmonella Action Plan that outlines the steps it will take to address the most pressing problem it faces--Salmonella in meat and poultry products. An estimated 1.3 million illnesses can be attributed to Salmonella every year. The Salmonella Action Plan is the agency’s strategy to best address the threat of Salmonella in meat and poultry products. The plan identifies modernizing the outdated poultry slaughter inspection system as a top priority. By focusing inspectors’ duties solely on food safety, at least 5,000 illnesses can be prevented each year.

Avian influenza outbreaks in Europe

03.12.2013

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus was reported in Baixo Alentejo, Portugal. The strain was identified as H7. The outbreak has been detected in the framework of the avian influenza surveillance programme and no clinical signs were observed. The infected premise consists of a backyard flock with 18 chickens, 36 broilers, 6 guinea fowls and 3 ducks.

MRSA Found in UK Poultry

26.11.2013

The U.K. Department of Health has identified the presence of Livestock-Associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in turkeys and chickens on a farm in East Anglia. It’s the first case of MRSA in poultry in the U.K. and that two thirds of the turkeys on the unnamed farm were infected. Livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA is not considered a significant risk to animal health and welfare.

Germany: LPAI in Thuringen

19.11.2013

Avian influenza H5 strain defined as low phatogenic was identified in poultry in Mohlsdorf (East-Germany). All birds in the farm (823) were destroyed.

Taiwan reports human case of H6N1

15.11.2013

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 14 November 2013

Researchers in Taiwan reported the first case of human infection with a wild influenza A H6N1 virus in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Avian influenza A H6N1 virus is one of the most common viruses isolated from wild and domestic avian species, but human infection with this virus has not been previously reported. A 20-year-old woman with an influenza-like illness presented to a hospital with shortness of breath in May, 2013. An unsubtyped influenza A virus was isolated from her throat-swab specimen and was transferred to the Taiwan Centres for Disease Control (CDC) for identification.

Salmonella gallinarum in Ireland

15.11.2013

Fowl typhoid (Salmonella Gallinarum) was diagnosed in a small flock comprising three barns in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland (commercial egg layers). The outbreak was diagnosed on September 2, 2013. Almost 30,000 birds have been destroyed in response to the outbreak on two neighbouring farms.

Australia: salmonella outbreak claims a woman's life

14.11.2013

A Brisbane catering firm is the prime suspect for causing a widespread Melbourne Cup Day outbreak of Salmonella poisoning linked to the death of a 77-year-old woman and the contamination of up to 40 race-day events. At least 220 people were affected after a function they attended was found to have food infected with Salmonella. The outbreak has been linked to Brisbane firm Piccalilli Catering, which provided food for up to 40 different Melbourne Cup events on November 5 A batch of bad eggs has been blamed for the salmonella outbreak.

Newcastle disease vaccines and the importance of homologous antigens

12.11.2013

Patti Miller et al (2013) Developmental and Comparative Immunology 41:505-513

Reports of vaccine failure from many countries and reports on the reduced ability of classical vaccines to significantly decrease viral replication and shedding have created renewed interest in developing vaccines formulated with genotypes homologous to the virulent NDV (vNDV) circulating in the field. Dr Patti Miller and Colleagues from the US assessed how the amount and specificity of humoral antibodies induced by inactivated vaccines affected viral replication, clinical protection and evaluated how non-homologous (heterologous) antibody levels induced by live NDV vaccines relate to transmission of vNDV. In an experimental setting, all inactivated NDV vaccines protected birds from morbidity and mortality, but higher and more specific levels of antibodies were required to significantly decrease viral replication.

USA: Campylobacter outbreak linked to chicken livers

08.11.2013

MMWR November 8, 2013 / 62(44);874-876

In October 2012 the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) identified three cases of laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter jejuni infection in Vermont residents; the isolates had indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns. A query of PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance, led to the identification of one additional case each from New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont that had been reported in the preceding 6 months. An investigation led by VDH found that all six patients had been exposed to raw or lightly cooked chicken livers that had been produced at the same Vermont poultry establishment (establishment A).

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 (LPAI) in Italy

08.11.2013

Epidemiological investigation: From April to October 2013 two further H5 LPAI outbreaks were identified both of them involved commercial holdings and were localized in Lombardy and Campania Region. Lombardia: On 09 Oct 2013 AI virus was found in a commercial holding located in Offlaga municipality (Brescia province). On 10 Oct 2013 the National Reference Laboratory confirmed LPAI virus as H5N3 subtype. All the birds were killed (1330).

Avian-like H9N2 in Dogs in China

02.11.2013

Infection, Genetics and Evolution (2013)

H9N2 influenza virus is a significant pandemic virus that causes moderate morbidity and low mortality in chicken throughout the world. H9N2 influenza virus is one of the most significant pandemic viruses on the list of World Health Organization. This subtype virus was initially reported among Turkeys in Wisconsin in 1966. H9N2 virus is known to cause low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) that is reportedly transmitted from poultry to mammalian species such as swine and humans in Asia since 1998. Now for the first time researchers from China reported the isolation of H9N2 influenza virus from dogs in southern China.

Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Associated with a Community College Microbiology Laboratory

31.10.2013

MMWR, November 2013

On May 2, 2013, a case of salmonellosis was reported to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient reported symptoms of diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and nausea, after attending a community college microbiology laboratory class. A second case was reported on May 8. Epidemiologic interviews conducted with both patients indicated common exposure at a community college, including one patient specifically naming the other patient. On May 15, the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) determined that the clinical Salmonella isolates from stool specimens provided by outside hospital laboratories from both patients were indistinguishable by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis from a specimen used by the students during the microbiology class. The clinical isolates and laboratory class isolate all had a PFGE pattern indistinguishable from that of bacteria isolated during a national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in 2010 that was associated wi

FSIS: Salmonella in poultry down 34% in 2Q13

30.10.2013

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) posted the second quarterly progress for 2013 on Salmonella testing of selected raw meat and poultry products. The prevalence of Salmonella on raw young chicken carcasses in the United States declined 34% over first quarter 2013 and represents a decrease of more than 120% during the past five years. The report, "Quarterly Progress Reports on Salmonella and Campylobacter Testing of Selected Raw Meat and Poultry Products", released Oct. 25 contained testing information from April 1 through June 20, 2013. Specifically for young chicken carcasses, 2,955 samples were collected and analyzed with a positive rate of only 2.6% for Salmonella—a fraction of the FSIS performance standard of 7.5% for young chicken carcasses. The same samples also were analyzed for Campylobacter, and while the percentage remained unchanged from first quarter 2013, it represents a decrease of almost 50% since FSIS began testing for Campylobacter on post-chi

Australia: Another avian influenza outbreak near Young

25.10.2013

The NSW Department of Primary Industries reports a second outbreak of H7 avian influenza near Young, in south-west New South Wales. It says the virus has spread about 35 kilometres from the first outbreak in the area last week, where culling of 400,000 chickens has just been completed.

Newcastle disease in Russia

25.10.2013

Russian veterinary experts have admitted that Newcastle disease is becoming a problem, and noted that, in the last two months, the virus is spreading to various regions. In August of this year, when the disease was first recorded it spread away from Nizhny Novgorod Oblast to Yaroslavl, Vladimir and Moscow Oblasts No cases were officialy reported in poultry farms.

Consumer groups demand Foster Farms Recall

18.10.2013

A coalition of consumer groups has demanded that the U.S. Department of Agriculture ask chicken producer Foster Farms to recall chicken products from three central California processing plants that have been linked to an ongoing Salmonella outbreak. At least 317 people in 20 states have been sickened in the outbreak since March. The Safe Food Coalition (SFC), a collection of eight consumer groups, addressed a letter to the USDA requesting that the agency ask for the poultry producer’s recall. The letter also suggested steps for the agency to “strengthen its regulatory program.” At least 42 percent of outbreak victims have been hospitalized, while the average hospitalization rate for Salmonella Heidelberg outbreaks sits at around 20 percent. Last week, USDA announced that it would not shut down the Foster Farms plants, reporting satisfaction with food-safety changes the company had made at its plants in Fresno and Livingston.

Australia: avian influenza outbreak in New South Wales

16.10.2013

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N2 outbreak was reported in free range and cage layer hens in Young (New South Wales). The flocks aged 22 and 79 weeks respectively contain 435,000 birds.

Salmonella infections (faecal specimens), England and Wales, August 2013

12.10.2013

Details of 896 serotypes of salmonella infections recorded in August are given in the table below. In September 2013, 266 salmonella infections were recorded.

FSIS: Public Health Alert for Chicken Products Produced at Three Foster Farms Facilities

07.10.2013

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that illness caused by strains of Salmonella Heidelberg are associated with raw chicken products produced by Foster Farms at three facilities in California. This public health alert is being issued after an estimated 278 illnesses were recently reported in 18 states, predominantly in California. The outbreak is continuing. The investigations indicate that consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken and other brand chicken produced at Foster Farms plants are the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.

Survey of Enterobacteriaceae contamination of table eggs collected from layer flocks in Australia

29.09.2013

Gole et al (2013) Int J Food Microbiol

Food borne illness costs Australia an estimated $1.2 billion per year. In Australia, Salmonella typhimurium is the principal cause of egg-associated Salmonellosis outbreaks. Control of Salmonella shedding on farm still remains a challenge. Cage laying production systems are the major source of whole shell eggs in Australia. A high bacterial load present on the eggshell surface could increase the chance of eggshell penetration and contamination of internal contents. In the present study, eggs from commercial caged layer flocks at different stages of lay in Australia were collected. Enterobacteriaceae populations from eggshell surface and eggshell pore were enumerated and characterized.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Italy - an update

28.09.2013

Updated 27th September 2013

H7N7 HPAI outbreaks in Italy - A summary

Taiwan: LPAI in ducks

24.09.2013

LPAI virus, serotype H5N2, have reported at a farm in Hualien County affecting ducks. During the second round of surveillance conducted on the poultry farms around the H5N2 infected duck farm in Hualien County, the H5N2 avian influenza virus was detected from swabs taken from a meat-type duck farm.

Italy: Three more farms confirmed cases of the H7N7

12.09.2013

Three more farms confirmed cases of the H7N7 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza since Aug. 28, bringing the total number of outbreaks to six. Two of the new cases were at industrial farms owned by a poultry company affected by a previous outbreak, while the third involved a rural backyard flock, according to the report. Almost 220,000 birds were slaughtered in the three locations to stem the spread of the disease. More than 730,000 were killed in the prior three outbreaks.

Israel: A new outbreak of Newcastle disease

12.09.2013

The outbreak was reported in Kibbutz Mefalssim in southern Israel. The affected flock of 17,000 47-day-old broilers was culled.

Role of Campylobacter jejuni Infection in the Pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

04.09.2013

BioMed Research International (2013)

Infection with Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, sometimes surpassing other infections due to Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli. Most infections are acquired due to consumption of raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. Campylobacter jejuni is now considered as a major triggering agent of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Italy: A poultry worker tested positive for H7N7

03.09.2013

A poultry worker tested positive for an avian influenza virus A/H7N7 infection following outbreaks among birds on farms in the northern Emilia Romagna region, the Italian Health Ministry said on Monday. The affected man was in contact with H7N7 affected poultry farm at Mordano, Emilia-Romagna Region, he contracted conjunctivitis as a result of his infection.

FSA publishes new plan to tackle campylobacter

03.09.2013

The FSA has outlined a refreshed strategy to reduce the number of people getting ill from campylobacter. The strategy will be discussed by the FSA Board at its meeting in Aberdeen on Wednesday, 11 September. Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. It is considered to be responsible for about 460,000 cases of food poisoning, 22,000 hospitalisations and 110 deaths each year and a significant proportion of these cases come from poultry.

Mexico: Two more H7N3 avian influenza outbreaks

03.09.2013

Two new outbreaks of H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported by the mexican authorities. The first in a flock of quails in Valle de Santiago, Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato. The second in a flock of commercial layers (10,000) in Lagos de Moreno, Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco.

South Africa: LPAI in captive birds and commercial ostriches

02.09.2013

The South African authorities have reported one outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in Gauteng and three outbreaks in Western Cape Province. The outbreak occurred in indigenous wild birds and an exotic parrot kept in captivity. The birds were tested for planned export and tested positive on RT-PCR for H7. Captive cattle egrets, umbrella cockatoo and eagle owl were affected. No birds were destroyed.

Italy: Another avian influenza outbreak

28.08.2013

A chicken farm, commercial layers (120,000) located in Mordano is the site of a new outbreak of avian influenza. The farm is already located in the restriction zones and depopulation will be carried out. .

Italy: a third outbreak of H7 in a turkey farm

27.08.2013

Italian veterinary authorities have detected a third H7 avian influenza outbreak at a poultry farm in the country's northern Emilia-Romanga region. The virus was detected at a turkey farm in Portomaggiore - Ferrara province during surveillance activities.

Italy: another H7N7 outbreak

24.08.2013

On the basis of the monitoring activities implemented after the detection of the primary outbreak in Ostellato, Ferrara province, notified on 15 Aug 2013, a secondary outbreak of H7N7 HPAI has been confirmed in Mordano, Bologna province, affecting a commercial farm of layer hens belonging to the same company.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H7N3) Virus in Poultry Workers, Mexico, 2012

24.08.2013

Emerg Infect Dis Vol. 19, No. 9, September 2013

In June 2012, outbreaks of (HPAI) A(H7N3) virus in poultry on farms throughout Jalisco State were reported by the National Service for Health, Safety, and Food Quality in Mexico. A 32-year-old poultry worker who reported irritation in her left eye was examined at a clinic in Jalisco on July 7. Bilateral conjunctival swab specimens were collected and sent to the Institute for Epidemiologic Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) in Mexico City, where H7 subtype virus infection was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). HPAI A(H7N3) virus had been suspected because the patient collected eggs on a farm that had had HPAI A (H7N3) virus infection among poultry.

H9N2 viruses show mammalian mutations

23.08.2013

Emerg Infect Dis Vol. 19, No. 9, September 2013

Human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was identified in Bangladesh in 2011. Surveillance for influenza viruses in apparently healthy poultry in live-bird markets in Bangladesh during 2008–2011 showed that subtype H9N2 viruses are isolated year-round, whereas highly pathogenic subtype H5N1 viruses are co-isolated with subtype H9N2 primarily during the winter months. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H9N2 viruses were reassortants that contained genetic material from H7N3 viruses but no material from H5N1 viruses, but no reassortment with subtype H5N1 viruses.

The evolution of the H7N9 avian influenza currently spreading in China

22.08.2013

Lam T et al. (2013) Nature

An international team of influenza researchers in China, the United Kingdom and the United States has used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus that emerged in humans in China earlier this year. Working in three Chinese provinces, researchers led by Yi Guan, Ph.D., of the University of Hong Kong collected samples from the throats and digestive tracts of chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons and quail. Fecal and water samples from live poultry markets and the natural environment were also collected. From these samples, the researchers isolated several influenza viruses and genetically sequenced those of the H7N9 subtype as well as related H7N7 and H9N2 viruses. These sequences were compared with archived sequences of the same subtypes isolated in southern China between 2000 and 2013. The researchers compared the differences between the two sets of sequences to reconstruct how the H7N9 virus evolved through various species of birds and to deter

WHO: Cambodian boy dies from avian influenza H5N1

20.08.2013

A nine-year-old boy has died from H5N1 avian influenza in Cambodia, the 10th victim this year. The boy, from the northwestern province of Battambang, died in a children's hospital in the nearby tourist hub of Siem Reap after falling ill last month, the WHO in Cambodia said in a statement. Tests confirmed the victim had contracted the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

Italy: Highly pathogenic avian influenza

16.08.2013

The Italian veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of H7N7 highly pathogenic avian influenza at a layer farm located in Ostellato, Emilia-Romagna.

First report of H7N9 human-to-human transmission

07.08.2013

Qi et al (2013) BMJ

A new H7N9 strain of avian influenza been transmitted from person to person for the first time, scientists reported. Until now, no clear evidence indicated that the novel virus could transmit from person to person. Research published in the British Medical Journal indicated that the virus had moved between a father and daughter in eastern China. Family clusters with confirmed avian H5N1 virus infection were reported. Humans seemed to be more susceptible to the H7N9 virus than the H5N1 virus. It is therefore vital to establish whether the novel virus can transmit from person to person because of the potential threat of a pandemic if it possesses sustainable transmissibility between humans. The new study reports a family cluster of two patients with novel avian H7N9 virus infection.

Taiwan reports first occurrence of H5N3 avian influenza

05.08.2013

An outbreak of low pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza has been detected on a duck farm in the eastern county of Hualien, the first occurrence of the virus strain in Taiwan. The virus was isolated from swabs taken from the farm July 16 and confirmed by the national laboratory Aug. 2, according to a report submitted by the Council of Agriculture to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) that same day.

Clinical resistance to Infectious Bronchitis Virus

03.08.2013

A new study presented at the AAAP symposium 2013 by Collisson et al of the Western University of Health Science, California found that susceptibility and resistance to Infectious Bronchitis virus-induced clinical illness has been correlated with genetically-defined B haplotypes. The investigators concluded that resistance to IBV may be directly linked to a more vigorous innate immune response, ultimately resulting in more effective adaptive immunity.

Avian influenza detected on Dutch poultry farm

03.08.2013

Avian influenza, was detected on a poultry farm with 9,000 hens in the Dutch town of Tzum, in the northern province of Friesland, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs reported. The AI strain is a low pathogenic H7.

Israel: Risk factors for sporadic infection with Salmonella Infantis

30.07.2013

Bassal et al (2013) Epidemiology and Infection

A matched case-control study investigated the risk factors for sporadic Salmonella Infantis infection in 263 affected children and 263 age-, gender- and neighbourhood-matched controls. Information about exposure to potential risk factors was obtained via telephone interview and evaluated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Age groups ≤1 year (n = 77) and >1 year (n = 186) were analysed separately. Of those aged ≤1 year, breastfeeding was a significant protective factor against infection [matched odds ratio (mOR) 0•24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0•10–0•59, P < 0•01].

Denmark: Trends and sources in human salmonellosis

29.07.2013

The incidence of human salmonellosis in 2012 was 21.4 cases per 100,000, showing a slight increase from the 20.9 observed in 2011, but maintaining a lower incidence than observed during most of the last decade. Of these cases, 4.3/100,000 were caused by S. Enteritidis and 7.4/100,000 by S. Typhimurium (including 3.4/100,000 by the monophasic strains). Nearly half (45 percent) of all Salmonella infections were contracted while travelling abroad. It is particularly in connection with travels to Egypt, Thailand and Turkey that Danes become infected. Approximately half of the travel-related cases originated from these three countries. The most common type of Salmonella in Danes was Salmonella typhimurium which caused 415 cases in 2012.

Risk factors for Campylobacter colonisation in Danish broilers

29.07.2013

Campylobacteriosis remains the most common cause of bacterial foodborne gastrointestinal illness in Denmark and broilers have been identified as the primary source, though other sources also exist. Therefore, reducing the occurrence of Campylobacter in the broiler production is considered important for reducing the number of human cases. Risk factor studies have been carried out to identify the factors that significantly affect the risk of broilers becoming colonised with Campylobacter. From 1999 to 2011, the Danish broiler industry has undergone some important changes. During this time, the number of broiler farms has decreased. Furthermore, in 2003 a strategy against Campylobacter was adopted, following which the Campylobacter flock prevalence in broiler flocks decreased. In 2008 an action plan was introduced, and testing of all flocks became mandatory from 2010 (Order no 1462 of 16/12/2009).

H7N7 in South Africa

26.07.2013

South Africa reported six outbreaks of low-pathogenic H7N7 avian influenza that affected 3,400 ostriches. All the six farms are home to 9,374 ostriches, for an attack rate of 36%. The outbreaks all began in May.

FDA: guidance on eggs from free-range hens

23.07.2013

Proposed guidance released by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) suggests the use of measures such as high walls and netting to limit Salmonella Enteritidis contamination of eggs from free-range hens. The guidance outlines practical and reasonable safety controls to help egg producers comply with the agency's 4-year-old Egg Safety Rule. The proposed guidance will be relevant for egg farms certified as organic by the US Department of Agriculture, since such farms have to provide hens with outdoor access.

Canada: Salmonella Enteritidis Infections Associated with Foods Purchased from Mobile Lunch Trucks

18.07.2013

MMWR (CDC) July 19, 2013 / 62(28);567-569

During October 2010–February 2011, an outbreak of 91 Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections in Alberta, Canada, was investigated by a local public health department. Index cases initially were linked through a common history of consumption of food purchased from mobile food-vending vehicles (lunch trucks) operating at worksites in Alberta. Further investigation implicated one catering company that supplied items for the lunch trucks and other vendors. In 85 cases, patients reported consumption of food prepared by the catering company in the 7 days before illness. Six patients were employees of the catering company, and two food samples collected from the catering company were positive for SE.

Outbreak of salmonella heidelberg infections linked to a single poultry producer - 13 States, 2012-2013

12.07.2013

MMWR, 2013 Jul 12;62(27):553-6

In June 2012, the Oregon Health Authority and the Washington State Department of Health noted an increase in the number of Salmonella enterica serotype Heidelberg clinical isolates sharing an identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern. In 2004, this pattern had been linked to chicken from Foster Farms by the Washington State Department of Health; preliminary 2012 interviews with infected persons also indicated exposure to Foster Farms chicken. On August 2, 2012, CDC's PulseNet* detected a cluster of 19 Salmonella Heidelberg clinical isolates matching the outbreak pattern.

Campylobacter increases in UK

09.07.2013

Draft annual report of the chief scientist 2012/13

Campylobacter causes severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain and in some cases longer term chronic after effects. It is the most common bacterial cause of food poisoning in the UK. Over recent years the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of campylobacter has continued to rise. New figures published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) reveal the number of cases has been rising every year for the past four years.

FSIS: Salmonella incidence declines in most meat types

06.07.2013

A new progress report from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) compiles results of salmonella testing on 30,686 samples from eight meat and poultry classes in 2012. The report shows a reduction in positive tests in most cases, although there was a slight increase in the incidence of salmonella on steer and heifer carcasses.

The EU Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Food-borne Outbreaks in 2011

05.07.2013

EFSA, ECDC

The European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control analysed the information submitted by 27 European Union Member States on the occurrence of zoonoses and food-borne outbreaks in 2011. In 2011, the notification rate and confirmed number of cases of human campylobacteriosis in the European Union increased compared with 2010. Human campylobacteriosis continued to be the most commonly reported zoonosis with 220,209 confirmed cases. The number of confirmed cases of campylobacteriosis in the European Union has followed a significant increasing trend in the last four years, along with a clear seasonal trend. The proportion of Campylobacter-positive food and animal samples remained at levels similar to previous years, with the occurrence of Campylobacter continuing to be high in broiler meat.

Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks - United States, 1998–2008

28.06.2013

Gould et al (2013) MMWR, CDC

Foodborne diseases cause an estimated 48 million illnesses each year in the United States, including 9.4 million caused by known pathogens. Foodborne disease outbreak surveillance provides valuable insights into the agents and foods that cause illness and the settings in which transmission occurs. CDC maintains a surveillance program for collection and periodic reporting of data on the occurrence and causes of foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States. This surveillance system is the primary source of national data describing the numbers of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths; etiologic agents; implicated foods; contributing factors; and settings of food preparation and consumption associated with recognized foodborne disease outbreaks in the United States.

Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Campylobacter spp. in Retail Chicken, Western Canada

28.06.2013

Agunos et al (2013) Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human campylobacteriosis, a notifiable disease in Canada, is the most common cause of bacterial enteric infections among persons in Canada; in 2005, the incidence rate of campylobacteriosis was 30.9 cases per 100,000 population. In chickens, Campylobacter spp. are not clinically relevant; however, the presence of these bacteria in poultry represents a potential threat to public health. The report tracked resistance to ciprofloxacin in Campylobacter from chicken meat between 2003 and 2010 across seven Canadian provinces, finding the most notable rates of resistance in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Germany: Avian Influenza in Lower Saxony

25.06.2013

Low-pathogenic avian influenza H7N7 has been detected at a farm in Lower Saxony. The case ia a LPAI H7N7 at a farm in Emsland in Lower Saxony, which was observed on 24 May. Four hundred birds of a flock of 13,406 were found to be affected. The flock has now been destroyed.

Arkansas poultry officials confirm avian flu in Scott County

21.06.2013

The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission received confirmation Tuesday evening that a chicken in a Scott County, Arkansas, chicken house has tested positive for H7N7 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Taiwan Reports First Human Case of H6N1 Avian Influenza Strain

21.06.2013

Taiwanese woman is first person to catch H6N1 avian influenza strain

The patient, a 20-year-old woman who worked at a breakfast shop in Changhua county, central Taiwan, was admitted to hospital on May 8 with a high fever and respiratory problems. She was suffering from slight pneumonia, and recovered. H6N1 is a mild form of avian influenza. People who had been in contact with the patient were found negative to the H6N1 virus.

Austria: Smuggled bird from Indonesia had H5N1

16.06.2013

The Vienna airport authorities detained a Czech couple smuggling about 60 parrots and paradise birds from Indonesia. The 60 birds were packed, in tubes, into 2 travel bags. The destination was the Czech Republic. One of the birds that died during the transport was found positive to HPAI H5N1. Thirty-nine birds died during the transport.

New reovirus involved in tenosynovitis with high morbidity in broilers, in France

10.06.2013

Vet Rec (2013)

Reaserchers at the University of Vienna. have identified a new Reovirus causing substantial losses in broiler production in France. The new reovirus isolates differ serologically and genetically from the well described reovirus isolates used in commercial vaccines which were not capable of preventing the disease.

Australia: salmonella outbreak at a Brazilian restaurant in Dickson

07.06.2013

Over 140 suspected cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported among persons who ate at the restaurant. Thirty of these have had Salmonella confirmed by laboratory testing and 15 people have been hospitalised. A Victorian egg supplier is under investigation and one person has ongoing health issues following Canberra's largest salmonella outbreak. The outbreak, which affected 140 people and hospitalised 15 in mid-May, was traced back to raw egg mayonnaise served at the Copa Brazilian restaurant in Dickson.

Low pathogenic avian influenza

03.06.2013

Cases of LPAI were detected in different countries. H5N2 in broilers in P'eng-hu, Taiwan. H7N1 in Leusden, the Netherlands. H7 in mallards in Viborg, Denmark

National surveillance of Salmonella Enteritidis in commercial eggs in Japan

22.05.2013

Esaki et al (2013) Epidemiol. Infect. 141: 941–943

A total of 105,033 eggs were collected across Japan from June 2010 to January 2011 and tested for Salmonella Enteritidis to provide data for the risk profiling of S. Enteritidis in eggs by the Food Safety Commission of Japan. S. Enteritidis isolates were recovered from three samples (20 eggs/sample) and these samples were different in regard to sampling period, grading and packaging centre and farm. The prevalence of S. Enteritidis in commercial eggs in Japan is estimated at ~0.003% which was a tenfold decrease in prevalence compared to similar surveillance in the mid 1990s.

LPAI H7N1 in Spain

21.05.2013

Spain reports an outbreak of low-pathogenic H7N1 avian influenza on a poultry breeding farm in the Province of Catalonia, Spain. Hong Kong has banned the import of poultry and poultry products, including poultry eggs, from the Province.

Study: Strong epidemiological link between human H7N9 cases and poultry

17.05.2013

Eurosurveillance, Vol 18, 16 May 2013

In a study published in Eurosurveillance (Vol 18, 16 May 2013), Han et al analysed the association between influenza A(H7N9) confirmed cases and exposure to poultry in Huzhou city, China (Huzhou city, located in northern Zhejiang Province, China, is the geographical centre of the Yangtze River Delta). All cases (n=12) had a history of direct exposure to poultry or live poultry markets. The researchers detected A(H7N9)-positive poultry samples from each site that was epidemiologically associated with cases. None of the cases’ close contacts tested positive.

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N7 in poultry in Germany

17.05.2013

Detection of a low-pathogenicity H7N7 avian flu virus in Germany has prompted the culling of 13,000 poultry. The virus was detected in tests by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute.

Tibet reports avian influenza outbreak

15.05.2013

An outbreak of the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza virus among chickens has been reported from the Nyingtri region of central Tibet. Thirty-five chickens at a farm in a village in Mainling County of Nyingchi Prefecture showed symptoms of the suspected avian influenza.

North Korea report H5N1 outbreak

13.05.2013

An outbreak of H5N1 in North Korea began on Apr 19 at a commercial duck farm near Pyongyang. The virus affected an unspecified number of adults, fattening ducks, and ducklings. Authorities destroyed all 164,000 birds

New avian influenza outbreaks in Mexico

08.05.2013

Five outbreaks of H7N3 avian influenza in poultry in Mexico's Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Puebla states have killed 40,010 birds and led to the culling of 850,005 others. All told, 890,015 poultry died in the five outbreaks and culls.

The H7N3 avian influenza strain from 2012 in Mexico and its cleavage site

03.05.2013

Maurer-Stroh et al (2013) Virology Journal

The H7N3 avian influenza strain infected chickens in Mexico last summer and led to the culling of millions of birds. In a study published in Virology Journal, Maurer-Stroh and co-authors investigated the cleavage site of the new virus. According to this study, the H7N3 avian influenza strain which caused outbreaks in chicken farms in June/July 2012 in Mexico has a new extended cleavage site which is the likely reason for its high pathogenicity in these birds. This cleavage site appears to have been naturally acquired and was not present in the closest low pathogenic precursors. Different from recent cleavage site insertions, the origin of the insert here is not from the viral genome but from host 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) instead.

Attribution of Foodborne Illness, 1998-2008

01.05.2013

Emerg Infect Dis (2013)

Each year, roughly 48 million people (1 in 6) get sick from food eaten in the United States. Although major pathogens account for more than 9 million of these sicknesses, linking individual illnesses to a particular food is rarely possible except during an outbreak. Painter et al. developed a method of attributing illnesses to specific food groups based on a decade of outbreak data (data from outbreak-associated illnesses for 1998-2008), including those that implicate complex foods (that is, foods that have ingredients from several food categories).

Newcastle disease in Papua New Guinea

01.05.2013

The Papua New Guinea Government has declared West Sepik province “an infected area” following the detection of Newcastle bird disease in the PNG-Indonesia border villages of Wutung and Musu and the provincial capital Vanimo.

The first human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) confirmed in Taiwan

24.04.2013

In the late afternoon of April 24, 2013, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) confirmed the first imported case of H7N9 avian influenza in a 53-year-old male Taiwanese citizen who worked in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China prior to illness onset. He developed his illness three days after returning to Taiwan. Infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) was confirmed on April 24, 2013. The patient is currently in a severe condition and being treated in a negative-pressure isolation room.

A 2010 Austrian Salmonella enteritidis PT4 outbreak

23.04.2013

In a study published in J Infect Public Health recently Liu and co-authors investigated an outbreak caused by Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4) among 143 participants at a soccer camp in Austria in August 2010. The outbreak affected 34 persons, including 24 epidemiologically related cases and 10 laboratory-confirmed cases. Food-specific cohort analyses revealed spaetzle (homemade noodles) (relative risks (RR): 2.68; 95% CI: 1.13-6.45), hamburger (RR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.13-6.45) and potato salad (RR: 2.91; 95% CI: 1.69-5.02) as the most biologically plausible infection sources. Eggs used as ingredients were considered to be the vehicle of infection for the outbreak strain.

Newcastle Disease in Libya

23.04.2013

Newcastle disease was detected among poultry in Tobruk - Lybia. Affected population: Local backyard chickens, broilers, layers and zoo birds (peacocks).

Mexico Reports New H7N3 Outbreaks

22.04.2013

11 new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the H7N3 subtype during the last month were reported in Mexico. 11 new outbreaks of H7N3 HPAI starting between 4 March and 4 April. A total of 664,126 poultry were involved.

LP Avian Influenza H5N1 in Germany

21.04.2013

Germany has reported new cases of a low pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza at two turkey farms in Badbergen Lower Saxony, leading to the culling of 7,920 animals. Another case was found at a turkey farm in Halen, near Badbergen, where 17,150 turkeys were culled.

FDA: an update on progress in implementing the Egg Safety Rule

20.04.2013

With permission from Dr Simon M. Shane: Egg-cite.com

Ms. Nicole Clausen of the FDA provided an update on progress in implementing the Egg Safety Rule at the 2013 Egg Industry Forum held in Saint Louis April 16th-17th. During the period January through September 31st 2012 (nine-month period), the FDA carried out 64 new inspections and 31 follow-up inspections. The latter were motivated by Voluntary Action or Required Action letters. Of the 187 drag samples collected during inspections, seven yielded SE. During the nine-month period, 48 No Action inspections were recorded. There were 35 Voluntary Action and 18 Required Action inspections. There were 36 FDA Form 483s issued and 17 warning letters. There were neither injunctions nor seizures during the period under review. Ms. Clausen reviewed the major reasons leading to a Form 483 report

Avian Influenza discovered at Suffolk poultry farm

18.04.2013

A case of Avian Influenza has been identified at a site in East Anglia. Initial tests on the poultry have ruled out the H5 or H7 strains. The outbreak was confirmed at the Bernard Matthews farm at Ubbeston in Suffolk, a short distance from the turkey farm near Halesworth where the 2007 outbreak took place, prompting the slaughter of 159,000 birds. 5,000 turkeys involved, are used as breeding stock.

USA: Incidence and Trends of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food, 1996–2012

18.04.2013

MMWR April 19, 2013 / 62(15);283-287

Foodborne diseases are an important public health problem in the United States. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) conducts surveillance in 10 U.S. sites for all laboratory-confirmed infections caused by selected pathogens transmitted commonly through food to quantify them and monitor their incidence. This report summarizes 2012 preliminary surveillance data and describes trends since 1996. A total of 19,531 infections, 4,563 hospitalizations, and 68 deaths associated with foodborne diseases were reported in 2012. For most infections, incidence was highest among children aged <5 years; the percentage of persons hospitalized and the percentage who died were highest among persons aged ≥65 years. In 2012, compared with the 2006–2008 period, the overall incidence of infection was unchanged, and the estimated incidence of infections caused by Campylobacter and Vibrio increased. These findings highlight the need for targeted action to address food safety gaps.

Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 associated with duck eggs, Ireland 2009 to 2011

18.04.2013

Eurosurveillance, Volume 18, Issue 16, 18 April 2013

Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 was a very rare cause of human illness in Ireland between 2000 and 2008, with only four human isolates from three patients being identified. Over a 19-month period between August 2009 and February 2011, 34 confirmed cases and one probable case of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 were detected, all of which had an Multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) pattern 2-10-NA-12-212 or a closely related pattern. The epidemiological investigations strongly supported a link between illness and exposure to duck eggs. Moreover, S. Typhimurium with an MLVA pattern indistinguishable (or closely related) to the isolates from human cases, was identified in 22 commercial and backyard duck flocks, twelve of which were linked with known human cases. A range of control measures were taken at farm level, and advice was provided to consumers on the hygienic handling and cooking of duck eggs.

South Africa: HPAI in Western Cape

15.04.2013

The South African veterinary authorities have reported two outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 in Western Cape Province, affecting commercial ostriches.

China’s H7N9 avian influenza spread west to the central province of Henan

14.04.2013

In total 60 people have been infected and 13 have died of the disease since Chinese authorities announced two weeks ago they had found H7N9 in humans for the first time.

H7N9 found outside eastern China

13.04.2013

A girl in the northern Chinese capital of Beijing had tested positive for H7N9 avian influenza, in the first reported case outside the region surrounding the eastern city of Shanghai. The girl is being treated in the Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing, capital of China. The child is in stable condition.

A novel avian origin influenza A (H7N9) virus

12.04.2013

Gao et al (2013) NEJM

Phylogenetic analysis of all genes of the isolates showed that each gene was of avian origin. The gene encoding hemagglutinin (HA) shared the highest identity with A/duck/Zhejiang/12/2011(H7N3). The gene encoding neuraminidase (NA) protein was most closely related to A/wild bird/Korea/A14/2011 (H7N9). All six internal genes shared the highest similarity with A/brambling/ Beijing/16/2012-like viruses (H9N2).

Human case confirmed H7N9 Type Influenza

12.04.2013

Update on H7N9 cases across China: So far, China has reported a total of 40 H7N9 cases, including 10 which ended in fatalities. A total of 20 cases, including 7 ending in fatalities, have been reported in Shanghai. 12 cases, including one death, have been reported in Jiangsu, and two cases, including one death, in Anhui. 9 cases have been reported in Zhejiang, with two deaths.

H7N1 in ostriches in South Africa

10.04.2013

An outbreak of avian influenza H7N1 has hit an ostrich farm near Oudtshoorn in South Africa. The outbreak has prompted restrictions on the movement of ostriches and their products in the Western Cape province.

The European Union Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Food-borne Outbreaks in 2011

10.04.2013

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) analysed the information submitted by 27 European Union Member States on the occurrence of zoonoses and food-borne outbreaks in 2011. Campylobacteriosis was the most commonly reported zoonosis with 220,209 confirmed human cases. The occurrence of Campylobacter continued to be high in broiler meat at EU level. The decreasing trend in confirmed salmonellosis cases in humans continued with a total of 95,548 cases in 2011. Most Member States met their Salmonella reduction targets for poultry, and Salmonella is declining in these populations.

Epidemiological situation of avian influenza in Italy

10.04.2013

Epidemiological Situation 2012: In 2012, a total of 16 outbreaks of LPAI virus were identified. All, except one, were caused by H5 subtype; one H7 LPAI subtype was detected in a rural farm in Emilia Romagna region. H5 epidemics involved 7 regions and 15 farms.8 out of 15 outbreaks were identified in industrial sector (6 meat type turkeys and 2 laying hens); instead 7 were identified in rural sector.

H7N9 in China: Global total climbs to 16 cases

06.04.2013

2013 Human Case List for Confirmed and Suspected H7N9 Type Influenza. 16 infections, which includes 6 deaths. No evidence of human-to-human spread has been detected. Five of the patients had contact with animals, four with poultry and one with pigs. The average age of the 16 H7N9-confirmmed cases is 52 years with 63% male.

China begins poultry cull after H7N9 found in poultry and pigeons

05.04.2013

Authorities in Shanghai began the mass slaughter of poultry at a market after the H7N9 avian influenza virus, was confirmed in chickens and pigeons from Shanghai markets. The live poultry trading areas of two markets were closed after separate samples showed evidence of the virus.

A review of Foodborne illness in the USA

05.04.2013

By: DeWaal, and Glassman CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest)

Every year, one in six Americans - 48 million people - contract a foodborne illness from contaminated food. Of these, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die. While the vast majority of foodborne illnesses are isolated cases, this report analyzes outbreaks - clusters of two or more illnesses resulting from the same contaminated food source. This report analyzes the most recent ten years of outbreak data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), covering 2001‐2010. For this report, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has analyzed 4,229 foodborne disease outbreaks occurring between 2001 and 2010 that were identified by the CDC and other sources. These outbreaks were responsible for 106,635 cases of foodborne illness. Although the CDC collects and publishes outbreaks with incomplete investigation data, for this report CSPI only analyzed those outbreaks with investigations in which both the contaminated food and the foodborne contaminant were

China: Fourth death from H7N9 avian influenza

04.04.2013

A fourth person has died (Man, 48, engaged in chickens and ducks transportation work - Jiangsu province) of H7N9 avian influenza infection and another person (A 64-year-old farmer from Wuxing district in Huzhou city , hospitalized March 29, Zhejiang province) is in hospital after contracting the virus. These infections bring the death toll to four and the total number of reported cases of humans infected with the virus to 11.

China: H7N9 detected from Pigeons

04.04.2013

China's agricultural authorities said the infectious H7N9 avian influenza virus has been detected from pigeon samples collected at a marketplace in Shanghai. After gene sequence analysis, the national avian flu reference laboratory concluded that the strain of the H7N9 virus found on pigeons was highly congenetic with those found on persons infected with H7N9 virus.

China: Additional three cases of human H7N9

04.04.2013

Additional three cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian influenza cases in Shanghai: - 67-year-old woman, who is in critical condition; Shanghai - 52-year-old female patient who passed away on April 3. Shanghai. - Child, 4-year-old, mild case. Shanghai

China: Two New H7N9 Cases

03.04.2013

The Zhejiang Provincial Health Department issued notification, the province confirmed two cases of human infection with the H7N9 avian flu cases in which patients died. The two (38 and 67 years old) cases were male.

China reports 4 more human cases of H7N9

02.04.2013

China reported today that four more people in one province have been seriously sickened by H7N9 avian influenza virus. The health bureau of eastern Jiangsu province said three women and a retired man from different cities in the province were all critically ill with the H7N9 virus. The diagnosis was confirmed by the provincial disease prevention center.

China: first known human deaths from H7N9 avian influenza strain

31.03.2013

Three cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza have been detected recently in Shanghai and Anhui Province, and two of them have died, the other being in a critical condition. The victims include an 87-year-old male in Shanghai who got sick on Feb. 19 and died on March 4, a 27-year-old male in Shanghai who became ill on Feb. 27 and died on March 10, and a 35-year-old female in Chuzhou City of Anhui who became ill on March 9 and is now in a critical condition.

Egypt: Confirmed H5 HPAI outbreak in a human, Menofia

25.03.2013

FAO

A 40-year old female from Bagoor District, Menofia Governorate developed symptoms on 3 March 2013 and tested positive for influenza A (H5N1) virus by RT-PCR at the Central Public Health Laboratories (NIC) on 11 March 2013. Investigations into the source of infection revealed that the case had close contact with sick and dead backyard poultry (ducks and chickens) a few days before the onset of symptoms.

H5N1 LPAI in Germany

25.03.2013

The German veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of LPAI H5N1 at a poultry farm located in North Rhine-Westphalia. Hong Kong has banned the import of poultry and poultry products, including poultry eggs, from North Rhine-Westphalia State, Germany.

A case of Newcastle disease in Israel

24.03.2013

The Israeli Veterinary Services reports a new case of Newcastle disease in northern Israel - Nahalal. The case was diagnosed in a breeder flock (Egg type breeders of 35 weeks old). ~ 10,000 birds were culled.

Mexico reports 13 new H7N3 outbreaks

24.03.2013

Highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza has killed more than 400,000 poultry on nine farms and in four village flocks in Jalisco and Guanajuato states in Mexico, according to a Mar 23 report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Five of the nine affected farms are in Guanajuato, but the farm that houses almost 400,000 of the infected birds is in Jalisco.

Another avian influenza case found on Dutch poultry farm

20.03.2013

Avian Influenza, was detected on an organic poultry farm with 24,000 hens in Zeewolde. The virus strain is a LPAI H7. From yesterday afternoon, a transport ban of poultry, eggs and poultry manure has been imposed in an area of over 1 km around the farm in Zeewolde, Flevoland province. Within this area, there are no other poultry farms.

The Netherlands: New Notification of Avian Influenza

18.03.2013

Early Warning: Small decrease of production, feed and water intake. Small increase of dead animals on a poultry farm with laying hens. No clinical signs. Positive H7 in serology samples of in laying hens. The Poultry Farm: 24.000 Laying hens in 2 barns with free range capability

Avian influenza H7 detected in the Netherlands

13.03.2013

The case of avian influenza encountered in chickens was most probably H7N7 and around 85,000 chickens are to be destroyed, according to a statement made by the Dutch Ministry of Economy. Authorities said Wednesday they had detected avian influenza Lochem province of Gelderland state.

Avian Influenza in Western Australia

08.03.2013

One duck from a flock of backyard poultry (ducks and chickens) was found to be infected with low pathogenic avian influenza H5. 95 backyard birds were euthanased. The N type is yet to be determined.

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N7 in poultry in Germany

07.03.2013

Case Landkreis Soest, Lippstadt-Hörste, LPAI H7N7 confirmed 07.03.2013 Outbreak holding: 11 poultry (3 chicken, 5 geese, 3 ducks), 2 peacocks and 1 ostrich: free-ranged. H7-suspicion following death of ostrich; LPAI-H7N7 (ostrich) confirmed.

Mexico: 1.2 million birds slaughtered due to avian influenza

28.02.2013

More than a million chickens infected with avian influenza were slaughtered. Investigators detected the H7N3 virus in 18 farms in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. More than 2.1 million chickens had been killed -- including 519,000 commercial layers, 722,265 breeders and 900,000 broilers.

Second avian influenza death in China

23.02.2013

A man in southwestern China has died of avian influenza, becoming the second fatality from the H5N1 virus this year. The 31-year-old died in hospital in the city of Guiyang.

EU: Information on the Newcastle disease situation in Israel

22.02.2013

The Commission distributed document SANCO/7011/2013 containing the Commission's request to Israel for detailed information about the current Newcastle disease situation in that country and the control measures taken since outbreaks are re-occurring since the middle of December 2012. In reply, the Israeli authorities list several measures that are or should be put in place to improve the control of the disease in the near future including an envisaged ban of restocking of poultry on farms that do not comply with the hygiene requirements.

Cambodia: another H5N1 case

21.02.2013

A 20-month-old Cambodian boy has died of H5N1 avian influenza in a village near the residence of the country's previous case-patient, marking the eighth H5N1 case and seventh H5N1 death in the nation this year. The boy, from Ang Romduol village in Kampot province, was found positive for H5N1 on Feb 19 by the country's Pasteur Institute. He developed a fever and runny nose on Feb 6 and was first treated by local practitioners, but he was transferred on Feb 18 to Kantha Bopha Hospital in Phnom Penh when his condition worsened.

Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Chicken

15.02.2013

CDC

CDC investigates a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections. Since June 4, 2012, a total of 124 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 12 states. Most of the ill persons have been reported from two states, Washington (56) and Oregon (38). At this time, CDC is not releasing the names of the other states until it is determined how these illnesses are linked to this outbreak. Among 124 persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from June 4, 2012, to January 6, 2013. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year to 94 years, with a median age of 23 years. Fifty-five percent of ill persons are female. Among 97 persons with available information, 31 (32%) reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Ill persons continue to be reported at lower levels in the most recent months, which may represent a “winter lull” in Salmonella infections.

Germany: H5N1 in a duck farm

15.02.2013

A case of H5N1 avian influenza (Low pathogenic avian influenza virus) had been discovered during initial tests on a duck farm near Seelow in the eastern state of Brandenburg. The initial finding was confirmed by a state laboratory, and final tests are currently being carried out.

Mexico: new cases of avian influenza

15.02.2013

Industrias Bachoco, Mexico’s biggest chicken producer, reports possible cases of H7N3 avian influenza at five of its breeder farms in Guanajuato. The company has nearly one hundred breeder farms dispersed along the country which produce hatching eggs for producing chickens.

A H5N1 patient dies in China

13.02.2013

One of two people confirmed by the Ministry of Health to have contracted avian influenza H5N1 died in a hospital in southwest China's city of Guiyang. The patient, a 21-year-old woman, died of multiple organ failure at the Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital. The woman and the other patient, a 31-year-old man, are both Guiyang residents.

China: two human cases of H5N1

10.02.2013

China on Sunday reported two human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in the country's southwestern city of Guiyang, the Ministry of Health announced. A 21-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, who developed symptoms on February 2 and 3, respectively, tested positive for H5N1 virus.

Sixth new human case of avian influenza H5N1 in Cambodia in 2013

08.02.2013

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia reports one new more case of avian influenza that has been confirmed positive for the H5N1 virus. The sixth case is a a 5-year-old girl from Angk Krasang village, Prey Lvea commune, Prey Kabass district in Takeo province has been diagnosed with H5N1 influenza on 7th February 2013 by Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. She developed symptoms on 25th January 2013 with fever, cough, and vomiting. She was initially treated by local private practitioners. Her condition worsened and she was admitted to Kantha Bopha Hospital on 31st February with fever, cough, and dyspnoea.

Study: Organic chicken are far more often contaminated with Campylobacter

05.02.2013

Rosenquist et al (2013) Journal of Food Microbiology

A Danish study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that contamination with Campylobacter species was nearly three times as common in chilled organic broiler chicken carcasses than in chilled conventional broiler carcasses, and the relative risk of becoming ill from exposure to the bacteria in organic carcasses was 1.7 times higher. C jejuni was the species most frequently isolated. In contaminated samples, the mean concentration of Campylobacter did not differ appreciably between the two groups.

WHO confirms 5 H5N1 cases in Cambodia

01.02.2013

WHO

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Cambodia reported five new human cases of avian influenza that were confirmed positive for the H5N1 virus in January 2013. Case details include an 8 month old male from Phnom Penh with onset 9 Jan 2013, a 17 year old female from Takeo Province with onset 11 January, a 35 year old male from Kong Pisey district, Kampong Speu Province with onset 13 January, a 17 month old female from Kong Pisey district, Kampong Speu Province with onset 13 January and a 9 year old female from Toeuk Chhou district, Kampot province with onset on 15 January 2013.

Israel: New outbreaks of Newcastle disease

30.01.2013

New outbreaks of Newcastle disease were reported by the Israeli Veterinary Services:

Cambodia reports two new avian influenza deaths

29.01.2013

Two Cambodian girls have died from avian influenza, raising the toll from the deadly infection in the kingdom to four so far this year. The victims, a 17-month-old girl and a nine-year-old girl, from the southern provinces of Kampot and Kampong Speu, died Monday in hospital.

HPAI H5N1 in Hong Kong

29.01.2013

Hong Kong reports an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in a black-headed gull or Larus ridibundus (Laridae). According to the report, a black-headed gull was collected on 25 January 2013 at Mouse Island children’s playground, Hoi Wing Road, Tuen Mun.

Cambodia: 3 avian influenza cases, 2 fatal

26.01.2013

The Cambodian Ministry of Health (MoH) reported three new human cases of avian influenza, two of them fatal, in the first three weeks of this year. The cases are among the first reported in 2013 for the H5N1 virus. WHO and Cambodia's health ministry announced that a 15-year-old girl in a village in southeastern Takeo province and a 35-year-old man in central Kampong Speu province died after being hospitalized with H5N1. An 8-month-old boy in the capital, Phnom Penh, was treated and survived.

CDC: Salmonella cause of most foodborne-illness outbreaks

25.01.2013

Known pathogens cause an estimated 9.4 million foodborne illnesses annually in the United States. During 2009–2010, a total of 1,527 foodborne disease outbreaks (675 in 2009 and 852 in 2010) were reported, resulting in 29,444 cases of illness, 1,184 hospitalizations, and 23 deaths. Among the 790 outbreaks with a single laboratory confirmed etiologic agent, Norovirus was the most commonly reported, accounting for 42% of outbreaks. Salmonella was second, accounting for 30% of outbreaks. Among the 299 outbreaks attributed to a food composed of ingredients from one of 17 predefined, mutually exclusive food commodities, those most often implicated were beef (13%), dairy (12%), Fish (12%), and poultry (11%). The commodities associated with the most outbreak-related illnesses were eggs with 2,231 illnesses (27%), beef with 928 (11%), and poultry with 826 (10%). The pathogen commodity pairs responsible for the most outbreak-related Illnesses were Salmonella in eggs (2,231illnesses). The pathog

Newcastle disease in Bulgaria

23.01.2013

Poultry in southern Bulgarian village to be slaughtered due to Newcastle disease The poultry in the southern Bulgarian village of Zvinitsa, district of Kardzhali, will be slaughtered due to Newcastle disease, announced the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.

BBC Highlights Dangers of Campylobacter in Chickens

22.01.2013

The BBC show Countryfile recently did a show highlighting the dangers of Campylobacter, which according to industry experts may be greatly underestimated. Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK and incidents are on the increase, with hundreds of thousands of people infected every year. The FSA (Food Standards Agency) is concerned about the level of Campylobacter found on fresh chicken and did a test in UK shops and supermarkets. The tests revealed that nearly two thirds of all the chicken sold was contaminated. With the increase in the amount of chicken being sold this also means that there is an increase in the risk to the consumer coming into contact with Campylobacter.

Taiwan: two outbreaks of LPAI, H5N2

21.01.2013

Two outbreaks of H5N2 LPAI were reported in poultry farms in Taiwan. The first in Ma-Gong, Penghu in 1,206 native chickens and 5 turkeys. The second in Zao-Ciao, Miaoli in 237 native chickens, 19 ducks and 12 geese. Hong Kong announced that import of poultry eggs from Miaoli County would be banned with immediate effect whereas import of those from Penghu County has been banned since November 23 last year.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Denmark

18.01.2013

Wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were shot on 14 December 2012 at Hylleslev Enge in Varde Kommune in Jutland. A pool of 5 mallards were found positive by PCR and sequence analyse on 18 January 2013.

Germany: Low pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 and H5N3 in poultry and other captive birds

16.01.2013

06.12.2012: Case Landkreis Kassel, Hofgeismar, LPAI H5N2. Outbreak holding: 90 captive birds (25 ducks, 11 geese, 4 chicken, 50 pigeons); free-ranged; pigeons in seperate epidemiological unit; Birds only kept for purpose of exhibitions during routine exhibition-monitoring: 2 samples positive. 20.12.2012: Case Kreis Stormarn, LPAI H5N3, poultry. Outbreak holding: 1522 (1178 laying hens, 318 geese, 26 other chickens), free-ranged; during routine monitoring test: 15 geese tested positive. 30.12.2012: Case Landkreis Waldeck-Frankenberg, LPAI H5N2, poultry. Outbreak holding: 59 (poultry: 50 ducks, 1 goose, 8 chicken); free-ranged; 3 ducks fell ill and 2 died.

Adenoviral gizzard erosion in broiler chickens in Germany

13.01.2013

Schade et al (2013) Av Dis

Avian adenovirus infections cause important disease complexes in chickens but many of the viruses also infect chicken without resulting in overt disease. Previously, several outbreaks of gizzard erosions caused by a fowl adenovirus A serotype-1 (FAdV-1) were reported from Japan. this study reports an outbreak of gizzard erosions in 12 broiler flocks in Germany in 2011. Chickens had a reduced daily weight gain and a higher total mortality rate of up to 8%. The birds showed a severe detachment of the koilin layer and ulcerative to necrotizing lesions of the underlying mucosa. Histopathologically, necrotizing ventriculitis with basophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies in epithelial cells was diagnosed. Immunohistochemistry, egg culture and electron microscopic examination revealed adenovirus-like particles in the samples. No concurrent infectious agent could be identified.

Avian Influenza Found in New York Live Bird Market

11.01.2013

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed H5N1 (presumably low pathogenic) from a live bird market in New York. According to USDA’s agreement with Taiwan, FSIS has been notified to amend the FSIS Export Library to state that the export of poultry meat and meat products from the State of New York to Taiwan is prohibited effective immediately. This is also the situation for Japan. Japan’s avian influenza bans cover product produced from birds from farms in the banned state, as well as from birds slaughtered/eggs laid in the state; product processed in the state; and product that was stored in or transited the state, except after final packaging for FSIS meat products and after official sealing for table shell eggs.

FDA Warns 2 Producers on Egg Safety

10.01.2013

Two large egg producers have received warning letters from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which said that some of their facilities are violating shell egg safety rules aimed at preventing salmonella contamination. The producers are Midwest Poultry Services of Mentone, Ind., and SKS Enterprises Inc., in Lodi, California. The main violations at Midwest Poultry were that the firm failed to implement portions of its Salmonella Enteritidis prevention plan, to use appropriate rodent control in four layer houses, and to maintain documentation for complying with refrigeration requirements. For the SKS Enterprises farms, the violations varied by facility and included, for example, deviations from Salmonella Enteritidis testing protocols and failure to prevent wild birds from entering the poultry houses.

Mexico reports avian influenza outbreaks at two egg farms

09.01.2013

Mexico reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza at two egg farms. The cases were resolved after the culling of nearly 300,000 birds. The virus emerged in two egg farms located in the central state of Aguascalientes. The virus strain involved is a H7N3. Outbreaks of H7N3 occurred lately in Mexico in the northeastern part of the state of Jalisco, which is near Aguascalientes.

CDC: Campylobacter Infection in Poultry-Processing Workers, Virginia, USA, 2008–2011

09.01.2013

Emerging Infectious Diseases, January 2013

Campylobacter infection, affects an estimated 2.4 million persons each year and is most often associated with sporadic illness rather than outbreaks. Transmission typically occurs through consumption of undercooked poultry or handling of raw poultry. As part of a health hazard evaluation requested by plant management, CDC conducted a study at a Virginia poultry plant that employed about 1,000 workers and processed up to 350,000 birds per day. Between January 2008 and May 2011, researchers found 29 cases of laboratory-diagnosed Campylobacter infections in plant employees. Most of the cases occurred among employees who worked in the live-hang area where chickens are hanging by their feet in a shackle conveyor.

Influenza A (H15N4) Virus Isolation in Western Siberia, Russia

04.01.2013

Sivay et al (2012) J Virol

The rarely identified influenza A viruses of H15 hemagglutinin subtype have been isolated exclusively in Australia. Here a group of Russian and US researchers report the isolation of an H15N4 influenza A virus (A/teal/Chany/7119/2008) in Western Siberia, Russia. During routine surveillance from May through September 2008, investigators collected 1,445 cloacal swab samples from healthy wild birds, from which 25 avian flu viruses were isolated. One of these, from a common teal (Anas crecca), was subtyped as H15N4, the first time an H15 strain has been confirmed outside of Australia.

New outbreaks of Newcastle disease in southern Israel

02.01.2013

Two outbreaks of Newcastle disease were reported today by The Israeli Veterinary Services: Kvutzat Yavne: A 30 week-old broiler breeder flock. Noam: A 9 week-old turkey flock.