Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2014

Hong Kong to cull thousands of chickens over avian influenza

31.12.2014

Hong Kong authorities have announced that they will slaughter thousands of chickens in an effort to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza in the city. Authorities will cull 15,000 chickens following the discovery of H7N9 virus in poultry imported from mainland China. A group of chickens imported from the nearby Chinese city of Huizhou tested positive for H7N9. The tests were carried out after a previous group of chickens from the same area tested positive for the H7 strain of the virus.

Japan: Third avian influenza outbreak

30.12.2014

An outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed at a farm in the Japanese prefecture of Yamaguchi. The local government began culling 37,000 chickens. This is the third confirmed outbreak of avian influenza in Japan this winter and the fifth outbreak this year. The two previous outbreaks both occurred in the eastern Miyazaki Prefecture. On 16 December, avian influenza was found in the city of Nobeoka. It was also discovered in a farm near Miyazaki on Sunday, 29 December, leading to 42,000 chickens being culled.

Libya: Four die of avian influenza

28.12.2014

Four people have died after contracting H5N1 avian influenza in Libya over the last few days. It seems strange as no avian influenza cases were reported lately in poultry in Libya. A fifth person is also suspected to have contracted the disease and is currently being treated at a hospital in the eastern city of Tobruk.

Japan: avian influenza in Miyazaki

28.12.2014

42,000 chickens have been slaughtered on a farm in the city of Miyazaki after H5 avian influenza was confirmed. This is the second time a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain has been confirmed in Japan this year.

Russia: H5N8 in a Eurasian Wigeon

26.12.2014

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 was identified in a sample (trachea) from hunted healthy Eurasian Wigeon through monitoring activities organized by Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor).

Taiwan: Avian influenza H5 in Jiaoxi

26.12.2014

Taiwan reported an outbreak of avian influenza. The outbreak in Jiaoxi Township in Yilan County involves subclinical low-pathogenicity H5 avian influenza in 20 ducks on a breeder farm housing 2,600 birds.

Canada: Avian influenza at a backyard flock in Aldergrove

25.12.2014

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says a non-commercial farm of ducks, chickens, geese and turkeys (85 birds) in Aldergrove, B.C., has been infected with avian influenza H5N2.

Human H5N6 in China

24.12.2014

China reports a second human case of H5N6 avian influenza, in a 58-year-old man in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The first case, in early May, was in Sichuan province and proved fatal. The H5N6 patient is hospitalized in critical condition in Guangzhou.

H5N8 Found in Backyard Poultry in Oregon

20.12.2014

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5N8 avian influenza in guinea fowl and chickens from a small backyard poultry flock in Winston, Oregon. The flock of approximately 100 birds has access to the outdoors. A pond and a marsh on the premises are frequented by migratory birds.

B.C. avian influenza virus related to lethal strain in Asia

19.12.2014

Scientists at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) have confirmed that the virus detected in BC poultry is highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2. This virus contains gene segments from the highly pathogenic Eurasian H5N8 virus, including the H5 gene, and segments from typical North American viruses, including the N2 gene. This is the first time a Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic H5 virus has caused an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry in North America.

EFSA: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A subtype H5N8

18.12.2014

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 outbreaks in poultry farms have been reported in Asia and Europe since January and November 2014, respectively. The entry of HPAI H5N8 into Europe and its subsequent spread within Europe are two separate events with possibly different transmission vectors. Following epidemiological investigations of infected poultry holdings, there is not yet a clear indication of the source of the virus. There are no known direct bird migration routes from Asia to western Europe. It has been hypothesised that long-distance transmission of HPAI viruses could occur as a result of cross-infection between different birds in north Eurasian breeding areas, but this hypothesis needs further investigation. HPAI H5N8 has been detected in wild bird populations in Germany and the Netherlands. Direct contact between wild birds and farmed birds in the affected holdings was unlikely.

Germany: H5N8 in Cloppenburg

17.12.2014

German authorities have confirmed a case of H5N8 avian influenza at a turkey farm in the north western state of Lower Saxony. 19 thousand poultry at the turkey farm and 12 thousand others in another farm would be slaughtered. Lower Saxony is home to the largest number poultry manufacturers among the German federal states.

Japan: a new outbreak of avian influenza

16.12.2014

Japan ordered the culling of about 4,000 chickens following an outbreak of avian influenza at one of the country’s poultry farms. H5 strain owas diagnosed.

Canada: Avian influenza spreads to egg-laying farm in Langley

16.12.2014

The avian influenza outbreak in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver has spread to an egg farm in Langley. As a result 53,000 egg-producing layers will have to be destroyed.

Italy: First case of H5N8

16.12.2014

Italy reports avian influenza H5N8 in a turkey farm in Porto Viro, Veneto. 32,000 birds will be culled.

USA: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Whatcom County

16.12.2014

As a precaution and in response to the recent HPAI outbreak in Canada, surveillance of poultry premises and of wild bird mortality events was enhanced by the USDA, and State personnel along the United States - Canadian Border. Through this surveillance, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 was identified in wild birds. Two serotypes were identified on enhanced surveillance, both with amino acid sequence at the HA cleavage site consistent with HPAI, H5N8 and H5N2. H5N8 was identified in a captive wild gyrfalcon that was fed hunter killed wild birds from Whatcom County, Washington and H5N2 was identified in a wild pintail duck also from Whatcom County, Washington.

9th case of H5N2 avian influenza in BC

14.12.2014

The avian influenza outbreak in southwest British Columbia has spread to nine farms. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the virus was confirmed at an Abbotsford farm and it affects about 7,000 chickens.

H5N2 confirmed at 3 more British Columbia poultry farms

11.12.2014

Canada confirmed H5N2 avian influenza in three additional poultry farms, in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, bringing the total number of affected birds to 155,000. There are now seven farms affected. Eight countries, including the U.S., have temporarily closed their borders to B.C. and Canadian poultry products since the virus was confirmed last week.

Antimicrobial Resistance: this crisis can be avoided

11.12.2014

The damaging effects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are already manifesting themselves across the world. Antimicrobial-resistant infections currently claim at least 50,000 lives each year across Europe and the US alone, with many hundreds of thousands more dying in other areas of the world. Global consumption of antibiotics in human medicine rose by nearly 40% between 2000 and 2010, but this figure masks patterns of declining usage in some countries and rapid growth in others.

Japan: Farms on high alert for avian influenza outbreak

05.12.2014

Regions where migrant birds carrying avian influenza virus were confirmed: Yasugi (Shimane prefecture)- Bewick's swan droppings Tattori- Duck droppings Izumi (Kagoshima prefecture)- White naped crane Nagara (Chiba prefecture)- Duck droppings

Reassortant Highly Pathogenic Influenza A(H5N6) Virus in Laos

04.12.2014

Emerg Infect Dis Vol. 21 (3) - March 2015

In March 2014, avian influenza in poultry in Laos was caused by an emergent influenza A(H5N6) virus. Genetic analysis indicated that the virus had originated from reassortment of influenza A(H5N1), clade 2.3.2.1b, variant clade 2.3.4, and influenza A(H6N6) viruses that circulate broadly in duck populations in southern and eastern China.

Avian influenza quarantine expands to 4 Fraser Valley farms

04.12.2014

Two further farms are under quarantine and it's possible more farms may be added in the coming days. Both the two new broiler chicken farms under quarantine received birds on some days ago directly from the Chilliwack farm where the disease was discovered on the weekend.

Canada: Avian influenza detected at 2 Fraser Valley poultry farms

03.12.2014

The H5 avian influenza virus has been detected on two poultry farms in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver. Testing found the virus at a turkey farm in Abbotsford and a broiler chicken breeding facility in Chilliwack. The two farms were placed under quarantine. Heavy mortality was observed in the two affected farms. The two farms are about eight kilometres apart, on either side of the Vedder River.

The Netherlands: avian influenza in wild ducks

02.12.2014

Researchers have found avian influenza in wild ducks near Kamerik in Woerden. They found the H5 type in two samples of droppings taken from wild ducks. The infected ducks are wigeon.

Another outbreak of avian influenza in the Netherlands

30.11.2014

Avian influenza has been detected on a poultry farm at Zoeterwoude, where some 28,000 laying hens are affected. The birds are infected with the H5 strain, it’s not yet known the full classification.

UK: Retail survey on levels of campylobacter in chicken

28.11.2014

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the cumulative results from the first two quarters of its year-long survey of campylobacter on fresh chickens. 18% of chickens tested positive for campylobacter above the highest level of contamination*. 70% of chickens tested positive for the presence of campylobacter. 6% of packaging tested positive for the presence of campylobacter with only one sample at the highest level of contamination (>1,000 cfu/g). [* Above 1,000 colony forming units per gram (>1,000 cfu/g). These units indicate the degree of contamination on each sample].

India: Avian influenza in Kerala

25.11.2014

India has found two outbreaks of a highly contagious avian influenza virus (H5) in the southern state of Kerala, prompting the authorities to cull more than 200,000 birds. 15,000 ducks died in Kottayam and another 500 in nearby Alappuzha, the first cases of the disease in the country since February this year.

Germany reports second case of avian influenza H5N8

23.11.2014

German authorities confirmed a second case of the H5N8 strain of Avian influenza in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with the virus found in a wild goose.

Japan: H5N8 AI has been detected in duck droppings

22.11.2014

A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been detected in duck droppings in the town of Nagara in Chiba Prefecture. This is the second discovery of a highly pathogenic bird flu virus in the country this season, following one in Shimane Prefecture.

Two new cases of avian influenza in the Netherlands

20.11.2014

Two new cases of avian influenza H5N8 were reported today. The first case has been confirmed at a chicken farm in the village of Ter Aar, in South Holland province, 15 miles from a farm where thousands of chickens were slaughtered this week following a bird flu infection. All 43,000 chickens are being slaughtered.

Avian influenza at UK same strain as in Germany and Netherlands

19.11.2014

The strain of avian influenza found on a duck-breeding farm in the UK is the same as the one recently identified in the Netherlands and Germany. The H5N8 strain can potentially affect humans.

UK: Avian influenza in Yorkshire

17.11.2014

A case of avian influenza has been confirmed at a duck breeding farm in east Yorkshire. A cull of all ducks (6000) is being carried out at the site and an exclusion zone is in place.

Avian Influenza H5N8 in the Netherlands

16.11.2014

Dutch authorities said they had found the H5N8 strain of avian influenza at a poultry farm in the central Netherlands, the same highly contagious strain as found this month in Germany and which has prompted massive poultry culls in South Korea. 150,000 chickens, commercial laying hens, were culled at the farm in the village of Hekendorp (Utrecht province).

Avian influenza A(H5N6): an emerging zoonotic avian influenza threats in East and Southeast Asia

15.11.2014

Outbreaks of H5N6 avian influenza in Asian poultry may be an emerging public health threat (FAO). The recently emerged Asian H5N6 strain is a highly pathogenic AI virus, which causes severe clinical signs in poultry and associated mortality. The first poultry outbreak caused by H5N6 was reported in Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, China, on 4 May 2014. Genetic sequences demonstrate that the virus was already present in China several months prior to notification, though no outbreak was officially reported; the virus had been isolated from an environmental sample collected on 20 December 2013 in a live poultry market in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province and from a duck in Guangdong Province in March 2014. Shortly after, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam both reported two and seven H5N6 poultry outbreaks, respectively, with initial outbreak observation in March 2014 in Lao People’s Democratic Republic and in April 2014 in Viet Nam.

Japan: Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus detected in Shimane

14.11.2014

A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has been found in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. The H5N8 subtype was detected from two samples of droppings of migratory Bewick’s swans that were collected Nov. 3. The H5N8 subtype is the same virus strain as the avian influenza that broke out at a poultry farm in Kumamoto Prefecture in April.

H9N2 influenza virus in China: a cause of concern

14.11.2014

Yipeng Sun & Jinhua Liu (2014) Protein Cell

H9N2 influenza virus has become endemic in different types of terrestrial poultry in multiple countries on the Eurasian continent, resulting in great economic losses due to reduced egg production or high mortality associated with co-infection with other pathogens. In China, which is regarded as an epicenter of avian influenza viruses, the H9N2 virus has been detected in multiple avian species. The first outbreak of the H9N2 influenza virus in China occurred in Guangdong province of Southern China during November 1992 to May 1994. These H9N2 viruses killed broilers with mortality of 10%–40%, and reduced the laying rates by 14%–75%. The H9N2 influenza virus is now the most revalent subtype of influenza viruses in chickens in China.

Newcastle Disease in Romania

14.11.2014

An outbreak of Newcastle Disease was reported and confirmed in Smirna in the Ialomita region of Romania. A total of 63,000 four week old broilers were infected. All remaining birds were destroyed.

The H5N8 in Germany is linked to Korean strain

11.11.2014

German researchers from the institute for animal health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, found a link between the H5N8 AI strain discovered in northeastern Germany with a strain in South Korea. The discovery of the virus on a German poultry farm near the town of Heinrichswalde led to the slaughter of about 31,000 turkeys.

Avian Influenza H5N8 in turkeys in Germany

06.11.2014

Germany to slaughter 31,000 turkeys after avian influenza detected. Some 31,000 turkeys were set to be slaughtered on Thursday after H5N8 avian influenza strain was discovered in north-eastern Germany at a farm in Heinrichswalde, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - its first confirmed case on the European continent.

Avian Influenza in China

26.10.2014

China have confirmed new cases of avian influenza strain H5N3 and H5N8. One duck sample and one environment sample were collected according to the national surveillance plan and tested positive for H5N8 in Panjin (Liaoning).

Salmonella cases linked to raw, frozen chicken entrees

24.10.2014

Six recent cases of salmonellosis in Minnesota have been linked to raw, frozen, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken entrees. The implicated product is Antioch Farms brand A La Kiev raw stuffed chicken breast. More than 14 tons is being recalled by its Illinois manufacturer as part of a federal regulatory investigation. The six cases of Salmonella infection from August and September 2014 were due to the same strain of Salmonella Enteritidis.

Foodborne Illness, Australia, Circa 2000 and Circa 2010

16.10.2014

Kirk et al (2014) Emerg Inf Dis

Foodborne disease is a major public health problem worldwide. Foodborne illness is a major public health problem and a common cause of illness and death worldwide. Outbreaks linked to contaminated food can affect the public’s trust and financially harm implicated businesses and associated food industries. Estimates of the effects of foodborne illnesses and individual pathogens provide evidence for policy interventions and food safety regulation. In addition, estimates of changes in the incidence of foodborne illnesses and hospitalizations over time provide information on the effectiveness of changes to food safety standards and regulation. In Australia in 2000, foodborne incidence, hospitalizations, and deaths were estimated to cost 1.25 billion Australian dollars annually.

Germany: Low pathogenic avian influenza

10.10.2014

An outbreak of LPAI H5N2 was reported in Laer, Steinfurt, Nordrhein-westfalen. 1730 birds were culled.

Citizen petition calls on USDA to declare Salmonella ABR strains adulterants

09.10.2014

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare four antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella (Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Heidelberg, Salmonella Hadar, Salmonella Newport, and Salmonella Typhimurium) as adulterants under federal law. In a petition filed with the agency CSPI says antibiotic-resistant (ABR) strains on meat and poultry were linked to at least 2,358 illnesses, 424 hospitalizations, and eight deaths - facts that CSPI says obligates USDA to keep those strains out of the food supply. In July, USDA denied without prejudice a 2011 CSPI petition asking the agency to declare ABR Salmonella strains that caused illnesses as adulterants in ground meat and poultry (USDA's denial of CSPI's 2011 petition came after the group filed a federal lawsuit against the agency for its failure to respond). The new petition is asking for expanded relief by covering all meat and poultry products, not just ground products.

Cost Estimates of Foodborne Illnesses

08.10.2014

The Cost Estimates of Foodborne Illnesses data product provides detailed data about the costs of major foodborne illnesses in the United States, updating and extending previous ERS research.

South Africa: H7N1 avian influenza found in ostrich farm

07.10.2014

South African officials say they have detected avian influenza on an ostrich farm in Eastern Cape Province. The H7N1 strain is of low pathogenicity.

Newcastle Disease outbreak in Sweden

05.10.2014

A new outbreak of Newcastle disease was confirmed in the Linköping, Sweden. The flock involved is a commercial laying hens, no mortality was recorded only a drop in egg production.

Dubai: Five women were infected with salmonella after eating a chocolate mousse

01.10.2014

A cook has been jailed for three months for risking the lives of five women who became sick with salmonella poisoning after serving them a salmonella contaminated chocolate mousse at a dinner cruise. A few hours after the dinner party, on a floating restaurant at Dubai Marina five women (a Syrian, an Egyptian, two Filipinas and an Indian) were said to have been rushed to different hospitals suffering from abdominal cramps, high fever and persistent diarrhoea.

Russia: Two outbreaks of H5N1

30.09.2014

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain was reported in domestic chickens, geese and ducks in two villages: Dolgovo and Ilinsky in Novochikhinsky district, the Altai Krai region near the border with Kazakhstan. Probably, hunted ducks and geese trophies had been placed in backyards where mortality occurred later in domestic birds.

NAHMS: Control of Salmonella enteritidis in Layer farms

27.09.2014

The National Animal Health Monitoring Systems (NAHMS) conducted the Layers 2013 study in summer 2013 to describe management practices relevant to Salmonella Enteritidis control and prevention, estimate the prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis, and evaluate risk factors for Salmonella Enteritidis on commercial layer farms. In 2013, layers on 89.9 percent of farms had been vaccinated against Salmonella as pullets, and birds on 9.1 percent of farms had been vaccinated against Salmonella as pullets and as layers. Only 1.0 percent of farms had birds that had not been vaccinated as pullets or as layers. Many different vaccination protocols were used, but the highest percentage of farms that vaccinated birds against Salmonella, (39.0 percent) gave two live S. typhimurium vaccines via spray, followed by a bacterin injection.

USA: Food Poisoning at Food Safety Conference

27.09.2014

The attendees of the 2014 Food Safety Summit in April were struck by food poisoning. The illnesses (216 total cases) experienced at the 2014 Food Safety Summit in Baltimore, Maryland is attributed to Clostridium perfringens. The epidemiologic findings suggest that a single exposure and agent accounted for the majority of the cases associated with this outbreak. The vehicle for infection appears to have been the chicken Marsala dish served at the April 9 lunch. Chicken Marsala could be a suitable medium for Cl. perfringens and B. cereus, and under certain conditions, growth sufficient to cause illness could occur relatively quickly.

Foster Farms recalls frozen chicken breast strips for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination

25.09.2014

Foster Farms, is recalling approximately 39,747 pounds of frozen pre-cooked chicken products - “Chicken Breast Grilled Strips” - due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The frozen Chicken Breast Grilled Strips product was produced on August 5, 2014, and then shipped to retail warehouse locations in California, Texas, Utah, and Washington state.

South Korea: new avian influenza case

24.09.2014

A case of H5N8 avian influenza was reported at a duck farm, located some 380 kilometers from the capital Seoul, in the southwestern city of Yeongam.

Laos LPAI H5N6 in poultry

16.09.2014

Low-pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza, was reported in Laos. Two birds in a flock of 200 on a poultry farm in Viengsavang, Luangprabang, showed signs of clinical disease and died, for an apparent morbidity rate of 1%. Testing by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the National Animal Health Laboratory confirmed H5N6.

Novel Influenza A(H7N2) Virus in Chickens, China, 2014

06.09.2014

Shi et al (2014) Emerg Inf Dis, 2014

Influenza subtype H7 viruses have been detected in poultry worldwide; associated human disease ranges from mild to severe. In February 2014, while investigating the source of a human infection with H7N9 virus in northern China, a group of researchers isolated subtypes H7N2 and H9N2 viruses from chickens on the patient's farm.

Human Infection with Highly Pathogenic A(H7N7) Avian Influenza Virus, Italy, 2013

05.09.2014

Puzelli et al (2014) Emerg Inf Dis

On August 14, 2013, infection caused by a highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H7N7) virus was initially detected on a layer farm in Ostellato, Ferrara Province, Italy, representing the start of an epizootic that affected another 5 poultry farms in Ferrara and Bologna Provinces (Emilia-Romagna Region) during the next 3 weeks. Nearly 1 million chickens on the 6 farms were culled. All workers (≈200) who participated in depopulating infected premises applied strict infection prevention procedures and were monitored for symptoms. Among the workers, infection with highly pathogenic A(H7N7) avian influenza virus was confirmed for 3 who had conjunctivitis but no respiratory symptoms. Genetic analyses revealed that the viruses from the humans were closely related to those from chickens on affected farms. The researchers provide further evidence of H7 subtype–specific ocular tropism.

H5N6 avian influenza strain in Vietnam

04.09.2014

Two outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza have been reported in Vietnam. The outbreaks involved village flocks. The first flock, in the Gio Linh district of Quang Tri province in north central Vietnam. The second outbreak, in Son Tinh district, Quang Ngai province in the south-central coastal part of the country.

H5N6 reported in northeast China

02.09.2014

Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has reported an outbreak of the H5N6 avian influenza virus in poultry. Over 20,000 geese at a farm in Harbin, the provincial capital, showed symptoms of avian influenza and almost 18,000 died last month.

Characterization of an H4N2 influenza virus from Quails with a multibasic motif in the hemagglutinin cleavage site

30.08.2014

Wong et al (2014) Virology 468-470 (2014) 72–80

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are classified by the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) into two pathogenicity groups: Low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses cause mild or asymptomatic infections in chickens, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses cause severe morbidity and mortality. Of the 16 influenza virus subtypes isolated from avian species to date, only some strains of H5 and H7 are classified as HPAI viruses.

Salmonella enteritidis outbreak in Europe: Is Germany the source?

28.08.2014

Sporadic or outbreak cases of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 14b reported by Austria, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in addition to one case reported in Luxembourg in a patient residing in France, appear to be linked by time of symptom onset and microbiological characteristics of isolates. Cases in Austria, France and Germany share an epidemiological link to the same egg packaging centre in southern Germany. Isolates from contaminated eggs identified in France originating from the implicated German egg packaging centre share similar molecular characteristics to the human cases. Isolates from a sample of a Salmonella-contaminated strawberry cake, identified in Germany through an investigation unrelated to this outbreak, also share similar molecular characteristics to the human cases.

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the US

28.08.2014

Low pathogenic avian influenza H7 has been detected on a breeding farm and hunting preserve containing approximately 40,000 mallard ducks and approximately 7,000 to 8,000 pheasants in Salem County in New Jersey.

Tnuva USA recalls Breaded Chicken Product for possible Listeria contamination

27.08.2014

Tnuva USA, a Fairfield, N.J., establishment is recalling approximately 8,316 pounds of Mom’s Chicken Extra Thin Cutlets product due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product was produced in Israel on August 18, 2013, and shipped to the company’s distributor in New Jersey.

International outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis affecting England, France and Austria

23.08.2014

The national salmonella outbreak which has struck down nearly 250 people across Britain could be traced back to a single source of eggs. Three people who contracted Salmonella at Birmingham hospital have died. Public Health England (PHE) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis PT14b in England that is possibly linked to outbreaks in France and Austria. Numbers of cases increased in June and July and this increase has been characterised by a series of local/regional outbreaks, primarily linked to restaurants and take aways serving Chinese food or similar cuisine. Since 1 June, localised outbreaks have occurred in Hampshire, London and Cheshire/Merseyside in addition to a largely hospital based outbreak in Birmingham. Over 200 people have been affected to date.

Denmark: Eggs recalled due to salmonella risk

22.08.2014

Food authority Fødevarestyrelsen has ordered Hedegaard Foods to recall eggs and a number of egg-based products following the discovery of salmonella in some of its goods. According to a Fødevarestyrelsen statement, the company found the bacteria in cages during its own inspections at a farm in Grindsted in central Jutland. Pasteurized egg products made by the company are also being recalled as salmonella can survive pasteurization.

Vietnam: A third H5N6 outbreak

22.08.2014

A third outbreak of H5N6 was confirmed in Vietnam. The outbreak involved a pheasants flock (498 birds) in Lao Cai province in northern Vietnam.

South Africa: LPAI H5N2 in ostriches

20.08.2014

A commercial ostrich farm, 28 birds out of 45 were found infected with the virus (H5N2 - LPAI). None of the birds have been destroyed.

Human Infection with H10N8 from Live Poultry Markets, China, 2014

15.08.2014

Emerg Infect Dis. vol 20(12) - Dec 2014

Human infection with avian influenza virus A(H10N8) was initially reported in China in December 2013. The researchers characterized H10N8 strains from a human patient and from poultry in live markets that infected persons had visited. Results of genome sequencing and virus characterization suggest that the virus strains that infected humans originated from these markets.

Vietnam: H5N6 avian influenza in poultry

13.08.2014

Two outbreaks of a H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported in poultry in two areas of Vietnam. One in April in Trang Dinh district, Lang Son province and the second in Ky Anh district of Ha Tinh province in June.

Potential Human Adaptation Mutation of Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Canada

06.08.2014

Emerg Infect Dis vol. 20 (9) - September 2014

In December 2013, influenza associated with pandemic influenza A H5N1 was reported in Canada in a patient who had traveled to China; the patient died in January 2014. In the absence of direct poultry contact by the patient, the possible route of transmission and infection, often influenced by receptor-binding properties of the virus, requires special attention. The investigators note two previously reported mutations, R189K and G221R, in the hemagglutinin protein in the virus isolated from the patient. They write that both mutations are found in the immediate receptor-binding pocket, and G225R has been known to change specificity of an H3N2 virus toward human erythrocytes. The authors note that the two receptor-binding pocket mutations were not seen in the most closely related Asian H5N1 sequences.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus from Waterfowl, South Korea, 2014

06.08.2014

Emerg Infect Dis vol. 20 (9) - September 2014

To date, 18 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes and 11 neuraminidase (NA) subtypes have been identified in influenza A viruses. Influenza A viruses containing HA subtypes 1–16 circulate in aquatic birds, whereas those harboring HA subtypes 17 and 18 are found in bats. On January 18, 2014, the government of South Korea reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus in breeding ducks in the southern part of Jeollabuk-Do Province. More than 12 million poultry have since been culled, but the spread of the virus continues in duck and chicken farms. South Korean researchers conducted a BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) search to identify the closest gene sequences of H5N8 isolates collected from waterfowl droppings in the area where the outbreak began.

UK: Campylobacter survey shows 59% of chickens are positive

05.08.2014

The FSA (Food Standard Agency) has today published the first set of quarterly results from a new survey of Campylobacter on fresh shop-bought chickens. The results show 59% of birds tested positive for the presence of Campylobacter. In 4% of samples Campylobacter was identified on the outside of the packaging. Campylobacter is killed by thorough cooking, however, it is the most common form of food poisoning in the UK, affecting an estimated 280,000 people a year. The majority of these cases come from contaminated poultry. Previous studies carried out into the prevalence of Campylobacter have also shown around two thirds of raw poultry carries Campylobacter.

CDC Declares Foster Farms-Linked Salmonella Outbreak Over

01.08.2014

A total of 634 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported from 29 states and Puerto Rico from March 1, 2013 to July 11, 2014. 38% of ill persons were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Most ill persons (77%) were reported from California. The current outbreak appears to be over as the number of reported infections has returned to the expected number for this time of year. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations indicated that consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken was the source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.

EFSA: Egg storage times

01.08.2014

Extending the storage time of eggs at home or at retail would increase Salmonella food poisoning risks, says EFSA’s latest scientific opinion on public health risks from eggs. Experts focused on the risk to consumers posed by Salmonella Enteritidis, the bacteria responsible for causing the highest number of egg-borne outbreaks in EU. EFSA’s experts looked at the consequences of extending the sell-by date and best-before date for eggs eaten on their own or as ingredients in foods. The sell-by date is the last date shops are supposed to display eggs for sale; the best-before date is the period in which the eggs maintain their best quality, for example their texture and flavour.

USDA denied a petition to classify resistant Salmonella as meat adulterant

01.08.2014

The US Department of Agriculture denied a petition seeking to treat antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella as adulterants. The petition, filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) in 2011, covers resistant strains of the Salmonella serotypes Hadar, Heidelberg, Newport, and Typhimurium. If these were deemed adulterants, the USDA would have to test for them and remove contaminated products from the food supply. the FSIS said there is no evidence that ABR strains are more heat-resistant than other strains.

USDA: New requirements aim to prevent foodborne illness

01.08.2014

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced yesterday the launch of controversial changes in its poultry inspection system that will shift some inspection duties from government to industry employees, and the agency simultaneously set new requirements designed to control Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry. The new rules would better train inspectors to find hazards in the plant and would require all companies to do additional testing for pathogens.

H5N8 Avian influenza confirmed at South Korea

29.07.2014

A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, H5N8 strain, was diagnosed at a duck farm in Hampyeong county which is in the southwestern province of South Jeolla.. Approximately 42,000 ducks at the farm were immediately culled. To prevent the virus from spreading, an additional 2,000 chickens at the poultry farms located within a 500-meter radius were also slaughtered.

Microbiological contamination of shell eggs produced in conventional and free-range housing systems

18.07.2014

Parisi et al (2015) Food Control 47:161-165

The study was conducted to determine microbiological contamination of free-range and conventional chicken eggs produced under controlled conditions. Prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter were determined on crushed egg shells and in feces collected from hens at 24 and 28 weeks of age. Counts of total aerobic microorganisms recovered from Battery cages (BC) and Free-Range (FR) eggs ranged from 5.0 to 6.0 log10 CFU/mL. Numbers of Enterobacteriaceae averaged 1.0 log CFU/mL higher (90% greater) on FR eggs than on eggs from BC hens. Salmonella was not detected on any of the eggs collected from BC hens, but prevalence on eggs collected from FR hens was 2.36% positive.

Salmonella enteritidis in England and Wales, 1945-2011

15.07.2014

In England and Wales, the emergence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis resulted in the largest and most persistent epidemic of foodborne infection attributable to a single subtype of any pathogen since systematic national microbiological surveillance was established. In a retrospective review, researchers evaluated 67 years of surveillance data to examine the features, underlying causes, and overall effects of S. enterica ser. Enteritidis. The epidemic was associated with the consumption of contaminated chicken meat and eggs, and a decline in the number of infections began after the adoption of vaccination and other measures in production and distribution of chicken meat and eggs. The researchers found that >525,000 persons became ill during the course of the epidemic, which caused a total of 6,750,000 days of illness, 27,000 hospitalizations, and 2,000 deaths.

US lab mixed up potent avian influenza strain

14.07.2014

A US government laboratory mistakenly mixed an H9N2 avian influenza strain with an highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza and shipped it to another lab. No one was endangered by the mixed flu strain. Earlier this year a culture of non-pathogenic avian influenza was unintentionally cross-contaminated at the CDC influenza laboratory with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of influenza and shipped to a BSL-3 select-agent laboratory operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Sweden: another Newcastle outbreak

07.07.2014

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was diagnose in an establishment with 16,300 laying hens, kept indoors (38 week age). There was a history of egg drop.

Foster Farms Recalls Chicken Linked to Salmonella

05.07.2014

Foster Farms will recall some of the contaminated chicken linked to a massive salmonella outbreak that has stretched on for 16 months and sickened hundreds of consumers. The limited recall, which is the only recall the company has issued since March 2013 when it was first linked to an antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak that had sickened around 600 people in 27 states by the end of May.

Israel: Egg Crates and Salmonella Threat

29.06.2014

The Israeli Health Ministry has warned against the use of used egg crates in day care facilities, preschools, educational institutions, rehabilitation centers, and more, due to the possibility of contracting Salmonella poisoning embedded within the crates. The Ministry indicated that the bacteria are likely to be found in eggs, especially in their shells.

UK: Poultry meat linked to the most cases of foodborne illness

27.06.2014

Poultry meat was linked to the most cases of foodborne illness in the United Kingdom, while campylobacter was the most common pathogen in food poisoning cases, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK. The FSA research found that Poultry meat was the food linked to the most cases of food poisoning.

Denmark: a drop in human Salmonella cases in 2013

20.06.2014

The number of Danes who contracted a Salmonella infection reached a historic low level in 2013. More than half of those infected became ill during a trip abroad. For the third year in a row no salmonella cases were linked to Danish broiler meat. These are some of the findings presented in the annual report on the occurrence of diseases that can be transmitted from animals and food to humans. The report was prepared by the Zoonosis Centre at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, in cooperation with Statens Serum Institut, one of Denmark's largest research institutions in the health sector, and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

Predicting the risk of H7N9 infection in live-poultry markets across Asia

20.06.2014

Nature Communications (2014)

Two epidemic waves of an avian influenza A (H7N9) virus have so far affected China. Most human cases have been attributable to poultry exposure at live-poultry markets, where most positive isolates were sampled. Based on a retrospective study of the spatial distribution of markets infected by H7N9 in 2013 and 2014, an international researcher team developed a spatial model that can accurately predict the risk of market H7N9 infection in China, and can be extrapolated to Asia. Local live-poultry market density is found to be the most important predictor variable of H7N9 infection risk at the market level. Other predictor variables of H7N9 infection risk include the population densities of chickens reared in extensive and intensive systems, water bodies, accessibility to major cities, human and domestic duck population density and rice land cover.

Sweden: Newcastle disease in a laying flock

19.06.2014

In a poultry farm with 24,000 laying hens, kept indoors. a drop in egg production was reported. The cause: Newcastle Disease. 24,000 birds were culled.

Human Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Microbiology Laboratories

08.06.2014

CDC

A total of 41 persons infected with the same strains of Salmonella Typhimurium were reported from several states since November 1, 2013. 62% of ill persons were ages 21 years of age or younger. 36% of ill persons were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Epidemiologic and laboratory findings linked these Salmonella Typhimurium infections to exposure to various clinical and college and university teaching microbiology laboratories. These strains of Salmonella Typhimurium have been associated with outbreaks linked to microbiology laboratory exposure in the past.

Salmonella linked to Foster Farms chicken ongoing

29.05.2014

An outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella Heidelberg linked to a California chicken company continues even after more than a year. There have been 50 new illnesses in the past two months. Since March 2013, 574 people have been sickened. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there are about eight new reported salmonella illnesses linked to the outbreak a week - most of them in California. The CDC said 37 percent of victims were hospitalized, and that the outbreak is resistant to many antibiotics. In addition, the CDC said that 13 percent of the victims had developed blood infections, almost three times the normal rate. Victims came from 27 states and Puerto Rico.

The risk of salmonellosis from internally contaminated

24.05.2014

Pouillot et al., (2014) Food Microbiology, 43:16-19

In the U.S., chicken-breeder farms that supply hatcheries typically store and transport eggs intended for broiler production at a temperature of 18.3°C (65°F). However, in case of surplus, some of these eggs may be diverted to human consumption. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's ‘Egg Safety Final Rule,’ shell eggs intended for human consumption are required to be held or transported at or below 7.2°C (45°F) ambient temperature beginning 36 h after time of lay. The FDA conducted a risk assessmen, to quantify human exposure to Salmonella Enteritidis and the risk of human salmonellosis if eggs are held and transported at 18.3°C for up to 5.5 days after time of lay, as has been observed when hatchery eggs are diverted to human consumption, rather than held and transported at 7.2°C within 36 h after time of lay.

Integrative Analysis of Salmonellosis in Israel

21.05.2014

Marzel et al., (2014) Journal Of Clinical Microbiology

Salmonella enterica is the leading etiologic agent of bacterial food-borne outbreaks worldwide. To characterize salmonellosis epidemiology in Israel and to study the association of nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars with invasive infections, 48,345 Salmonella cases reported and serotyped at the National Salmonella Reference Center between 1995 and 2012 were analyzed. A quasi-Poisson regression was used to identify irregular clusters of illness, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in conjunction with whole-genome sequencing was applied to molecularly characterize strains of interest. 329 human salmonellosis clusters were identified, representing an annual average of 23 potential outbreaks. The researchers group show that the previously unsequenced S. enterica serovar 9,12:l,v:_belongs to the B clade of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica, and has frequent association with extraintestinal infections, compared to other NTS serovars.

A multicountry outbreak of Salmonella stanley infections associated with turkey meat in the European Union

16.05.2014

Eurosurveillance, Volume 19, Issue 19, 15 May 2014

Between August 2011 and January 2013, an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Stanley (S. Stanley) infections affected 10 European Union (EU) countries, with a total of 710 cases recorded. Following an urgent inquiry in the Epidemic Intelligence Information System for food- and waterborne diseases (EPIS-FWD) on 29 June 2012, an international investigation was initiated including EU and national agencies for public health, veterinary health and food safety. Two of three local outbreak investigations undertaken by affected countries in 2012 identified turkey meat as a vehicle of infection. Furthermore, routine EU monitoring of animal sources showed that over 95% (n=298) of the 311 S. Stanley isolates reported from animal sampling in 2011 originated from the turkey food production chain.

Laos: Highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza

09.05.2014

Laos reports an H5N6 outbreak of HPAI in poultry in Nator Ngai, Xayabury. Sequencing analysis of original samples from both chickens and ducks shows that these are H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, with the highly pathogenic HA cleavage site sequence motif, PLRERRRKR*GLF. This is the first report of HPAI H5N6 in birds.

China: first human death from H5N6 avian influenza strain

07.05.2014

A Chinese man has died from the H5N6 strain of avian influenza, in what is believed to be the world's first case of human infection from this virus subtype. The patient is a 49-year-old male, from Nanchong in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

Sixdog Investments Voluntarily Recalls Eggs Because of Possible Health Risk

06.05.2014

Sixdog Investments, is voluntarily recalling some cases of their certified organic eggs, because of the potential they are contaminated with Salmonella. This voluntary field action was initiated because of routine testing results. Product was distributed in Colorado; some may have gone to Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, and Utah. These were distributed through retail outlets. The eggs are packed in dozen and half-dozen packages.

Taiwan: highly pathogenic H5N2 outbreak

03.05.2014

Taiwan reports a highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza outbreak in a wholesale poultry market. The case was confirmed following an intensive active surveillance conducted on a wholesale poultry market in Taipei City since April 2014. The H5N2 subtype of avian influenza virus was isolated in one dead native chicken body sample on 23 April 2014. By tracing back on 23 April 2014, the original chicken farm in Yunlin County had no chicken remained, but movement control was immediately conducted on the farm. The pathogenicity of the virus was confirmed by the national laboratory as highly pathogenic (>75% mortality of tested chickens) on 2 May 2014. Samples were taken from 8 poultry farms in a 1-km radius around the original farm and confirmed all negative by virus isolation.

Avian influenza: H5 in Stanislaus, California

23.04.2014

A commercial Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) layer flock was experiencing increased mortality in the adult laying population. Samples were submitted for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for influenza A virus (IAV) subtype H5. The amino acid sequence at the hemagglutinin protein cleavage site of the laboratory specimen is compatible with North American low pathogenic avian influenza virus. The sequence is 99.1% similar to A/American green-winged teal/Wisconsin 10OS3127/2010. The quail flock consists of two (2) houses. The affected layer house contains approximately 56,000 adult quail. The brooder house contains approximately 39,000 quail.

Japan’s avian influenza virus has same gene type as South Korea’s

23.04.2014

The virus strain H5N8 that caused avian influenza at a poultry farm in Kumamoto Prefecture has been confirmed to be genetically identical to the one found in South Korea, the National Institute of Animal Health said. Genome sequencing conducted by the institute proved the virus strain detected April 13 on the farm in the town of Taragi, Kumamoto Prefecture, was at least 99 percent identical to the virus that has led to widespread infections in South Korea this year.

Prevalence and counts of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat at retail level in Estonia

20.04.2014

Mäesaar et al (2014) Food Control 44:72-77

Campylobacter contamination of poultry meat at retail level was studied in two surveys during the twelve-month period of 2012 in Estonia. The data from these surveys were combined and analyzed, partially together, in order to comprehensively estimate the prevalence and possible seasonality of Campylobacter in poultry and in poultry meat products in Estonia. Mostly Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian products, representing the most typical origins of poultry products on the Estonian retail market, were sampled and analyzed in these surveys. The ﬁrst survey, organized by the Estonian Veterinary and Food Board, focused on Campylobacter prevalence in poultry meat at retail level.

Avian influenza continues to spread in North Korea

18.04.2014

North Korea has reported another outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza at two chicken farms in North Korea's capital of Pyongyang, killing more than 46,000 birds.

Kumamoto avian influenza strain is H5N8

18.04.2014

The avian influenza found in chickens in Kumamoto Prefecture has been identified as the HPAI, H5N8 strain. This is the first time H5N8 strain is diagnosed in Japan. Cases of H5N8 avian influenza have been reported since January in South Korea.

Incidence and Trends of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food

18.04.2014

Foodborne disease continues to be an important problem in the United States. Most illnesses are preventable. To evaluate progress toward prevention, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network* (FoodNet) monitors the incidence of laboratory-confirmed infections caused by nine pathogens transmitted commonly through food (Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and non-O157, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia) in 10 U.S. sites, covering approximately 15% of the U.S. population (an estimated 48 million persons in 2012). This report summarizes preliminary 2013 data and describes trends since 2006.

FSIS: recall of processed egg products expanded

14.04.2014

Nutriom LLC, is recalling an additional 82,884 pounds (~37 MT) of processed egg products. The processed egg products were initially recalled in February because FSIS officials said they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The agency issued a public health alert on March 26 removing the products from commerce after the company declined to expand that initial recall.

Japan: A new case of avian influenza

13.04.2014

Japan has ordered the slaughter of some 112,000 chickens after officials confirmed avian influenza infections at a poultry farm in the south. DNA tests confirmed the H5 strain of the virus at a farm in Taragi town, Kumamoto prefecture that kept 56,000 birds, after its owner reported high mortality among his poultry.

Dinner Rolls Source of Salmonella Illnesses Linked to Minnesota Restaurant

11.04.2014

Salmonella enteritidis

Minnesota health officials have identified dinner rolls as the likely source of bacteria which sickened dozens of Old Country Buffet diners in Maple Grove, MN, in January. The rolls were likely cross-contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis from raw chicken used in the restaurant.

North Korea hit by outbreak of avian influenza

11.04.2014

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been fighting an outbreak of avian influenza since last month, culling tens of thousands of poultry so far. A chicken farm in the capital first reported signs of avian influenza (AI) H5N1 virus, on March 21, and the virus has spread to other poultry farms.

Import Alert: Brazil - Frozen Salted Chicken Breasts

11.04.2014

Frozen Salted Chicken Breasts imported from Brazil were found to be contaminated with Salmonella.

CDC: More salmonella cases linked to Foster Farms

09.04.2014

The investigation continues into Salmonella Heidelberg infections likely related to Foster Farms chicken. Ongoing surveillance identified in February that infections from some of the previously rare outbreak strains again exceeded the number of infections expected to be reported to PulseNet during this time of year. As of April 7, 2014, a total of 524 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 25 states and Puerto Rico, since March 1, 2013. 37% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Most ill persons (76%) have been reported from California.

Laos: First H5N1 avian influenza outbreak for five years

31.03.2014

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza is reported in a village poultry flock in the north-west of the country - the first for more than five years. The outbreak, in Sainyabuli province in northwestern Laos, which borders Thailand, involved 457 dead birds in a flock of 5,142 poultry, some of which tested positive for H5N1 at the country's National Animal Health Laboratory. In addition, health officials culled 543 poultry to prevent H5N1 spread.

An Atlas of Salmonella in the United States, 1968-2011

27.03.2014

An Atlas of Salmonella in the United States, 1968-2011. summarizes 42 years of laboratory-confirmed surveillance data on Salmonella isolates (pure strains separated from specimens with more than one bacteria) from humans. It includes: Analyses by age, sex, geography, and season. Reports of Salmonella isolates from animals and related sources (e.g., environment and feeds)

FSIS: Egg products unfit for human consumption

27.03.2014

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert because Nutriom LLC of Lacey, WA declined to expand its Feb. 15, 2014, recall to include an additional 118,541 pounds of processed egg products for which there is reason to conclude that they are unfit for human consumption. The request for expansion was based on evidence collected during an ongoing investigation conducted by FSIS at the establishment. The company has refused to recall the additional processed egg products.

Researchers Demonstrate Potential Routes of Transmission of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Turkeys

27.03.2014

A study, led by Dr. Doug Smith at North Carolina State University, points to poultry house pests (i.e.: flies, beetles, rodents, etc.) as potential vectors of both organisms. The Salmonella and Campylobacter status of turkey breeder hens and toms was monitored through 65 weeks of age followed by evaluation of the presence of pathogens in progeny meat-producing flocks. As with broilers, Campylobacter spreads rapidly in meat-type turkey flocks. Both C. Jejuni and C. coli which were respectively tetracycline and kanamycin resistant, were isolated from grow-out flocks. Salmonella Agona was the predominant enterobacter recovered. It was noted that the wild strains of Campylobacter and Salmonella predominated over the marker strains and showed persistence in flocks. Flies and rodents in the houses which were monitored yielded Salmonella confirming that pests serve as reservoirs of infection.

South Korea: H5N8 avian influenza in dogs

24.03.2014

South Korea reported cases of avian influenza (AI) in dogs, further confirming the spread of the avian influenza H5N8 to different species. The ministry said antibodies to AI have been detected in 11 dogs at two separate farms in Cheonan, 80 kilometers south of Seoul, and Buyeo, located 195 kilometers south of the capital. The first case of a dog being infected with the virus was reported March 11 at a different farm in Cheonan.

LPAI H7N3 in Mexico

22.03.2014

An outbreak of low pathogenicity avian influenza strain H7N3 was eprted by Mexico to the OIE. The outbreak was recorded in Pesquira, Nuevo Leon State. The report says that low-pathogenic avian influenza subtype H7N3 virus has been identified in a lot of monk parakeets (Myiopsitta M. monachus) imported from South America,

H7N9 detected in south China poultry farm

20.03.2014

The H7N9 avian influenza virus has been found in a poultry farm in the southern city of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province. Samples from live chickens were collected from Zhuhai Jinfeng Poultry Co., Ltd. in Doumen District and tested positive for H7N9 by the provincial center for animal disease control.

LPAI H5N2 in Bruchem, The Netherlands

17.03.2014

Low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza was found in a poultry farm, in Bruchem. All birds (10,000) on the infected premise have been killed.

South Korea culls over 6 percent of poultry population

14.03.2014

South Korea has culled over 6 percent of poultry in the country to curb an avian influenza outbreak that has hit farms and migratory birds nationwide. That brings the total number of farm birds slaughtered to 10.16 million. during the 2008 outbreak 10.2 million birds were culled. No human infection has been reported, but a dog tested positive for avian influenza antibodies, suggesting it had been exposed to the virus.human infection reported.

Macao culls 7,500 chicken after avian influenza virus found

13.03.2014

Macao's Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) and the Health Bureau (SSM) announced that H7 avian influenza virus was tested positive in samples of live chicken imported from the mainland, and all 7,500 live chicken in the wholesale market have been culled. The chickens were imported from Doumen district of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

Libya reports first H5N1 avian influenza outbreak

12.03.2014

Libya has reported its first outbreak of Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N1 on a farm in the port city of Tubruq near the Egyptian border. The outbreak that began last week occurred at a farm that affected about 50 birds (45 local backyard chickens and 5 ducks). The presence of the virus was confirmed by the National Center of Disease Control Laboratory (National laboratory) via real-time PCR.

LPAI in Germany

12.03.2014

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 was found in free-range laying hens in Grafschaft Bentheim. ~ 40,000 birds were culled.

Australia: Egg warning after salmonella outbreak

03.03.2014

More than 220 people became ill with gastroenteritis from salmonella after eating at the Bottle of Milk restaurant in Torquay, and a handful of others suffered the same fate after dining at St Kilda’s Newmarket hotel. Victorians have been warned of the higher risk of eating raw or undercooked eggs. Health authorities have linked two restaurants to raw-egg foods using products from western Victorian supplier Green Eggs. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries has restricted the sale of eggs from the Green Eggs farm near Ararat until extra cleaning and hygiene measures are taken.

Poultry carrying H9N2 act as incubators for novel human avian inﬂuenza viruses

02.03.2014

Lancet Feb 26, 2014

The two novel influenza viruses that affect human beings, H7N9 and H10N8, have similar genetic lineage: the haemagglutinin (H) gene originated from ducks and the neuraminidase (N) gene from wild birds. Both H7N9 and H10N8 viruses possess internal gene cassettes recruited from poultry H9N2 virus. Long-term surveillance of poultry in China and east Asia shows that H9N2 virus is widely spread. Phylogenetics analyses suggest that different subtypes of avian inﬂuenza viruses cocirculated with H9N2 and have reassorted their internal genes. Although the contribution of H9N2 genes to infection in human beings needs to be determined, these genes probably enable H7N9 virus to survive and be transmitted within poultry, because dynamic reassortments of H7N9 with H9N2 genes have been observed, suggesting that H7N9 virus evolved in poultry to become a virus that infects human beings.

The Netherlands: LPAI H5 in Swifterbant

28.02.2014

40,000 chickens killed after suspected avian influenza on Flevoland farm.

All 40,000 chickens on a poultry farm in Swifterbant in Flevoland province have been killed following a suspected outbreak of H5 low pathogenig strain of avian influenza.

EU: Campylobacter decreases slightly, Salmonella down, Listeria up

19.02.2014

EFSA

Human cases of campylobacteriosis decreased slightly in 2012 for the first time in five years, but campylobacteriosis remains the most commonly reported zoonotic disease and it is premature to suggest that this is the beginning of a downward trend. Salmonella cases in humans have continued to fall, marking a decrease for the seventh consecutive year. The trend in reported human cases of Listeria has been gradually increasing over the past four years. These are some of the main findings of the annual report on zoonoses and foodborne outbreaks in the European Union for 2012.

China: first detection of H7N9 in wild bird

19.02.2014

Emerging Infectious Diseases (2014)

In spring 2013, influenza A(H7N9) virus was isolated from an apparently healthy tree sparrow in Chongming Dongping National Forest Park, Shanghai City, China. The entire gene constellation of the virus is similar to that of isolates from humans, highlighting the need to monitor influenza A(H7N9) viruses in different species. The high similarity of genes from the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus from an apparently healthy tree sparrow in Shanghai and influenza A(H7N9) viruses from humans and poultry in this region indicate that avian influenza A(H7N9) virus might be transmitted from poultry to tree sparrows or vice versa.

China: New H10N8 case reported

13.02.2014

Health officials in China's Jiangxi province reported their third recent human case of H10N8 avian influenza, which proved fatal. The patient, a 75-year-old man from the capital city of Nanchang, got sick on Feb 4 and was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. He died on Feb 8. The two other recent cases include the first detection in the middle of December, in a 73-year-old woman who died from her infection, and a nonfatal case in a 55-year-old woman whose illness was reported in late January.

New reassortment of influenza A/H7N9 virus in China

13.02.2014

Z Meng et al (2014) Eurosurveillance Volume 19, Issue 6, 13 February 2014

Genetic variations in the deadly bird flu virus circulating in China increase the potential for a pandemic strain to emerge, researchers in Shanghai said. Recent re-emerged influenza A(H7N9) virus infections in China, especially the rapid outbreak in Zhejiang province in December 2013, involving 60 cases, have raised concerns. As of 31 January 2014, there were a total of 260 cases: 127 of these have occurred in 2014. Cases have been reported from Zhejiang, Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, Shanghai metropolitan area and Hong Kong in 2014. Four lineages and Three new reassortments of A(H7N9) virus were identified by phylogenetic analysis and DNA mutation analysis of the PB1 gene: between A(H7N9) and Zhejiang-derived strains, Guangdong/Hong Kong-derived strains or Hunan-derived A(H9N2) strains.

Malaysia: the first case of H7N9 detected outside of China

12.02.2014

The Malaysian Ministry of Health reported a human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9). The case reportedly occurred in a traveler from an area of China already affected by H7N9 (67-year-old tourist from Guangdong province), who had developed symptoms before traveling, making this an "imported" case of H7N9. This is the first case of H7N9 detected outside of China.

New IB vaccine in the US

07.02.2014

The Georgia 2008 (GA08) strain of infectious bronchitis virus was first isolated in the winter of 2007 in a flock of 47-day-old broilers in Northeast Georgia. Flocks demonstrated mild respiratory changes but the economic loss arose from condemnation as a result of septicemia and airsacculitis. The variant strain of infectious bronchitis was isolated and it was demonstrated that conventional vaccination using Arkansas and O72 strains failed to provide protection. Cross neutralization studies with GA 08 and Mass, Conn, Del 072, and Ark revealed little neutralization. In response to the financial losses, an experimental autogenous GA08 vaccine was applied by one integrator in Georgia, combined with Ark. and GA.98 for both hatchery and field booster vaccination.

South Korea culls 2% of poultry to control H5N8 outbreak

06.02.2014

South Korea has culled 2 per cent of its poultry population of 160 million to rein in the spread of avian influenza, which is affecting an increasing number of farms. South Korea’s first case of H5N8 avian influenza, was found on January 17 at a duck farm in North Jeolla, a province about 300km southwest of the capital, Seoul. Fifteen poultry farms have been hit and 19 cases of the disease have shown up in migratory birds, prompting the slaughter of 2.8 million farm birds.

Study: first human death associated with new avian influenza virus

05.02.2014

H9N2 origin

In December, 2013, Chinese health officials confirmed the first human case of avian influenza A H10N8 virus infection. The virus - designated as A/Jiangxi-Donghu/346/2013(H10N8), henceforth JX346 - was identified by sequencing of tracheal aspirate samples obtained 1 week after illness onset. Preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the retrieved sequences suggests that JX346 originated through reassortment of H9N2 strains circulating in poultry and recorded in environmental samples from Jiangxi, with one or two viruses contributing haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes. The data suggest that JX346 arose by reassortment events in domestic birds. JX346 has avian-like receptor specificity, which might contribute to the fatal outcome of infection.

Egg Producers Warned For Failure to Prevent Salmonella Enteritidis, Pests in Plants

03.02.2014

Two egg production facilities also received FDA warning letters in January. Both were cited for violations of regulations designed to prevent Salmonella enteritidis in shell eggs and for improper pest monitoring. Jeffrey Mlsna of Cashton, WI, and Elmer Yoder of Lockridge, IA, received the letters from FDA District Directors in Minneapolis and Kansas City, respectively.

H7N9 in China: increasing cases of human avian influenza

31.01.2014

Incidence rates for H7N9 continue to increase in China, with 153 H7N9 Human infectious cases reported in 2013 according to the World Health Organization(WHO). In January 2014, 110 H7N9 cases were reported in China, including 20 fatalities. A family cluster was reported that involves three people from Zhejiang province, a 49-year-old man, his wife, and their 23-year-old daughter. The man's infection, which ultimately proved fatal, was confirmed on Jan 20. His daughter got sick 3 days after taking her father to the hospital, and she is in serious condition. The man's wife's infection was confirmed on Jan 27, and her illness is mild.

South Korea: Avian influenza spreads north

30.01.2014

An avian influenza case has been confirmed at a chicken farm in Gyeonggi Province. The case was diagnosed as H5 in a chicken breeding farm in Hwaseong. Past cases have been restricted to the Jeolla and Chuncheong region in the country's southwestern region. The Gyeonggi region that surrounds the capital city of Seoul is home to the largest number of chicken farms in the country.

Hong Kong: H7N9 in poultry

29.01.2014

An imported consignment containing 2,600 silky chickens was tested positive for low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N9) in the routine surveillance programme. A total of 22,604 poultry, including 16,984 chickens, 2,898 silky fowls, 1,080 pheasants and 1,642 pigeons were culled on 28 January 2014.

H7N9: Chinese provinces halt live poultry trade

28.01.2014

Authorities in eastern China have banned live poultry sales after an increase in the number of people infected with the H7N9 strain of avian influenza. So far this year H7N9 has killed 19 people in China and infected 96. A week ago more than 50 cases had been reported. The virus is believed to pass to humans through direct contact with infected birds. Live poultry trading had been halted in three cities in coastal Zhejiang province, where 49 cases and 12 deaths have been reported. The province is inspecting farms and banning flights of domestic pigeons.

China reports second case of new avian influenza strain H10N8

26.01.2014

Chinese authorities have confirmed the second human case of the new H10N8 strain of avian influenza, contracted by a woman who is in critical condition in hospital in the east of the country. The 55-year-old woman was admitted to hospital in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province, on Jan 15, complaining of a sore throat and dizziness.

New case of avian influenza in South Korea

20.01.2014

Two duck farms in Buan, 280 kilometers south of Seoul, were reported to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). On Friday, the government confirmed the outbreak of H5N8 in Gochang, 296 kilometers south of Seoul, the first outbreak of AI since May 2011. It culled some 20,000 birds at the farm. The Gochang case and the Buan case were reported within the interval of a day, but rather than the AI in Gochang spreading to Buan, it is likely that the two places were exposed to the virus at around the same time.

Salmonella biofilms are extremely resistant to disinfectants

18.01.2014

New research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests Salmonella bacteria can form biofilms on the surfaces of a food processing facilities, making it extremely difficult to kill. Researchers from National University of Ireland, Galway conducted a study to investigate whether certain disinfectants can kill Salmonella biofilms on a variety of hard surfaces in a food processing setting. In this study, the researchers found it was not possible to kill the Salmonella cells using any of the three disinfectants if the biofilm was allowed to grow for seven days before the disinfectant was applied.

South Korea takes quarantine measures for possible outbreak of AI

17.01.2014

Provincial quarantine authorities began culling more than 20,000 ducks today after a preliminary test indicated a possible outbreak of avian influenza (AI), with the agriculture ministry saying it may be of a highly pathogenic strain. A suspected AI case was reported yesterday at a poultry farm in Gochang, located some 300 kilometers southwest of Seoul in North Jeolla Province. A DNA test is currently under way to confirm the outbreak and its exact strain, according to an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The ministry said the test was expected to confirm an outbreak of highly pathogenic AI. The initial test confirmed it is a H5N8 strain. It is very likely to be determined as a highly pathogenic strain.

Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Tyson Foods

14.01.2014

As of January 13, 2014, a total of 9 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from Tennessee. Two (22%) of 9 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. All of the ill persons were incarcerated at a single correctional facility located in Tennessee. Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by Tennessee and federal officials indicate that consumption of Tyson brand mechanically separated chicken is the likely source of the outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections at the Tennessee correctional facility.

Tyson Recalls 33,000 Pounds Of Chicken After Salmonella Outbreak

11.01.2014

Tyson Foods has recalled 33,840 pounds (15,350 Kg) of chicken that may be contaminated with Salmonella, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture statement released Friday. The department states some mechanically-separated chicken produced on Oct. 11, 2013, may be contaminated with a Salmonella Heidelberg strain. Federal safety authorities began investigating the link between a Salmonella outbreak and the Tyson chicken in December after seven patients with a connection to the chicken were identified with the illness.

Canada: first H5N1 bird flu death in North America

09.01.2014

Canada announced yesterday the first H5N1 avian influenza death in North America, of a patient who had just returned from China. The victim, who had recently returned from a trip to Beijing and had been otherwise completely healthy, was from the western plains province of Alberta.

H9N2 confirmed in Chinese child

02.01.2014

A human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) was reported in a boy aged 7 in Hunan. This is the second H9N2 case reported in China this week. The patient, with poultry contact history, lived in Yongzhou, Hunan. He presented with fever and runny nose since November 19, 2013. He sought medical consultation from a hospital in Yongzhou the next day and recovered after treatment. This case was confirmed on January 1.