More avian influenza in France
24.12.2015
In total, to date, 63 of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry were detected in 6 southwestern departments of France. 5 different types of avian influenza are involved in the different outbreaks in France: HPAI H5N1, H5N2 and H5N9 and LPAI H5N2 and H5N3.
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Canada: Outbreak of Salmonella infantis infections
Canada: Outbreak of Salmonella infantis infections
24.12.2015
The Public Health Agency of Canada is monitoring an outbreak of Salmonella infections. Currently, there are 98 cases of Salmonella infantis illness in nine provinces: British Columbia (7), Alberta (12), Saskatchewan (2), Manitoba (2), Ontario (57), Quebec (14) Nova Scotia (2), Prince Edward Island (1) and New Brunswick (1). Individuals became sick between March 15 and December 12, 2015. The majority of cases (60%) are female, with an average age of 40 years. Sixteen people have been hospitalized, and all have recovered or are recovering. No deaths have been reported.
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H9N2 human cases in China
22.12.2015
China reports four H9N2 avian influenza cases, all in children. All four of the H9N2 infections were mild. One involved a 4-year-old girl from Anhui province who visited a wet market.
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Salmonella at Bonne Terre egg facility, Missouri
19.12.2015
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports salmonella was found at an egg facility in Bonne Terre, Missouri.
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The European Union summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses, zoonotic agents and food-borne outbreaks in 2014
18.12.2015
This report of the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of the zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2014 in 32 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and four non-MS). Campylobacteriosis was the most commonly reported zoonosis with an increase in confirmed human cases in the European Union (EU) since 2008. In 2014, Campylobacter continued to be the most commonly reported gastrointestinal bacterial pathogen in humans in the European Union (EU) and has been so since 2005. The number of reported confirmed cases of human campylobacteriosis was 236,851 with an EU notification rate of 71.0 per 100,000 population, a 9.6% increase compared with the rate in 2013. Broiler meat is considered to be the most important single source of human campylobacteriosis.
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France: a new AI strain detected
15.12.2015
France reported three outbreaks of low pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza in three farms in the southwestern part of the country (Saint-Armou, Saint-Armou and Orist). Two outbreaks were found in the Landes department and one in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
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FSIS: Compliance guideline for controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw poultry
FSIS: Compliance guideline for controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw poultry
12.12.2015
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today is publishing revised guidelines to assist poultry processors in controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw food products and prevent cases of foodborne illness. This updated document is the fourth edition of the “FSIS Compliance Guideline for Controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in Raw Poultry” and is intended to offer poultry companies best practices for minimizing pathogen levels and meeting FSIS’ food safety requirements. The new guide makes science-based suggestions for interventions that poultry companies can take on the farm, sanitary dressing procedures, further processing practices, antimicrobial interventions, and other management practices.
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France has now reported 12 outbreaks of avian influenza
10.12.2015
France has been hit new cases of a avian influenza outbreak in the south west of the country, bringing the total number of reported cases to 12. Since the discovery in Dordogne - which has a highly ­concentrated population of chicken and foie gras producers - the outbreak has been detected in two other regions: Haute ­Vienne and Landes. Around 45,000 birds have already been culled.
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The first report of an H15N7 virus
10.12.2015
Muzyka et al (2015) Arch Virol
Since the first detection of H15 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in Australia in 1979, only seven H15 strains have been reported. A new H15 AIV was detected in Ukraine in 2010, carrying the unique HA-NA subtype combination H15N7. This virus replicated efficiently in chicken eggs, and antisera against it reacted strongly with the homologous antigen, but with lower titers when using the reference Australian antigen.
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H5N2 in Germany
07.12.2015
Authorities in Roding in southern Germany have discovered the H5N2 avian influenza virus on a poultry farm. Around 13,000 birds (laying hens, ducks, geese and turkeys) will have to be killed.
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France: three more cases of avian influenza
07.12.2015
France reported three more cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the southwest. The cases are in Landes region at a duck fattening farm and at a farm gathering guinea fowl, capon and chickens. The first case of avian influenza detected in a private backyard in Dordogne last week was identified as the H5N1 type.
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WHO: Foodborne illnesses sicken 600 million people each year worldwide, causing 420,000 deaths
WHO: Foodborne illnesses sicken 600 million people each year worldwide, causing 420,000 deaths
05.12.2015
Almost one third (30%) of all deaths from foodborne diseases are in children under the age of 5 years, despite the fact that they make up only 9% of the global population. This is among the findings of WHO's "Estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases" - the most comprehensive report to date on the impact of contaminated food on health and well-being. The report, which estimates the burden of foodborne diseases caused by 31 agents – bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals - states that each year as many as 600 million, or almost 1 in 10 people in the world, fall ill after consuming contaminated food. Of these, 420 000 people die, including 125 000 children under the age of 5 years.
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USA: H5 avian influenza has been found in a wild mallard duck, Oregon
04.12.2015
Eurasian H5 avian influenza was recently found in genetic material collected from a wild duck, but testing was unable to determine the exact strain of the viruses or whether they were high pathogenic or low pathogenic. This recent finding of Eurasian H5 was in a wild, hunter-harvested mallard duck in Morrow County, Oregon in November.
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South Korea: H5N8 in ducks
04.12.2015
Three new cases of H5N8 avian influenza outbreaks affecting more than 70,000 ducks, were detected in South Jeolla province, all involve ducks being raised for meat.
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France: Two HPAI outbreaks
02.12.2015
Two more cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been detected in France, a week after it was discovered in a backyard flock of layers. The two affected poultry farms are in the south-west Dordogne region and include a goose producer in Domme, and a duck farm in Saint-Paul-la-Roche.
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Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 in Italy
01.12.2015
On 10 Nov 2015 the National Reference Laboratory confirmed a virological positivity for LPAI virus H5N2 subtype in an ornamental birds farm in Ravenna province. Ornamental birds farm with 3443 birds belonging to different species. The positive samples were taken from ducks on 4 Nov 2015. On 13 Nov 2015 the National Reference Laboratory confirmed a serological positivity for LPAI virus H5N2 subtype in an ornamental birds farm in Ferrara province. 466 birds belonging to different species were kept In the premise.
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Avian influenza confirmed in wild Fraser Valley duck
26.11.2015
A case of the avian influenza virus H5N2 has been confirmed in the Fraser Valley, after a duck was shot by a hunter in Abbotsford earlier this week or on the weekend.
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Avian influenza in France
25.11.2015
Avian influenza H5N1 (HPAI) was found in a backyard flock consisting of 32 broiler chickens and layer hens in Biras, Dordogne prefecture. Acute mortality was reported. All birds were slaughter. The Aquitaine region that includes Dordogne is France’s biggest producer of foie gras, the luxury food made from the liver of fattened ducks or geese.
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FSA: Campylobacter in UK chickens on the decline
FSA: Campylobacter in UK chickens on the decline
20.11.2015
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the first set of results from its second year survey of campylobacter on fresh shop-bought chickens. This report presents the results of the UK Survey of Campylobacter contamination in fresh retail chicken and its packaging, for the period Jul-Sept 2015. These results are based on a total of 1,032 of fresh, whole, chilled, unflavoured chickens sampled at retail. The overall results are weighted to reflect retailer market share. The present survey began at the start of July 2015 and will be running for a full 12 months. A planned 4,000 chickens will be sampled at retail and tested for their level of Campylobacter contamination. This present survey may be referred to as Year 2 as it follows on from an equivalent survey (Year 1) which was intended to represent the 12 months starting mid-Feb 2014.
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An overview of foodborne outbreaks in Canada
An overview of foodborne outbreaks in Canada
13.11.2015
Canada Communicable Disease Report: Volume 41-11, November 5, 2015
It is estimated that approximatively four million episodes of domestically acquired foodborne illness occur every year in Canada. Some of these illnesses will lead to hospitalizations and death. Recent estimates indicate that there are 11,600 hospitalizations and 238 deaths associated with domestically acquired foodborne illness every year in Canada. Among the 115 foodborne outbreaks reported from 2008 to 2014, 106 outbreaks (92.2%) reported an etiologic agent. The majority (73%) of outbreaks were attributed to bacterial agents and viral etiology accounted for 14.8%. The most frequently reported etiologic agents were Salmonella.
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South Africa: LPAI H7 in ostriches
13.11.2015
A H7 serotype of low pathogenic avian influenza has infected a commercial ostrich farm, in Cambedoo, in Eastern Cape province. The farm held 1200 ostriches in total.
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South Africa: LPAI H5N2
04.11.2015
11 outbreaks of H5N2 LPAI in August, September, and October have affected flocks of 13,486 ostriches in Western Cape province.
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S. Korea confirms new avian influenza case
24.10.2015
South Korea confirmed a new case of avian influenza, bringing the total to nine since the middle of September.The Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said ducks at a poultry farm in Yeongam, 384 kilometers south of Seoul, tested positive for the H5N8 strain of avian influenza (AI). All 27,000 ducks were culled as a precautionary measure, after some birds showed signs of being sick before they were to be shipped out.
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Gaza: more outbreaks of avian influenza
15.10.2015
Severe outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 were recorded in Gaza. Several turkey flocks were affected.
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USDA awarded contracts to two companies to manufacture avian influenza vaccine for poultry
14.10.2015
The two contracted firms are Harrisvaccines, and Ceva.The total amount of the award is $6 million, and fulfillment will span two years. Terms of the contract show the USDA has requested Harrisvaccines to create a total of 48 million doses of the Avian Influenza H5 vaccine, 25 million of which are to be produced in the first 45 days of the two year contract. France-based Ceva Corp. also was awarded a $6 million contract to manufacture its vaccine.
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Salmonella Stanley - Multistate (EU) - 2012-2015
12.10.2015
ECDC
As of 8 October 2015, Austria is investigating an increase in the number of S. Stanley cases reported since the beginning of the year. About 60% of the cases (141 cases of non-travel related infection ) were part of three clusters, of which two are occurring in Upper Austria and one in Tirol. Descriptive epidemiology and microbiological investigation strongly suggested turkey kebab as the source of at least 36 of these cases. Traceback analyses by national authorities identified that the implicated turkey meat distributed in the two outlets in Upper Austria and one in Tirol had been supplied by a single food retailer located in Slovakia. The turkey meat of the Slovakian retailer was suspected to originate from a turkey fattening and slaughtering facility in Hungary already involved in an Austrian S. Stanley cluster in 2014.
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Use of antimicrobial agents in Denmark
10.10.2015
DANMAP (Danish Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring and Research Program) has monitored antimicrobial resistance and consumption of antimicrobial agents in food animals and in humans in Denmark since 1995. Antimicrobial consumption in animals Data on all medicines prescribed by veterinarians have been registered at the farm and species level by the official VetStat programme since 2001. The total consumption of antimicrobial agents in 2014 amounted to 114 tonnes of active compound, a decrease of 2% compared with 2013. Pigs accounted for 76%, cattle for 11%, fur animals for 4%, aquaculture for 4%, and poultry for 1% of the total veterinary consumption of antimicrobials measured in kg active compound. The remaining 4% was used in pets, horses and others.
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H5N6 in Laos
09.10.2015
An outbreak of H5N6 avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry has been reported for the first time in Laos since last September. The outbreak involves a farm that housed 534 ducks and chickens. The farm is located in Xaignabouli province in the northwestern part of the country adjoining Thailand.
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Usage of antimicrobial agents and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in Norway - 2014
Usage of antimicrobial agents and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in Norway - 2014
02.10.2015
Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem worldwide. It reduces the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment of infectious diseases in humans and animals thereby leading to increased morbidity and mortality, as well as higher costs. It is well established that there is a strong association between the usage of antimicrobial agents and the occurrence of resistance. The selective pressure exerted following use of antimicrobial agents is a key issue in the epidemiology of resistance. Moreover, resistance can be disseminated through the spread of resistant pathogenic bacteria themselves or by horizontal transfer of resistance genes from one type of bacteria to another Such transfer is not limited to closely related bacteria; it can also take place between bacteria of different evolutionary origins and/or ecological niches.
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Assessment of anti-Salmonella activity of boot dip samples
02.10.2015
Rabie et al (2015) Av Path 44:129-134
A study recently conducted in the UK by the National Animal and Plant Health Agency tested the efficacy of Foot Dips against Salmonella enteritidis in commercial layer farms. The introduction of pathogens from the external environment into poultry houses via the boots of farm workers and visitors presents a significant risk. The use of boot dips containing disinfectant to help prevent this from happening is common practice, but the effectiveness of these boot dips as a preventive measure can vary.
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Aspen Foods recalls additional chicken products over Salmonella fears
02.10.2015
Aspen Foods, a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 561,000 pounds of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products that appear to be ready-to-eat (RTE) and may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The frozen, raw, stuffed, and breaded chicken items that appear to be ready-to-eat (RTE) were produced between August 25, 2015 and September 17, 2015 with “best if used by” dates of August 23, 2016 to December 15, 2016. Following the original recall on July 15, 2015, FSIS conducted intensified sampling at this establishment to ensure that the hazard responsible for the initial contamination had been controlled by Aspen Foods. Results from FSIS sampling revealed positive results that matched the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis to Aspen Foods products.
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German egg farmer arrested in fatal Salmonella outbreak
25.09.2015
Eggs contaminated with salmonella from a Bavarian factory were linked to an international outbreak which struck a Birmingham hospital where one fatality was positively attributed to salmonella. Five patients died at Heartlands Hospital in Bordesley Green and the bacteria was traced back to eggs from factory Bayern Ei in Bavaria, Germany. The salmonella outbreak at Heartlands Hospital between 25 May and 18 June 2014, saw 32 staff and patients infected. The Salmonella outbreak at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham between May 25 and June 18, 2014, sickened 32 staff people and patients. A report found that the infection directly caused the death of one patient.
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H5N8 in South Korea
22.09.2015
H5N8 was confirmed at two duck-breeding farms and two live-poultry markets in South Jeolla province in the far south. The farms together housed about 14,800 ducks, which were culled after tests confirmed the virus. The markets were tested as part of routine site inspections, and all 15 chickens and 16 ducks at the markets were euthanized.
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Human infection with an avian influenza A(H9N2) virus in Bangladesh
20.09.2015
One laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with an avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was reported to WHO from Bangladesh. The case was a 3.5-year-old girl who developed mild illness on 1 February2015 and recovered from her illness by 7 February. An influenza A(H9) virus was detected upon testing of a respiratory sample from the case and the virus was later confirmed as an influenza A(H9N2) virus,similar to other A(H9N2) viruses previously isolated in Bangladesh. The case had close contact with poultry, including sick quails, prior to her onset of illness. No further cases were detected among her close contacts.This is the second case of human infection with an avian influenza A(H9N2) virus reported to WHO from Bangladesh.
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Cross-protection by Infectious Bronchitis Viruses
11.09.2015
Toro et al. (2015) Av Dis
A new study by a group of researchers from Auborn University, assess cross-protection among different Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) types in vaccination-challenge trials conducted in specific pathogen free (SPF) healthy chickens maintained under controlled environmental conditions. Chickens primed or primed and boosted with a Massachusetts (Mass)-type attenuated vaccine were subsequently challenged with either IBV Arkansas (Ark) or GA13-type virulent strains. In addition, Ark vaccinated chickens were challenged with IBV GA13. S1 amino acid identities between IBV vaccine and challenge strains varied from 76.0% to 77.3%. Contrary to expectations, assessments of clinical signs, viral load and histopathology indicated a significant level of cross protection among these antigenically distant IBV strains.
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FSA publishes final campylobacter report
FSA publishes final campylobacter report
10.09.2015
Nearly three­quarters (73%) of fresh supermarket chicken tested positive for the presence of campylobacter during the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) year­long survey. The final report contained data sets of the results from all of the retailers included in its survey and featured comparisons between different sized birds. Campylobacter full­year results: 19% of chickens tested positive for campylobacter within the highest band of contamination 73% of chickens tested positive for the presence of campylobacter 0.1% (five samples) of packaging tested positive at the highest band of contamination 7% of packaging tested positive for the presence of campylobacter
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FAO: H5N1 situation update West Africa
FAO: H5N1 situation update West Africa
03.09.2015
Disease situation by country Nigeria Number of outbreaks to date: 483 (470 farms, 10 LBM, 1 zoological garden); 1.7 billon poultry at risk with 138,000 reported mortalities and 1.5 million depopulated bird. States affected: Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Plateau, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Oyo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Anambra, Nassarawa, Enugu, Abia; Ika North local government area (LGA) in Lagos state has reported an outbreak for the first time, increasing the number of affected LGAs to 81 Outbreaks reported since last update (19 August 2015): 8 (3 in Lagos State, 2 in Delta, 2 in Rivers, 1 in Gombe).
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Transovarian transmission of an isolate genotyped as ts-11
29.08.2015
Armour and Ferguson-Noel (2015) Av Path 44:296–304
Mycoplasma gallisepticum, the causative agent of chronic respiratory disease in chickens and the most pathogenic of the avian mycoplasmas, is both horizontally and vertically transmitted. In order to maintain flocks free of M. gallisepticum, replacement stock should originate from an M. gallisepticum-free source; Vaccination has been used as an alternative control approach in situations where prevention of infection is not feasible or as a component in control programmes whose ultimate objective is M. gallisepticum eradication. In the United States, vaccination is primarily used to control M. gallisepticum in multiple-age commercial layer operations. The ts-11 vaccine is a live attenuated M. gallisepticum vaccine, which was developed by chemical mutagenesis of an Australian M. gallisepticum field isolate and selected for its temperature-sensitive (ts+ ) phenotype (growth at 33°C).
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Ivory Coast: H5N1 hits more farms
27.08.2015
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was diagnosed in another commercial farms in Ivory Coast. The farm has broilers and layers (28,000) in Aboisso state, on the country's southeastern coast.
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Melbourne's Langham Hotel salmonella outbreak blamed on raw egg mayonnaise
25.08.2015
Raw egg mayonnaise has been identified as the cause of a salmonella outbreak at Melbourne's Langham Hotel which caused 90 people to become ill. Sixteen people were hospitalised as a result of the poisoning outbreak at the luxury hotel in July, including a pregnant woman who was forced to deliver her baby five weeks early. The department began an investigation of food served at the hotel on the weekend of July 11 and 12 after a number of people reported illness.
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Economic Impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on Poultry in Iowa
21.08.2015
Since the beginning of 2015, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has resulted in the loss of more than thirty million layers and pullets and 1.5 million turkeys in Iowa from infection or depopulation due to exposure to the virus. Layer operations affected by HPAI across the U.S. are in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and South Dakota, and represent a significant percentage of pre-outbreak inventories, particularly for Iowa (52%) and Minnesota (nearly 40%). Turkey operations in Arkansas, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin have seen losses. The most significant losses have been in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota who have lost 15%, 12% and 10% of their pre-outbreak inventories, respectively. Since HPAI first began to spread throughout the country in early 2015, the rate of spread has slowed due to quarantines and warmer weather.
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Ivory Coast: Avian influenza spreads
15.08.2015
H5N1 avian influenza had spread to a third location in Ivory Coast. The case was discovered on a farm in the village of Modeste, about 15 kilometers (nine miles) east of the commercial capital, Abidjan. 34,000 chickens were present in the farm.
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The 2012-2013 integrated NARMS report
15.08.2015
The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Integrated Report is the result of a collaborative effort of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NARMS gathers surveillance data from human clinical samples, slaughter samples and retail meat samples. This “One Health” approach to integrated surveillance provides information needed to assess the nature and magnitude of resistance in bacteria moving through the food supply and causing illnesses in humans.
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Avian influenza in Mexico
12.08.2015
An outbreak of low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza has been reported at a poultry farm in Mexico. The outbreak was detected at a single farm in El Rosario in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Struck Migratory Birds in China in 2015
12.08.2015
Bi et al (2015) Sci Rep.
Approximately 100 migratory birds, including whooper swans and pochards, were found dead in the Sanmenxia Reservoir Area of China during January 2015. Located approximately 1150 kilometers (km) east of Qinghai Lake, this location is an important wintering habitat for whooper swans and various species of wild ducks including pochards (Aythya ferina) migrating to China from Mongolia and Siberia. The causative agent behind this outbreak was identified as H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Genetic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that this Sanmenxia H5N1 virus was a novel reassortant, possessing a Clade 2.3.2.1c HA gene and a H9N2-derived PB2 gene.
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Russia: avian influenza Found in a Swan
12.08.2015
Russia's H5N1 detection involves a whooper swan found dead at a lake in May at a nature park in Zabaykalsky Krai, located in the south central part of the country.
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EU lifts poultry ban
07.08.2015
The European Union has lifted a four-year ban on the import of ostrich meat from South Africa following an outbreak of avian influenza.
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Ivory Coast: Two outbreaks of HPAI H5N1
06.08.2015
In Ivory Coast, an outbreak was detected in early May in backyard birds in Bouake district, located in the central part of the country. A second outbreak was reported in a big poultry market in Abidjan.
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Avian influenza outbreaks in Nigeria
31.07.2015
Nigeria has confirmed 168 H5N1 outbreaks since January. Before that, it hadn't reported an outbreak since 2008. Lately, Nigerian officials have reported four new H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks involving more than 6,000 poultry.
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HPAI at German poultry farm
HPAI at German poultry farm
27.07.2015
A case of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza H7N7 has been found on a poultry farm in Landkreis Emsland, Lower Saxony, in north Germany. The 10,000 egg-laying hens on the farm have been culled.
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Leaky vaccines: Vaccination could prompt the evolution of more virulent pathogens
Leaky vaccines: Vaccination could prompt the evolution of more virulent pathogens
27.07.2015
Plos Biology 2015
There is a theoretical expectation that some types of vaccines could prompt the evolution of more virulent (“hotter”) pathogens. This idea follows from the notion that natural selection removes pathogen strains that are so “hot” that they kill their hosts and, therefore, themselves. Vaccines that let the hosts survive but do not prevent the spread of the pathogen relax this selection, allowing the evolution of hotter pathogens to occur. This type of vaccine is often called a leaky vaccine. When vaccines prevent transmission, as is the case for nearly all vaccines used in humans, this type of evolution towards increased virulence is blocked. But when vaccines leak, allowing at least some pathogen transmission, they could create the ecological conditions that would allow hot strains to emerge and persist.
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Retail meat is a potential vehicle for disease-causing Klebsiella
23.07.2015
Davis et al (2015) Clinical Infectious Diseases
Classic foodborne bacterial pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter species, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, have driven most food-safety science and policy to date. However, the bacterial species that contaminate meat products extend well beyond these “usual suspects”. Today, it is increasingly recognized that colonizing opportunistic pathogens such as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli, Enterococcus species, and Clostridium difficile may also be transmitted from food animals to humans via retail meat. Chicken, turkey and pork sold in grocery stores harbors disease-causing bacteria known as Klebsiella pneumoniae, according to a new study.
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Poultry production in Syria a FAO report
23.07.2015
The conflict continues to seriously disrupt agricultural activities and food markets, according to the FAO-WFP report. Almost five years of conflict have destroyed the Syrian economy and the people's ability to buy essentials like the food they need to survive. Livestock numbers continue to fall. Cattle numbers are estimated to be down by 50-70 percent, sheep and goats by 40 to 50 percent, and commercial poultry by 90 percent; backyard poultry is thought to be down by 50 percent. Only 20 - 30 percent of precrisis poultry units are still functioning.
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USA: Salmonellosis from raw eggs
USA: Salmonellosis from raw eggs
22.07.2015
As many as 16 people fell ill with salmonella poisoning from raw eggs used in Father’s Day weekend brunch dishes served at Tallulah’s restaurant in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. There were nine confirmed cases and seven probable cases of infection, including one person who was hospitalized.
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Avian influenza in the Gaza strip
22.07.2015
Avian influenza (H5N1) at different poultry farms in Gaza strip has been detected by local authorities. The authority killed more than 45,000 birds.
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H5N1 on China's Qinghai Lake
21.07.2015
China's Animal Disease Control Centre has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza as the culprit in a die-off of more than 2,000 gulls at Qinghai Lake, a major migratory bird stopover site that has recorded large avian influenza outbreaks in previous years. A total of 2,361 great black-headed gulls succumbed to the disease. Testing on samples at the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute came back positive for H5N1 on Jul 17.
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West Africa avian influenza outbreak threatens human crisis
20.07.2015
Fears are growing that without timely intervention to stem outbreaks of the highly virulent avian influenza virus H5N1 across West Africa, further spread across the region and beyond is inevitable, FAO said today. To this end, the agency is calling for $20 million for prevention and response activities. The call follows outbreaks of the virus in poultry farms, markets and family holdings in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
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Two cases of avian influenza confirmed in Western Cape
20.07.2015
Two cases of avian influenza have been confirmed among ostriches in the Hessequa and Kannaland regions in the Southern Cape and Little Karoo. The cases were discovered during routine tests which also confirmed the virus in the Eastern Cape. Authorities say the recent outbreak does not pose a threat to the export of ostrich meat to other countries. The low-pathogenic virus was discovered in Hessequa and Kannaland in May.
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FSIS reports two recalls of chicken products
FSIS reports two recalls of chicken products
16.07.2015
The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued two recall alerts regarding poultry products that may be contaminated by foodborne pathogens. Chicago-based Aspen Foods, a division of Koch Poultry Company, announced a recall of 1,978,680 lbs. of frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken on concerns the products may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis. FSIS said the products are linked to a cluster of illnesses in Minnesota, where three individuals were ill with salmonellosis.
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Ghana and avian influenza
Ghana and avian influenza
16.07.2015
The Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) has in a statement indicated that Ghana may be losing the fight against eradication of avian influenza. The Ministries of Health, Food and Agriculture have run out of the necessary chemicals, logistics and human resource for testing, control, eradication and prevention of avian influenza in the country.
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Barber Foods recalls stuffed chicken products due to possible Salmonella enteritidis contamination
Barber Foods recalls stuffed chicken products due to possible Salmonella enteritidis contamination
13.07.2015
Barber Foods, a Portland, Maine establishment, is recalling approximately 1.7M pounds of frozen, raw stuffed chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Since the original recall on July 2, 2015, two more case-patients have been identified. The scope of this recall expansion now includes all products associated with contaminated source material.
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Avian influenza has been reported in a Ostrich farms in South Africa
13.07.2015
A low-pathogenic H5N2 virus has been detected on four ostrich farms, two each in Western Cape Province and Eastern Cape Province. The farms were quarantined, but none of the birds were euthanized.
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Fourth H5N6 case reported in China
13.07.2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has been notified by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of a confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) today (July 11) affecting a 37-year-old woman in Yunnan province. This is the fourth fourth human H5N6 avian influenza infection in China.
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A chickadee found positive for avian influenza in Ramsey County - Minnesota, USA
11.07.2015
A chickadee found in Ramsey County is the second wild bird in Minnesota, and the first songbird in the nation, to be confirmed as having highly pathogenic avian influenza. The chickadee, found in Ramsey County, was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center on June 10, and it later tested positive for an H5 avian influenza virus.
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Avian influenza found at a Lancashire farm
10.07.2015
A case of H7N7 highly pathogenic avian influenza has been identified at a poultry farm in Lancashire, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said. A temporary control zone has been imposed 10km (six miles) around the premises preventing bird and animal movement, and all birds at the farm will be culled to limit the risk of disease spreading, officials said.
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Eurosurveillance: A(H5N8) Ootbreaks in The Netherlands resulted from 4 separated introductions, Nov 2014
05.07.2015
Phylogenetic analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) virus strains causing outbreaks in Dutch poultry farms in 2014 provides evidence for separate introduction of the virus in four outbreaks in farms located 16–112 km from each other and for between-farm transmission between the third and fourth outbreak in farms located 550 m from each other. In addition, the analysis showed that all European and two Japanese H5N8 virus strains are very closely related and seem to originate from a calculated common ancestor, which arose between July and September 2014. The findings suggest that the Dutch outbreak virus strain ‘Ter Aar’ and the first German outbreak strain from 2014 shared a common ancestor.
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RASFF: Salmonella in poultry still a major risk
RASFF: Salmonella in poultry still a major risk
04.07.2015
The annual report of the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has revealed a 25% increase in notifications of food or feed health risks compared to the year before, with salmonella in poultry being a particularly noteworthy risk. The most reported Salmonella serotypes in 2014 were S. enteritidis (main source: Poultry meat), S. typhimurium (main source: Poultry meat), S. agona (main source: Feed materials). Poultry and feed materials remain the most reported cause categories for Salmonella.
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Barber Foods recalls Kiev Stuffed Chicken product due to possible Salmonella enteritidis contamination
Barber Foods recalls Kiev Stuffed Chicken product due to possible Salmonella enteritidis contamination
03.07.2015
Barber Foods, a Portland, Maine establishment, is recalling approximately 58,320 pounds of frozen, raw stuffed chicken product that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis. FSIS was notified of a cluster of Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses on June 24, 2015. Working in conjunction with Minnesota State Departments of Health and Agriculture, FSIS determined that there is a link between the Chicken Kiev product from Barber Foods and this illness cluster.
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H7N7 in Germany
02.07.2015
Egg-Cite.com reports an outbreak of Avian Influenza in Germany: "According to a personal communication from Prof. Hans-Wilhelm Windhorst a localized case of H7N7 avian influenza characterized as a low pathogenicity strain was diagnosed in an egg-production unit near Herzlake, Lower Saxony."
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Turkey: Avian influenza cases detected in Istanbul’s Kartal, Arnavutköy
Turkey: Avian influenza cases detected in Istanbul’s Kartal, Arnavutköy
02.07.2015
Avian influenza virus was revealed among wild birds during prophylactic measures in two districts of Istanbul - Kartal and Arnavutköy district, located respectively on the Anatolian and European sides of the city. The cases have been detected in both the European and Anatolian sides of Istanbul, Turkey’s biggest metropolitan city.
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FSIS issues public health alert for frozen raw stuffed chicken products due to possible Salmonella contamination
01.07.2015
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella that may be associated with raw, frozen, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken products. These items may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu" or "chicken Kiev". FSIS was notified of, and is investigating with the State of Minnesota, a Salmonella Enteritidis illness cluster on June 23, 2015. FSIS suspects that there is a link between the frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products and this illness cluster based on information gathered in conjunction with the State of Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture. Using epidemiological evidence, case-patients have been identified in Minnesota with illness onset dates ranging from May 9, 2015 to June 8, 2015.
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling chicken burgers
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling chicken burgers
01.07.2015
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling No Name* and Compliments chicken burgers over Salmonella concerns. Compliments chicken strips and chicken nuggets are also being recalled. The frozen, uncooked breaded chicken products were distributed by Sofina Foods Inc. and sold nationally.
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Canada: Outbreak of Salmonella infections
Canada: Outbreak of Salmonella infections
28.06.2015
Canada is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador with cases of human illness linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products. While breaded chicken nuggets, chicken burgers and strips may look like they’re pre-cooked, many frozen breaded poultry products are actually raw and need to be handled carefully and cooked thoroughly. Salmonella is commonly found in raw chicken and frozen raw breaded chicken products.
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Novel avian influenza virus in China
22.06.2015
Yu et al (2015) J Virol
Chinese researchers say they have discovered a novel H5N9 virus that represents a hybrid of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu virus and a human H7N9 virus, along with other elements. The Novel H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV), was demonstrated to cause severe human respiratory infections in China. Evolutionary analysis showed that the hemagglutination and neuraminidase genes of the novel H5N9 virus originated from A/Muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM227/2012 (H5N1) belonging to Clade 2.3.2.1 and human-infective A/Hangzhou/1/2013 (H7N9), six internal genes were similar to those of the H5N1, H7N9 and H9N2 viruses.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in India
19.06.2015
Gain Report - USDA
On March 18 and 26, 2015, India reported three HPAI H5N1 outbreaks to the OIE. The outbreaks were detected in Saari Ka Purwa village, Shukul Bazaar area, and Pahadpur Gaderiya Deeh village,Musafirkhana area, of the Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh, as well as in Haliapur village, Haliapur area of the Sultanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. In Saari Ka Purwa village, India notified that 844 birds were culled, 1,031 birds were considered susceptible, and 187 birds were dead.
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Georgia and avian influenza: a story you must read to believe
18.06.2015
Three shipments of live poultry, ordered online from an infected producer in Iowa, were sent to small farms in Georgia, including two near Fitzgerald and one in Meriwether County. The poultry - as well as existing flocks at the farms - were euthanized Tuesday (June 16).
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200 Salmonella cases linked to grocery store in Idaho
18.06.2015
200 confirmed cases of Salmonella infection are linked to the Boise (Idaho) Co-op deli, a community-owned natural foods grocery store. Because food items from the co-op deli were sold at the local airport, it’s possible that some of the sickened individuals are from other states.
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One case of HPAI in Wright county - Iowa
17.06.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Wright County.
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Quarantine released at Knox county facility after no avian influenza found
17.06.2015
Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach today announced the release of a quarantine on a Knox County egg laying farm, after weeks of testing for highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) did not confirm an earlier presumptive positive test for the disease. NDA issued the quarantine of the Knox County farm on May 27th after a preliminary test indicated the probable presence of HPAI. Subsequent testing did not confirm the presence of the disease, and the 3 million bird flock has been tested every day over the past three weeks. All tests have come back negative for HPAI.
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Avian influenza at another northeast Nebraska farm
16.06.2015
There is one new case of HPAI to report. This case is the existing Dixon 4 location which was reported last week as voluntarily depopulating birds (200,000) due to epidemiological connections with the other Dixon operations.
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Iran: H5N1 in backyard chickens
15.06.2015
Iran reports an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus among backyard chickens in a village in the north of the country. The outbreak is in Nogardan in Mazandaran province.
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USA: Epidemiologic and other analyses of HPAI-affected poultry flocks
15.06.2015
For the past several months, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has conducted epidemiological investigations and other studies with the goal of identifying transmission pathways of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This report includes the results to date of investigations spanning more than 80 commercial poultry facilities, as well as other in-depth studies and analyses performed with the assistance of academic, Federal, State, and industry partners. APHIS will update this report regularly as more analyses are completed.
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Arizona: First case of avian influenza
Arizona: First case of avian influenza
13.06.2015
The Arizona Department of Agriculture is investigating the first potential cases of Avian Influenza in the state. Thirteen quail and chickens and about 40 quail and partridge eggs were imported from a facility in Iowa. A short time after the birds and eggs were shipped to Arizona, birds at the facility became sick and initial test results for those birds came back positive for H5 Avian Influenza on Monday (8 June).
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Germany: LPAI H7N7
12.06.2015
A case of H7N7 LPAI has been reported by the Germany authorities in Emsland. 36100 laying hens will be destroyed.
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Surveillance for foodborne disease outbreaks United States - 2013 Annual Report
12.06.2015
CDC
In 2013, 818 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, resulting in 13,360 illnesses, 1,062 hospitalizations, 16 deaths, and 14 food recalls. Outbreaks caused by Salmonella increased 39% from 2012 (113) to 2013 (157). Outbreak associated hospitalizations caused by Salmonella increased 38% from 2012 (454) to 2013 (628). Fish (50 outbreaks), mollusks (23), chicken (21), and dairy (21, with 17 due to unpasteurized products) were the most common single food categories implicated in outbreaks.
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Ghana: more cases of avian influenza
11.06.2015
Ghana’s veterinary officers have culled over 1000 birds at Kpone in the Greater Accra region following the confirmation of avian influenza in the country by an Italian laboratory. Hundreds of birds have already been culled at poultry farms at Achimota where the disease was detected.
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Russia: avian influenza in wild birds
11.06.2015
During the active monitoring of the ornithofauna in the surroundings of Ubsu-Nur Lake, a few wild birds were found dead. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 was detected and isolated in samples from carcasses of two great crested grebes and two common terns.
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Iowa: Additional case of avian influenza surfaces in Sioux County
09.06.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Sioux County. Sioux 18 – Flock that has a variety species and an estimated 3,800 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Michigan confirms first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in free-ranging geese
09.06.2015
The Michigan departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced the state’s first confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 in the state. The disease was found in free-ranging Canada geese in Macomb County. Three goslings collected last week in Sterling Heights were delivered to the DNR’s Wildlife Disease Laboratory for necropsy.
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Low pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in South Africa
09.06.2015
There have been three outbreaks of low pathogenic avian influenza, of the H5N2 serotype, in South Africa. The cases occurred on three commercial ostrich farms.
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Kandiyohi county (Minnesota) records 40th avian influeanza case
06.06.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced one presumptive positive flock. The following Minnesota county is affected: Kandiyohi – 40th detection (turkeys, 44,000) Current situation Total number of affected farms – 108 Total number of counties – 23
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Ghana: H5 outbreaks
04.06.2015
Ghana has reported three outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) caused by an H5 strain. The outbreak involved more than 31,000 chickens. It is the country's first HPAI outbreak since H5N1 hit poultry there in 2007. The outbreak involves a farm housing 30,807 laying and broiler chickens.
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A new HPAI case in Minnesota
04.06.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced a new case of HPAI. The following Minnesota county is affected: Brown – 5th detection (turkeys, 39,000) Current situation Total number of affected farms – 107 Total number of counties – 23
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China: H5N6 Avian Influenza Virus infection in a domestic cat
04.06.2015
Sci Rep (2015)
H5N6 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) may pose a potential human risk as suggested by the first documented naturally-acquired human H5N6 virus infection in 2014. A recent publication reports the first cases of fatal H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) infection in a domestic cat and wild birds (swan geese) - The H5N6-infected swan geese were identified in Baicheng, China which is adjacent to inner Mongolia. These cases followed human H5N6 infections in China and preceded an H5N6 outbreak in chickens.
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Two cases of HPAI in Clay and Hamilton counties - Iowa
03.06.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Clay and Hamilton counties. Clay 2 – Pullet farm with an estimated 1.1 million birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota
03.06.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced two presumptive positive flocks. The following Minnesota county is affected: Renville – 7th detection (415,000 pullet chickens) Renville – 8th detection (turkeys, 24,800)
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Two cases of HPAI in Sac and Hamilton counties - Iowa
03.06.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Sac and Hamilton counties. Sac 8 – Turkey farm with an estimated 42,200 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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One case of HPAI in Hamilton county - Iowa
02.06.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Hamilton County. With the new announcement, Iowa now has 68 cases of the disease in the state. Hamilton 1 – Turkey farm with an estimated 17,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Turkey: a new outbreak of avian influenza
02.06.2015
Around 100,000 chickens were killed at a poultry farm in Mudanya after an avian influenza outbreak.
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Additional HPAI case in Minnesota
02.06.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced one presumptive positive flock. The following Minnesota county is affected: Kandiyohi – 39th detection (commercial turkeys, 37,000)
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Two cases of HPAI in Hamilton and Calhoun counties - Iowa
01.06.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Hamilton and Calhoun counties. Hamilton 2 - Turkey farm with an estimated 36,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. The APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames has confirmed the site as positive for highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza.
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Additional HPAI case in Minnesota
01.06.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced one presumptive positive flock. The following Minnesota county is affected: Brown – 4th detection (commercial turkeys)
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South Dakota: Avian influenza found at Moody County turkey farm
30.05.2015
A Moody County operation of about 52,000 turkeys has positive test for avian influenza. This latest farm brings to 10 the number of affected operations in South Dakota.
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Ivory Coast confirms H5N1 avian influenza outbreak
29.05.2015
Ivory Coast has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza last month among backyard birds in the central town of Bouake.
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Dr Simon Shane: Biosecurity must be upgraded if the U.S. Egg Industry is to survive
Dr Simon Shane: Biosecurity must be upgraded if the U.S. Egg Industry is to survive
29.05.2015
Source: Egg-Cite
A detailed epidemiologic evaluation on the risk factors for rapid and extensive dissemination of HPAI virus has yet to be released, although there is a growing consensus that many of the outbreaks have resulted from deficiencies in biosecurity. Previously EGG-CITE has commented on the need to establish and maintain a hierarchy of biosecurity extending from Conceptual Biosecurity (where complexes are located and their scope and size) through Structural Biosecurity (capital investment in facilities to exclude disease) and then Operational Biosecurity (how facilities are managed to prevent introduction of pathogens). Each component is in turn is dependent on the preceding level involving a sequence of appropriate strategic decisions, adequate investment and direct training and supervision of personnel and movement of flocks and equipment.
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Campylobacter survey: cumulative results from the full 12 months in the UK
Campylobacter survey: cumulative results from the full 12 months in the UK
29.05.2015
The FSA has today published the final set of results from its year-long survey of campylobacter on fresh chickens. Campylobacter is a food bug mainly found on raw poultry and is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK. Cumulative results for samples taken between February 2014 and February 2015 have now been published as official statistics, including results presented by major retailer.
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Additional HPAI case in Minnesota
29.05.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced one presumptive positive flock. The following Minnesota county is affected: Renville – 5th detection (commercial turkeys, 29,300)
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Two cases of HPAI in Wright and Sac counties - Iowa
29.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Wright and Sac counties. Wright 5 - A pullet farm with an estimated 400,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota
29.05.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced four presumptive positive flocks. The following Minnesota counties are affected: Blue Earth – 1st detection (commercial turkeys, 19,400) Renville – 6th detection (commercial turkeys) Brown – 3rd detection (commercial turkeys, 18,300) Kandiyohi – 38th detection (7,000 commercial turkeys)
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Nebraska confirms 4th case of avian influenza in state
Nebraska confirms 4th case of avian influenza in state
28.05.2015
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed preliminary testing shows the presence of a fourth case of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in Nebraska. This case has been found at a farm in Knox County. The Knox County case is a flock of 3 million hens. The farm is owned by the same operator as the three previously-announced Nebraska cases in Dixon County.
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Iowa: 4 more cases of HPAI
28.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to 4 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Adair, Webster, Wright and Hamilton counties. With the new announcements, Iowa now has 68 cases of the disease in the state. Adair 1 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 975,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.
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Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota
28.05.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced three presumptive positive flocks. The following Minnesota counties are affected: Brown – 2nd detection (commercial turkeys, 7,300) Meeker – 10th detection (commercial turkeys) Kandiyohi – 37th detection (commercial turkeys)
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Avian influenza hits six more Minnesota farms
27.05.2015
Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced six presumptive positive flocks. The following Minnesota counties are affected: Brown – 1st detection (46,800 commercial turkeys) Renville – 3rd and 4th detections (commercial turkeys, 95,300 & 48,900) Kandiyohi – 34th, 35th and 36th detections (commercial turkeys). The six cases bring the number of stricken farms to 94 since the avian influenza surfaced in Minnesota in early March.
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Egypt: a H9N2 human case
27.05.2015
Egypt has reported an H9N2 avian influenza case involving a 7-year-old boy, the country's third such detection so far this year. The boy got sick on Apr 29, experiencing a high fever and a cough. His respiratory sample tested positive for H9N2 on May 7.
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Iowa: A case of HPAI in Pocahontas county
23.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Pocahontas County. With this new announcement, Iowa now has 64 cases of the disease in the state.
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Nebraska: 3rd avian influenza case in Dixon county
23.05.2015
Nebraska agriculture officials confirmed the third case of avian influenza in the state, in Dixon county. The most recent case involves 500,000 young hens. Those birds are located within a mile of the first site where state and federal officials confirmed the first case on May 11.
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A case of HPAI in Buena Vista county - Iowa
22.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Buena Vista County. With this new announcement, Iowa now has 63 cases of the disease in the state.
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Kazakhstan: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2 Dalmatian pelican
22.05.2015
H5 Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected in 2 dead Dalmatian pelican in the State Nature Reserve Akzhayik.
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University of Minnesota Extension: avian influenza represents a $309.9 million loss to Greater Minnesota
22.05.2015
Losses in poultry production and related businesses due to avian influenza are estimated at $309.9 million in Greater Minnesota. according to a newly released emergency economic impact analysis from University of Minnesota Extension. Using economic modeling, analysts determined that for every million dollars in direct losses, the estimated ripple effect leads to $1.8 million in overall economic losses, including $450,000 in wages. Ripple effect losses stem from factors including reduced wage-earner and business-to-business spending.
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Two cases of HPAI in Sac and Calhoun counties - Iowa
21.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Sac and Calhoun counties. With the new announcements, Iowa now has 62 cases of the disease in the state. Sac 6 – Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.
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Four cases of HPAI in Sac and Sioux counties - Iowa
18.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to four cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Sac and Sioux counties. With the new announcements, Iowa now has 56 cases of the disease in the state. Sac 4 – Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames. Sac 5 – Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.
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Israel: A new outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Betzet
18.05.2015
A new outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Betzet - Israel involves a 17,000 turkeys. The outbreak began May 16 and was resolved on May 18.
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FoodNet: Incidence and Trends of Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food
16.05.2015
Foodborne illnesses represent a substantial, yet largely preventable, health burden in the United States. The current report summarizes preliminary 2014 data and describes changes in incidence compared with 2006–2008 and 2011–2013. In 2014, FoodNet reported 19,542 infections, 4,445 hospitalizations, and 71 deaths. The incidence of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium infections declined in 2014 compared with 2006–2008, and the incidence of infection with Campylobacter and Salmonella serotypes Infantis and Javiana was higher. Compared with 2011–2013, the incidence of Salmonella Typhimurium infections was lower, and the incidence of Salmonella serotype Infantis infections was higher in 2014. Despite ongoing food safety efforts, the incidence of many infections remains high, indicating that further prevention measures are needed to make food safer and achieve national health objectives.
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Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture confirmed H5N2 avian flu virus in a second farm
15.05.2015
Nebraska officials confirmed another outbreak of avian influenza. Additional 1.8 million chickens in Dixon County will be destroyed. The second case in Dixon County, a farm with 1.8 million egg-laying hens, is physically close to the first farm that tested positive earlier this week.
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Minnesota update on Avian Influenza May 15
15.05.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced one presumptive positive flocks. The following Minnesota county is affected: Kandiyohi – 33rd detection (commercial turkeys) Current situation Total number of affected farms – 88 Total number of counties – 21
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New outbreaks of avian influenza reported in Burkina Faso
15.05.2015
Burkina Faso reported highly pathogenic avian influenza on a farm located in Tangora in the central region of the Nation. Avian influenza has been diagnosed in nine areas of the West-central African country since March.
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Minnesota update on Avian Influenza
14.05.2015
Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced two presumptive positive flocks. The following Minnesota counties are affected: Renville – 2nd detection (commercial egg-layer chickens) Meeker – 9th detection (commercial turkeys)
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2 cases og HPAI in Sioux and Plymouth counties - Iowa
14.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Sioux and Plymouth counties. With the new announcements, Iowa now has 52 cases of the disease in the state. Sioux 12 – A pullet farm that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.
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South Dakota: HPAI found at Flandreau egg-laying chicken farm
South Dakota: HPAI found at Flandreau egg-laying chicken farm
14.05.2015
An eastern South Dakota farm with 1.3 million egg-laying chickens is the first in the chicken-production business in the state to be infected with avian influenza virus. Flandreau-based Dakota Layers, which accounts for nearly half of the state's almost 2.7 million egg-laying chickens, reached out to the state veterinarian Wednesday after it noticed an unusual number of dead birds in one of its nine barns.
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Nigeria reports several outbreaks of HPAI
14.05.2015
Nigeria has reported continuing outbreaks of avian influenza attributed to H5N1. Approximately 160 farms have been affected since January 2015 requiring culling of 400,000 birds in Plateau State. Since January, 55 outbreaks have been officially reported to the OIE with 14 in the south, 41 in the north central region including Kano, Plateau and Bauchi States.
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Campylobacter: a social media campaign to raise awareness about the risk of foodborne illness from chicken
13.05.2015
Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. An estimated 280,000 United Kingdom citizens fell ill with Campylobacter in 2014, according to the country’s Food Standards Agency (FSA). The estimation comes atop growing concerns over the rates of Campylobacter contamination on chicken in the U.K. The FSA is dedicating its annual Food Safety Week (May 18-24) to launching its Chicken Challenge 2015, a social media campaign to raise awareness about the risk of foodborne illness from chicken.
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Israel: H5N1 in a turkey flock
13.05.2015
Israel reports an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Betzet in the north of the country. The affected farm contains 12,000 turkeys.
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Highly pathogenicd avian influenza in Sioux county - Iowa
13.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to one case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial laying operation in Sioux County. With the new announcement, Iowa now has 50 cases of the disease in the state.
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2 turkey farms in South Dakota found with avian influenza
13.05.2015
Two turkey farms in South Dakota have been confirmed to have H5N2 avian influenza. State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven tells the Yankton Press and Dakota in the two farms in Yankton and Hutchinson Counties have around 115,000 birds combined.
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Highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in Dixon County, Nebraska
12.05.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer flock in Dixon County, Nebraska. The flock of 1.7 million chickens is located within the Central flyway where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified.
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Mexico: H7N3 in wild birds
12.05.2015
Mexico reported that H7N3 has been found in eight wild birds found dead in a nature reserve called the Zapotal in the far southern part of the country.
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4 cases of HPAI in Buena Vista, Lyon and Osceola counties - Iowa
12.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to four cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Buena Vista, Lyon and Osceola counties. With these new announcements, Iowa now has 49 cases of the disease in the state. Buena Vista 14 – A layer pullet farm (33,300) that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.
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Avian influenza was detected in northern Turkey
10.05.2015
A poultry farm in Balikesir northern Turkey is under quarantine after avian influenza H5N1 virus were found.
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Iowa: Seven cases of HPAI in Wright, Buena Vista, Cherokee Sac and Palo Alto counties
09.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to seven cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms. These seven new cases would join 37 cases of the disease in Iowa that were previously announced. State officials have quarantined the premises and once the presence of the disease is confirmed, all birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease. Wright 2 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 2.9 million birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Wright 3 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 1.1 million birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Wisconsin: Avian influenza found in snowy owl in Oconto County
09.05.2015
In mid-April an adult male snowy owl, the largest owl by weight in North America, found dead in Oconto County was submitted for necropsy and in early May tested positive for a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N2).
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Ireland: Salmonella enteritidis outbreak linked to British chicks
09.05.2015
A Salmonella enteritidis outbreak on 19 poultry farms has resulted in the cull of 850,000 birds. While investigations into the source of the outbreak are on-going, many of the infected birds are linked with a consignment of chicks from a hatchery in Wrexham in Britain.
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Minnesota: HPAI update
07.05.2015
Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota: 1 May: Kandiyohi – 26th detection (turkeys, flock size pending); Meeker – 8th detection (30,400 turkeys) 4 May: Renville – 1st detection in county (12,900 turkeys); Nicollet – 1st detection in county (1,102,900 chickens); Kandiyohi – 27th (89,100 turkeys), 28th (40,600 turkeys) and 29th (11,200 turkeys) detections; Pipestone – 2nd detection (72,200 turkeys); Swift – 4th (46,200 turkeys) and 5th (turkeys) detections
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Two cases of HPAI in Osceola and Cherokee counties - Iowa
07.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Osceola and Cherokee counties. These two new cases would join 35 cases of the disease in Iowa that were previously announced. Osceola 3 – A layer pullet farm with an estimated 100,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Six cases of HPAI in Sioux and O'brien counties - Iowa
06.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to six cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Sioux and O’Brien counties. These six new cases would join 28 cases of the disease in Iowa that were previously announced. Sioux 5 – A pullet farm with an estimated 100,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Sioux 6 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 100,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Three cases of HPAI in Buena Vista and Sioux counties- Iowa
05.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to three cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Buena Vista and Sioux counties. These three new cases would join 25 cases of the disease in Iowa that were previously announced. Buena Vista 9 – Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. An estimate on the number of birds at the site is still pending. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Buena Vista 10 – Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. An estimate on the number of birds at the site is still pending. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Four cases of HPAI in Buena Vista, Cherokee and Wright counties - IOWA
04.05.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to four cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Buena Vista, Cherokee and Wright counties. These four new cases would join 21 cases of the disease in Iowa that were previously announced. Buena Vista 7 - Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. An estimate on the number of birds at the site is still pending. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Cherokee 2 - Turkey farm that has experienced increased mortality. An estimate on the number of birds at the site is still pending. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Wright - Commercial laying operation with an estimated 2.8 million birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.
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Two cases of HPAI in Wisconsin
04.05.2015
H5 avian influenza has been detected on two more farms in Barron and Jefferson counties - Wisconsin. Wisconsin now has 10 total cases. Details of the two new detections are as follows: Barron—182,368 turkeys (commercial) Jefferson—127,970 chickens (commercial) As with past detections, each property was immediately quarantined and neighboring properties with poultry will be notified about the situation.
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Turkey: H5N1 in a backyard flock
04.05.2015
Turkey reports first avian influenza H5N1 outbreak for 7 years. The H5N1 killed a backyard flock of 27 poultry in the north-central province of Kastamonu. In response to the outbreak, officials destroyed 92 backyard poultry within 3 kilometers of the site.
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Missouri: HPAI in backyard poultry
03.05.2015
In Missouri avian influenza H5N2 was diagnosed in a backyard poultry flock in Lewis County, near the state's northeastern corner. 12 birds were infected, and another 130 were destroyed to prevent any further spread. Missouri had H5N2 outbreaks on two turkey farms and in two wild lesser snow geese in early March.
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Fourth Barron County (Wisconsin) HPAI detection found in commercial turkey facility
03.05.2015
Another detection of H5 avian influenza has been made in a commercial turkey flock in Barron County, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced today. About 16,000 breeding turkeys and nearly 42,000 hatching eggs are affected. This is now the eighth case in Wisconsin and the fourth in Barron County.
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Minnesota: HPAI update
30.04.2015
Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota The USDA today confirmed the presence of H5N2 HPAI in one additional flock. The following Minnesota county is affected: 28/4: Stearns – 10th detection (27,000 turkeys) 29/4: Steele – 1st detection (turkeys, flock size pending); Kandiyohi – 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd detections (turkeys, flock size pending); Stearns – 11th (turkeys, flock size pending) and 12th detections (layer chickens, flock size pending); Swift – 3rd detection (turkeys, flock size pending) 30/4: Otter Tail – 3rd detection (turkeys, flock size pending); Stearns – 13th (14,800 turkeys) and 14th detections (20,500 turkeys)
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Avian influenza found in a hawk in western Minnesota
30.04.2015
A Cooper hawk in Yellow Medicine County, western Minnesota is the first wild bird in the state to test positive for the avian influenza virus. The Department of Natural Resources collected the hawk during the agency's surveillance of wild birds tied to flu outbreaks at domestic turkey farms.
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Highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in wild birds in Kentucky
28.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in two wild birds, a goose and a duck, in McCracken County, Kentucky.
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Russia: H5N1 in wild birds
27.04.2015
Russia reports avian influenza H5N1 in five dead Dalmatian pelicans in the Astrakhan region, which is in southern Russia near the northern shores of the Caspian Sea.
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Five cases of HPAI in Iowa
27.04.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to five cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Osceola, O’Brien and Sioux Counties in Northwest Iowa. These five new cases would join three confirmed cases of the disease in Iowa. State officials have quarantined the premises and if the initial test are confirmed, all birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
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Canada: Third Ontario farm affected
27.04.2015
A third H5N2 outbreak has been identified in southern Ontario's Oxford County. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) estimated that 8,000 turkeys on the latest affected farm will be euthanized.
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Additional HPAI cases in Minnesota
27.04.2015
The USDA today confirmed the presence of H5N2 HPAI in six additional flocks. The following Minnesota counties were affected: Chippewa – 1st detection in county (68,000 turkeys) Kandiyohi – 11th, 18th and 19th detections (42,900 turkeys and 67,000 turkeys) Redwood – 4th detection (24,300 turkeys). The 3rd flock in Redwood County (11,100 turkeys) was identified as a dangerous contact and will be euthanized as a preventative measure.
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Case of HPAI in Sac countu, Iowa
24.04.2015
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County, Iowa. The facility has 34,000 turkeys and is within the 10 kilometer monitoring zone surrounding the initial HPAI case in Buena Vista County. This is the third case of HPAI in Iowa. The flock has experienced increased mortality and samples have been sent to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Preliminary results showed the birds positive for an H5 strain of avian influenza. Samples were then sent to the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa to further confirm the findings.se and birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
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Avian influenza confirmed in second North Dakota flock
24.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in LaMoure County, North Dakota. The premises contained approximately 69,000 turkeys and also about 2,000 chickens. A presumptive positive case was first identified by the University of Minnesota’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and confirmed by the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.
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More avian influenza cases in Minnesota
24.04.2015
The Minnesota Board of Animal health (MBAH) reported two more turkey-farm outbreaks in Kandiyohi County, raising the county's total for affected farms to 17. The board also confirmed a large chicken-farm outbreak in Clay County, west of Detroit Lakes.
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Avian influenza hits 13 more Minnesota farms
23.04.2015
The number of Minnesota farms hit by avian influenza outbreaks has taken a big jump — 13 new farms with over 430,000 turkeys. the farms with newly confirmed H5N2 infections are all in counties (Otter Trail, Meeker, Kandiyohi, Stearns) where other farms had been affected earlier.
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Second avian influenza detection found in Jefferson county commercial egg-laying facility
23.04.2015
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture is responding to a detection of H5 avian influenza in an 800,000 bird egg-laying chicken flock in Jefferson county. There are now five cases in Wisconsin. The property was immediately quarantined and neighboring properties with poultry will be notified about the situation. Remaining birds will be depopulated and will not enter the food supply.
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Second avian influenza detection found in Barron county commercial turkey facility
23.04.2015
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture is responding to a detection of H5 avian influenza in a 90,000 bird turkey flock in Barron County. This is now the sixth case in Wisconsin and the second in Barron County.
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USA: Avian influenza detected in Chippewa county
22.04.2015
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture is responding to a detection of H5 avian influenza in an 87,000 bird turkey flock in Chippewa county. There are now four cases in Wisconsin. The property was immediately quarantined and neighboring properties with poultry will be notified about the situation. Remaining birds will be depopulated.
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Niger confirms H5N1 avian influenza
22.04.2015
Niger has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza earlier this month in laying hens and breeding parents in the southern town of Holding Dan Gona, Maradi.
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Sixth South Dakota farm confirmed with H5N2
21.04.2015
H5N2 avian influenza virus has been confirmed at a sixth commercial turkey farm in South Dakota. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the H5N2 strain of avian influenza in a flock of 33,300 birds in Spink County.
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H5N2 avian influenza in Osceola count, Iowa
H5N2 avian influenza in Osceola count, Iowa
20.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial laying facility in Osceola County, Iowa. The facility has 3.8 million hens and is the second confirmed case in the state. The flock experienced increased mortality and as a result samples were sent to the South Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for preliminary testing.
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Three more Minnesota turkey farms hit by avian influenza virus
20.04.2015
Avian influenza H5N2 has been confirmed at three more Minnesota turkey farms. - Cottonwood: commercial turkeys: 30,000 - Wadena: commercial turkeys: 301,000 - Kandiyohi: commercial turkeys: 61,000 The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday reported new outbreaks of H5N2 flu at farms in Wadena, Cottonwood and Kandiyohi counties. The Wadena farm, owned by Austin-based Hornel Foods Corp. has 301,000 turkeys, the second largest of 31 Minnesota farms now stricken.
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Highly pathogenic avian influenza in the USA
Highly pathogenic avian influenza in the USA
19.04.2015
In the USA there have been 50 confirmed outbreaks of H5N2/H5N8 HPAI. 37 cases were H5N2 in turkey commercial farms 1 case of H5N2 in a commercial chicken farm 9 cases of H5N2 in backyard poultry 1 case of H5N8 in a turkey commercial farm 1 case of H5N8 in a commercial chicken farm 1 cases of H5N8 in backyard poultry
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Avian influenza detected at second Ontario farm
19.04.2015
Avian influenza has been detected at a second farm in southwestern Ontario, a broiler breeder farm, prompting food safety officials to place it in quarantine. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says preliminary testing has confirmed the presence of avian influenza H5 at the chicken farm in Oxford County.
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H5N2 Avian Influenza in Commercial Turkey Flocks in South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin
17.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in additional commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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Highly pathogenic H5N1 in Bhutan
16.04.2015
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been reported in Motithang City Camp, Bhutan. The outbreak has occurred in a backyard, free-ranging poultry population.
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Hong Kong discover first case of H5N6
Hong Kong discover first case of H5N6
16.04.2015
H5N6 strain of avian influenza was found in Hong Kong for the first time in tests on a dead falcon. The carcass of the peregrine falcon was found in a construction site on Hung Yuen Road, Hung Shui Kiu on April 9. The first known human case happened in Sichuan in May last year, when a 49-year-old man died after being infected with the strain.
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USA: Avian influenza detected in Juneau and Barron County poultry
16.04.2015
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture is responding to the detection of avian influenza in an additional two poultry flocks in Wisconsin. There are now three confirmed cases in Wisconsin. These flocks are within the Mississippi flyway where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified. The affected flocks are in: - Juneau County—40 mixed breed birds in a backyard flock - Barron County—126,000 turkeys in a commercial turkey flock
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Avian influenza in Khan Yunis - Palestinian authorities
Avian influenza in Khan Yunis - Palestinian authorities
14.04.2015
Avian influenza H5N1 has been found in Khan Yunis, Gaza strip. Samples taken from different locations in Khan Yunis, from different avian species (chickens and water fowls) were found positive for H5N1.
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H5N2 Avian Influenza in Buena Vista County, Iowa
14.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County, Iowa.
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Highly pathogenic H5N2 cases in six Minnesota counties
14.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in an additional eight commercial turkey flocks in Minnesota. There are 22 total confirmed cases in Minnesota.
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H5N2 Avian Influenza in Jefferson County, Wisconsin
H5N2 Avian Influenza in Jefferson County, Wisconsin
13.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer flock in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
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3rd Case of Highly Pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
12.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a third commercial flock of 38,000 turkeys in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.
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Germany: 19,000 cases of salmonellosis and 63,600 cases of campylobacteriosis reported in 2013
12.04.2015
Every year, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) prepares a report on the epidemiological situation of zoonoses in Germany. The goal is to contribute towards the prevention of diseases transmitted via food. The evaluation of the data from 2013 shows that the control of Salmonella in poultry is a continued success and that case numbers in humans are dropping. The detection rate of Campylobacter in food and, accordingly, the number of reported infections has not dropped, however. A comparison of the detection rates among animals and in food shows with poultry in particular that there is no success in preventing the contamination of carcasses with zoonotic pathogens originating from livestock farming. Despite all efforts to control zoonoses, pathogens can still be contained in foods. Zoonoses control has to be continued in livestock farming and intensified in the poultry slaughtering process.
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Highly Pathogenic H5N2 cases in four Minnesota counties
11.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in an additional four commercial turkey flocks in Minnesota. There are thirteen total confirmed cases in Minnesota.
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HPAI H5N2 in North Dakota
11.04.2015
A state veterinary lab in North Dakota confirmed H5N2 avian influenza in a commercial flock of 60,000 turkeys in Dickey County in the southeastern part of the state on the border with South Dakota.
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Highly Pathogenic H5N2 in two counties in South Dakota
11.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in an additional two commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in that State to four
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H5N2 Avian Influenza in Kingsbury County, South Dakota
10.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Kingsbury County, South Dakota. This is the second confirmation in a commercial flock in South Dakota.
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Mexico: Two H7N3 avian influenza outbreaks
09.04.2015
Mexico has reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza virus in two backyards in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla in the southern part of the country. Following the notification by the owners of an increase in sudden death in birds at two backyards located in the States of Oaxaca and of Puebla, animals showing clinical signs suggestive of avian influenza were identified in both outbreaks.
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Avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Meeker County, Minnesota
Avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Meeker County, Minnesota
08.04.2015
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Meeker County, Minnesota. This is the ninth confirmation in a commercial flock in Minnesota. The flock of 310,000 turkeys is located within the Mississippi flyway where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified.
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Canada: Avian influenza confirmed on turkey farm in Woodstock, Ontario
Canada: Avian influenza confirmed on turkey farm in Woodstock, Ontario
07.04.2015
Preliminary testing by the province of Ontario has confirmed the presence of H5N2 avian influenza on a turkey farm near Woodstock. Meat turkey commercial farm with 4 barns. One barn is affected, with approximately 75% mortality. Age of the birds in the affected barn: 16 weeks. The farm, and a neighbouring farm, have been placed under quarantine to control disease spread.
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USDA confirms highly pathogenic H5N2 Avian Influenza in 2nd Kandiyohi County
07.04.2015
The new outbreak is on a farm with 30,000 turkeys in Kandiyohi County in the west-central part of Minnesota. This is the eighth confirmation in a commercial flock in Minnesota. The USDA and state officials have quarantined the affected farm and surrounding area and will euthanize all the surviving turkeys to prevent further spread of the virus.
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Minnesota reports 2 more avian influenza cases
06.04.2015
A case of avian influenza has been confirmed on a Kandiyohi County turkey farm. The United States Department of Agriculture today confirmed the detection of the highly-pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial (molting breeder replacement) turkey operation with approximately 26,000 birds on the premises. According to a press release, a third case was confirmed in Stearns County, which is a commercial turkey operation with approximately 76,000 birds on the premises. This flock was being sampled for avian influenza every day because it lies within the previously-established control area in Stearns County.
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LPAI H5 in Noord Brabant, The Netherlands
05.04.2015
Low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza has been detected in a flock of 12,000 free-range chickens in Milheeze, Noord Brabant, The Netherlands.
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Montana: Avian Influenza reported in domestic poultry from Judith Basin County
04.04.2015
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N2 has been confirmed in chickens in Judith Basin County. This is the first case of HPAI reported in domestic poultry in Montana and comes less than a week after the disease was detected in a captive gyrfalcon in Flathead County. The poultry flock, which experienced increased mortality, was confirmed to have HPAI strain H5N2 at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, IA.
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H5N6 in China
04.04.2015
China's agriculture ministry reported an H5N6 avian influenza outbreak at a goose farm near Changzhou in Jiangsu province. 22,000 birds were destroyed. It is the fourth H5N6 outbreak in China so far this year. The virus has struck two locations in Hunan province and one in Jiangsu.
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Avian influenza in a 5th Minnesota farm
03.04.2015
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the H5N2 strain in a flock of 71,000 turkeys in Stearns County. This is the second commercial turkey flock in Stearns County, Minnesota.
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Eurosurveillance: Emergence of a novel cluster of H5N1 clade 2.2.1.2
03.04.2015
Eurosurveillance, Volume 20, Issue 13, 02 April 2015
In Egypt, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) influenza A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.2.1 and their descendants have been circulating in poultry populations since 2006, causing sporadic human infections . Clade 2.2.1 viruses were detected in poultry in Israel and West Bank and Gaza Strip, and in poultry and humans in Egypt. A sharp increase in the number of human cases has been reported in Egypt. The HA proteins of clade 2.2.1 viruses isolated in recent years have continued to evolve and accumulated a number of amino acid substitutions.
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Burkina Faso: H5N1 in chickens
02.04.2015
Burkina Faso’s government confirmed an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in chickens in two regions of the country in recent weeks. Last outbreak of avian influenza was reported in the country in 2006.
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Avian influenza in South Dakota
02.04.2015
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Nobles County, Minn., and in a commercial turkey flock in Beadle County, S.D. The Nobles County flock is the fourth confirmed operation in a commercial flock in Minnesota. The flock of 21,000 turkeys experienced increased mortality, and samples were tested at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.
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H9N2 virus in wild birds in Alaska
02.04.2015
Virology (2015) 482:79-83
Researchers with the US Geological Survey reported that they found H9N2 viruses in two wild birds in western Alaska that match strains from China and South Korea. Genetically indistinguishable H9N2 subtype IAVs were recovered from an emperor goose (Chen canagica) fecal sample and a northern pintail (Anas acuta) cloacal swab, both collected in September 2011, yielded the isolates. All eight gene segments of the two viruses were more than 99.4% the same as recent H9N2 isolates from Lake Dongting, China, and Cheon-su Bay, South Korea.
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USA (Montana): A Falcon dies from avian influenza
01.04.2015
A falcon from Columbia Falls was confirmed to have died from a H5N2 highly pathogenic strain of avian flu. The gyrfalcon is the largest of the falcon species. It weighs 2 to 3 pounds, and can be used as a captive bird for hunting and falconry.
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H5N1 in the Gaza strip
30.03.2015
Avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in Jabalya (Gaza Strip). According to private reports 1200 breeders were affected and culled.
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Romania confirms avian influenza in dead pelicans
28.03.2015
More than 100 dead pelicans in Romania's Danube Delta were found to be infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus.
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Common origin for H5N8 viruses on 3 continents
28.03.2015
Eurosurveillance, Volume 20, Issue 12, 26 March 2015
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) viruses that emerged in poultry in east Asia since 2010 spread to Europe and North America by late 2014. Despite detections in migrating birds, the role of free-living wild birds in the global dispersal of H5N8 virus is unclear. The H5N8 viruses isolated from wild birds in the Netherlands were genetically closely related to and had the same gene constellation as H5N8 viruses detected elsewhere in Europe, in Asia and in North America, suggesting a common origin.
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Third case of avian influenza in Minnesota turkey flock
Third case of avian influenza in Minnesota turkey flock
28.03.2015
State officials are responding to the third confirmed outbreak of H5N2 avian influenza, in a commercial turkey flock (a commercial flock of 39,000 turkeys) in Minnesota.
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Canada: the first HPAI outbreak in North American poultry due to a virus with Eurasian lineage genes
28.03.2015
Scientific Report (2015)
In late November 2014 higher than normal death losses in a meat turkey and chicken broiler breeder farm in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia initiated a diagnostic investigation that led to the discovery of a novel reassortant highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 virus. This virus, composed of 5 gene segments (PB2, PA, HA, M and NS) related to Eurasian HPAI H5N8 and the remaining gene segments (PB1, NP and NA) related to North American lineage waterfowl viruses, represents the first HPAI outbreak in North American poultry due to a virus with Eurasian lineage genes.
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LPAI in The Netherlands
27.03.2015
Avian influenza has beeb detected in a poultry farm (22,000 laying hens) in Tzummarum (The Netherlands). It seems it is a H7 low pathogenic strain.
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Bulgaria: avian flu in dead pelicans
27.03.2015
Bulgaria's authorities had discovered the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in two dead pelicans in a nature reserve, Srebarna - in northeastern part of the Balkan country, close to neighboring Romania.
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Avian influenza in a 2nd Minnesota Turkey Farm
27.03.2015
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the virus hit a flock of 22,000 turkeys at a commercial farm in Lac qui Parle County of western Minnesota. It was the state's second confirmation of the highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza strain, which was confirmed at a Pope County turkey farm about three weeks ago.
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Avian influenza confirmed in Crawford County, Kansas - USA
25.03.2015
The Kansas Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of avian influenza a commercial poultry operation in Crawford County. According to the statement the virus is a low pathogenic strain.
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USDA to test avian influenza vaccine
25.03.2015
In response to a recent spate of avian flu across the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun developing vaccines to protect both commercial and backyard flocks. The agency should be ready to begin testing on chickens within two months to determine how well a vaccine can prevent the disease. While a testing schedule has been tentatively set in place, there is no word on whether the government will actually distribute avian influenza vaccines.
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A new case of HPAI in the Palestinian authorities
23.03.2015
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been found in the Palestinia authorities at a commercial layer farm in Katane (15 Km south-west to Ramallah).
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Israel: New cases of Newcastle disease
Israel: New cases of Newcastle disease
20.03.2015
There have been 12 new outbreaks of Newcastle disease in poultry flocks in Israel since 12 January.
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Avian influenza case confirmed in Sweden
Avian influenza case confirmed in Sweden
20.03.2015
Swedish authorities said they had discovered H5N8 avian influenza in dead swans found dead in Stockholm. Ten mute swans found dead in central Stockholm (two batches of five swans each) were post-mortem examined and tested for avian influenza virus as part of routine surveillance. The first five examined were all negative for avian influenza virus and post-mortem exam followed by chemical analysis confirmed lead poisoning. The last five were all positive for influenza A virus (matrix-gene positive). None had macroscopic lesions suggesting highly pathogenic avian influenza infection, whereas macroscopic lesions suggesting possible lead poisoning were found in four, and lesions suggesting traumatic injury found in the fifth. Two of the birds were positive for H5 and were subsequently typed as highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8.
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H7N3 in California
18.03.2015
A commercial tom turkey flock, in Merced County, State of California, exhibited coughing with a slight increase in mortality. Samples were submitted for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for influenza A virus (IAV) H7N3 LPAI.
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Egypt: avian influenza in humans
15.03.2015
Egyptian health authorities reported that the death of 33 people infected with the H5N1 virus since early this year, is almost three times the death toll range registered in 2014. The outbreak of the disease, which first appeared in this country in 2006, already registers 263 cases in 25 of the 27 Egyptian provinces. The most affected area by the increase of the infection is Sharquiya governorate, north, unlike last year, when the bulk of cases occurred in the south, the poorest part of the country where families rear poultry in backyards to supplement their daily diet.
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Kansas: avian influenza detected in Leavenworth County
14.03.2015
Avian influenza has been detected in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in northeast Kansas. The Kansas Department of Agriculture said that the discovery was made in Leavenworth County.
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Australia: a voluntary recall of eggs
Australia: a voluntary recall of eggs
13.03.2015
Darling Downs Fresh Eggs have voluntarily recalled some of its caged and mountain range products as Queensland Health officials warns of a spike in salmonella cases. The recall comes amid news of another salmonella outbreak in southeast Queensland. It comes as at least 20 people were hospitalised after a suspected outbreak from a Gold Coast cafe Grocer & Grind.
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The Netherlands: avian influenza at a free-range farm
12.03.2015
30,000 laying hens had been destroyed after avian influenza was identified at a free-range farm near the eastern town of Barneveld. The strain involved is LPAI H7N7.
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Epidemiology Report: H7N7 LPAI in broiler breeders Feb 2015, England, UK
12.03.2015
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) was confirmed on 2nd February 2015 in a broiler breeder chicken premises in Hampshire, England. The company has a number of broiler breeder/rearer sites in Southern England, and supplies hatching eggs under contract to a local hatchery. The virus that caused the outbreak is strain H7N7 LPAI. The H7N7 subtype has been detected on several occasions in the last few years in poultry within the EU. Genetic analyses indicate that this virus is of avian origin closely related to contemporary European H7 strains and with no strong correlates for increased human affinity.
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Epidemiology Report: H5N8 HPAI in breeding ducks Nov 2014, England, UK
12.03.2015
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on the 16th November 2014 on a duck breeding site in Yorkshire, which was designated as the infected premises. The infected premises were part of an integrated duck breeding and growing operation encompassing pedigree breeding through to commercial duck meat production, with 43 associated sites mainly situated in the Midlands or north of England. The company covers approximately half of annual UK duck production, and has a wide export market for its elite stock.
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USA: avian flu in Arkansas
USA: avian flu in Arkansas
11.03.2015
A case of H5N2 avian influenza has been identified in a turkey farm (40,000) in Boone County, northwestern Arkansas. Arkansas is the nation's third-leading turkey-producing state, after Minnesota and North Carolina, and is home to Tyson Foods, the nation's biggest chicken company.
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USA: Avian influenza in 2 Missouri facilities
USA: Avian influenza in 2 Missouri facilities
08.03.2015
Avian influenza virus has been detected in Missouri. The virus was confirmed in turkeys at a grower facility in Asbury in the southwest part of the state. Preliminary tests also came back positive for the virus at a commercial turkey facility in Fortuna in the central part of the state.
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HPAI found in Minnesota turkey flock
HPAI found in Minnesota turkey flock
06.03.2015
Highly pathogenic H5N2 strain of avian influenza has been found in a Minnesota commercial turkey flock. The population of a commercial turkey barn was decimated in a matter of days - from a flock of 15,000 to fewer than 100. It's the same strain that's been confirmed in backyard and wild birds in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the finding in Pope County, in western Minnesota, is the first appearance of the highly pathogenic H5N2 strain in the Mississippi flyway.
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H5N8 HPAI in Hungary
H5N8 HPAI in Hungary
05.03.2015
Based on official samples taken on 23rd February, confirmation was made on 24th February. Affected holding: 22,000 ducks culled • Contact holdings: 96,911 ducks culled • Close to the affected holding, same owner as of affected holding • Operated separately, distinct personnel and equipment In the last 21 days the only transport was to a slaughterhouse in Békés county. The duck carcasses which had been transported to a meat processing plant in Bács-Kiskun county were seized and destroyed.
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Germany: LPAI H7N7 in turkeys
Germany: LPAI H7N7 in turkeys
04.03.2015
An outbreak of low-pathogenic avian influenza H7N7, was detected in a turkey flock in Langen (Cuxhaven), Germany. The flock size 23,500 birds.
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Salmonella and Campylobacter show significant levels of resistance to common antimicrobials in humans and animals
28.02.2015
Multi-drug resistant isolates of Salmonella continue to spread across Europe, and some nations have reported ciprofloxacin resistance in Campylobacter isolates from both humans and animals. Treatment options for some of the most common food-borne infections are decreasing, as types of bacteria continue to show resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Encouragingly, co-resistance to critically important antimicrobials for both bacteria remains low. These are some the findings of the latest EFSA-ECDC European Union Summary Report on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food, which analyses data from 2013.
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Campylobacter survey: cumulative results from the first nine month
Campylobacter survey: cumulative results from the first nine month
26.02.2015
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the latest set of results from its year-long survey of campylobacter on fresh chickens. Campylobacter is mainly found on raw poultry and is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK. Foodborne Campylobacter is estimated to make more than 280,000 people ill each year in the UK and is the biggest cause of food poisoning. An EFSA Opinion stated that up to 80% of cases can be attributed to raw poultry meat and a tenfold decrease in the exposure levels from this source is likely to reduce the number of human Campylobacter cases by between 50 to 90% across all Member States.
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China: H5N1 in tigers
China: H5N1 in tigers
25.02.2015
Two tamed Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), died due to H5N1 avian influenza, in Nanning City zoo in Guangxzi Province, China. Several published studies have demonstrated H5N1 infection in large cats kept in captivity. In December 2003, two tigers and two leopards, fed on fresh chicken carcasses, died unexpectedly at a zoo in Thailand. Subsequent investigation identified H5N1 in tissue samples.
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Hungary: H5N8 avian influenza in ducks
Hungary: H5N8 avian influenza in ducks
25.02.2015
Hungary has detected the H5N8 avian influenza virus in ducks at a farm in the town of Fuzesgyarmat in the eastern county of Bekes. The entire flock, 22,000 fattening ducks, will be culled at the farm and transport restrictions have been implemented within 10 kilometres.
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AI strain causing North American outbreaks high similarity with Eurasian AI lineages
21.02.2015
Emerg Infect Dis Vol. 21 (5) - May 2015
The novel Eurasian lineage clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) virus spread rapidly and globally during 2014, substantially affecting poultry populations. The first outbreaks were reported during January 2014 in chickens and domestic ducks in South Korea and subsequently in China and Japan, reaching Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom by November 2014 and Italy in early December 2014. Also in November 2014, a novel HPAI H5N2 virus was reported in outbreaks on chicken and turkey farms in Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada.
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Palestinian authorities: H5N1 in Beit Amin
19.02.2015
A new case of avian influenza H5N1 was diagnosed in a chicken layer farm, in Beit Amin (Near Qalqilya). 4,200 birds to be culled.
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Avian influenza in a second California poultry farm
Avian influenza in a second California poultry farm
16.02.2015
A commercial chicken farm in central California has been found positive to the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. On 12 February 2015, the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed HPAI EA H5N8 virus in a commercial chicken and duck flock in Kings County, California. The flock was experiencing an increase in chicken mortality. The detection of the HPAI H5N8 in the commercial chicken and duck flock is related to the recent avian influenza events in wild birds. The partial HA/NA sequence is >99% similar to A/gyrfalcon/WA/41088-6/2014 HPAI EA H5N8 based upon direct sequence attempt from chicken swab specimen.
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Avian influenza detected in Deschutes County flock of backyard birds
16.02.2015
Highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza has struck another backyard flock in Oregon near Tumalo in Deschutes County. The flock of about 90 mixed poultry and other domestic birds includes chickens, ducks, and turkeys that have had access to a couple of ponds on the property that are also frequented by migratory wild waterfowl.
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An H9N2 infection in Egypt
An H9N2 infection in Egypt
13.02.2015
On 10 February 2015, a human case of A (H9N2) influenza was detected by the routine national avian influenza surveillance system in Aswan Governorate. The case was a 3 years old male, avian influenza was suspected on 16 January 2015. Samples tested at Aswan subnational laboratory and subsequently the reference laboratory (NAMRU3) were positive for H9N2 Investigations revealed that the case had a history of contact with apparently healthy backyard poultry.
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Bulgaria: more H5N1 findings in wild birds
12.02.2015
Bulgarian agriculture officials reported more H5N1 findings in wild birds in the southeastern province of Burgas. Other wild bird findings and an outbreak in backyard poultry have recently been reported in the same area.
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Israel: H5N1 in Kfar Vitkin
Israel: H5N1 in Kfar Vitkin
10.02.2015
Israel's veterinary services said tests have confirmed H5N1 as the cause of an outbreak at a turkey farm in Kfar Vitkin. The event was reported from a turkey fattening facility.
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China: A fatal H5N6 infection
China: A fatal H5N6 infection
10.02.2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has been notified by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of a confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) today (February 9) affecting a 44-year-old man in Yunnan province. The patient, with poultry exposure history, has developed fever, cough and chills since January 27. He was admitted to a local hospital on the same day and died on February 6.
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Newcastle disease in a backyard holding in Romania
10.02.2015
Newcastle disease outbreak in a backyard holding, 29 January 2015, Constanta County, Dulcesti locality. Outbreak in a backyard holding with an initially flock of 65 unvaccinated hens.
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Canada: HPAI H5N1 in Chilliwack
08.02.2015
This new outbreak was detected in a backyard poultry flock (94 Non-commercial semi-confinement chicken laying hens) in the Avian Influenza Primary Control Zone (PCZ) - Chilliwack, in the province of British Columbia (BC), in the same area as the previous outbreaks of HPAI H5N2 reported in December 2014. All susceptible animals on site were humanely destroyed. The National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (CFIA - Winnipeg) reported NAI H5 RRT-PCR positive results on 4 February 2015 and partial sequencing of H5 and N1 segments on 5 February.
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USA: wild birds were found to have highly pathogenic avian influenza
07.02.2015
Two hawks in Whatcom and Skagit counties are the first confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild raptors in North America. The Cooper’s hawk was collected in Whatcom County on Dec. 29 and the red-tailed hawk in Skagit County on Jan. 9. Tests confirmed Jan. 26 that both had the H5N2 strain of avian flu.
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Canada: a new case of avian influenza in the Fraser Valley
07.02.2015
Another case of avian influenza has been recorded in the Fraser Valley. A backyard chicken coop in Chilliwack is the latest to be hit, marking the first such case in more than a month.
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Okanogan County Avian Influenza Outbreak
03.02.2015
Avian influenza H5N2 has been positively confirmed in two Okanogan County game bird and poultry flocks through laboratory testing. - The first flock is located near Riverside, Washington, and consists of nearly 5,000 birds, including approximately 4,000 mallard ducks, 775 pheasants, and approximately 200 mixed geese, ducks, chukars, and chickens.
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Israel: more avian influenza cases discovered
02.02.2015
37,000 turkeys in Beit Herut will be culled after a flock of 8 weeks-old turkeys was found positive to avian influenza H5N1.
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Avian influenza infects dog in South Korea
02.02.2015
Avian influenza has been detected in a dog at a duck farm in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, which reported an outbreak of the poultry disease last month. A sample test showed the dog might have been infected with the virus after eating infected ducks at the farm. There were three dogs at the farm, but the other two dogs tested negative, which means there was no dog-to-dog transmission. According to the ministry, the dog was carrying the H5N8 strain of the virus.
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UK: avian influenza in chickens at Hampshire farm
UK: avian influenza in chickens at Hampshire farm
02.02.2015
A low pathogenic case of avian influenza has been confirmed in chickens at a farm in Upham, Hampshire. Tests have confirmed the outbreak as a low pathogenic H7N7 strain.
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Bulgaria: a second avian influenza outbreak recorded
01.02.2015
An outbreak of avian influenza was discovered in the village of Konstantinovo, coastal Kameno Municipality. The case concerns hens in the yard of the village and tests have been run to confirm it. The village borders Lake Mandra, where there are many wild and migratory birds.
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Second case of avian influenza H7N9 confirmed in B.C. patient
30.01.2015
On 27 January 2015, the IHR National Focal Point of Canada notified WHO of 1 laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. On January 30, 2015 a second individual, travelling to China with the index case (a couple), was laboratory confirmed to also have influenza A(H7N9) infection. The two individuals flew from Hong Kong, SAR China to British Columbia, Canada after travelling together through China. During their travels, they were exposed to live poultry, although they had no direct contact with poultry.
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Avian influenza in Nevada
30.01.2015
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) confirms the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) found in Nevada. The strain is H5N8. The infected bird was a female mallard found in Lincoln County on January 23, 2015.
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Israel: Avian Influenza spreads
29.01.2015
A new case of avian influenza H5 has been reported by the Israeli Veterinary Services. The farm is located in Beit Halevi, a broiler breeder flock of 35,000 birds.
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Campylobacter contamination in poultry in Ireland
29.01.2015
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today stated that campylobacteriosis continues to be the most commonly reported foodborne illness in Ireland with 10 times more cases of campylobacteriosis being reported than salmonellosis. Some 2,288 cases of food poisoning due to Campylobacter were recorded in 2013, compared to over 2,600 in 2014. The FSAI noted the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) annual figures for foodborne illness published today which suggests that the campylobacteriosis figures across Europe have stabilised, but that is not the experience in Ireland.
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EFSA: Campylobacteriosis cases in the EU stable
EFSA: Campylobacteriosis cases in the EU stable
29.01.2015
Campylobacteriosis infections reported in humans have now stabilised, after several years of an increasing trend, but it is still the most commonly reported foodborne disease in the EU. These is some of the key findings of the European Union Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Food-borne Outbreaks in 2013. Last year’s report showed that human cases of campylobacteriosis decreased slightly for the first time in five years. The 2013 figures have stabilised to the levels reported in 2012. Nevertheless, with 214,779 cases, campylobacteriosis remains the most commonly reported foodborne disease in the EU. In food , the causative agent, Campylobacter, is mostly found in chicken meat.
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Avian influenza in game bird farm in Washington
29.01.2015
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 has been reported in a 5,000-bird game flock in Okanogan County in north-central Washington. It’s the largest avian influenza outbreak to date in Washington, where three non-commercial flocks in other parts of the state had previously been infected, apparently by migrating birds.
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Nigeria: avian influenza now in 11 states
28.01.2015
The Federal Nigerian Government confirmed the presence of H5N1 Avian Influenza virus in four other states apart from the seven states earlier reported. The additional states include – Oyo, Jigawa, Gombe and Imo.
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Woman flying Hong Kong to Vancouver positive case of avian influenza
Woman flying Hong Kong to Vancouver positive case of avian influenza
27.01.2015
A woman who returned to the Vancouver on a flight from Hong Kong this month was found to have avian influenza. Canadian health authorities said the patient, who tested positive to the H7N9 strain of avian flu, is not gravely ill. The patient arrived in Vancouver on Air Canada Flight 8 on January 12. Canada’s Public Health Agency stressed that the patient had “recently returned to Canada from China”, but Flight 8 departs from Hong Kong.
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Bulgaria: avian influenza in Burgas region
27.01.2015
2 dead birds were found – a pelican and a seagull in Burgas. The pelican had avian influenza. The virus was identified as H5N1.
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USA: H5N8 avian influenza in commercial turkey flock
25.01.2015
Avian influenza was found in a commercial turkey flock (145,000 birds) in central California. The farm belongs to Foster Farms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the facility in Stanislaus County, California has been quarantined and birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system.
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Israel: H5N1 virus emerges in kibbutz Magal
24.01.2015
40,000 turkeys, 10 weeks old will be culled due to H5N1 avian influenza. The flock is located in Kibbutz Magal, central part of Israel.
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USDA and FSIS has proposed new federal standards to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter
23.01.2015
New standards aimed at reducing the number of cases of foodborne illness. The proposed standards by the Agriculture Department apply to the most popular poultry products - chicken breasts, legs and wings, and ground chicken and turkey. They are voluntary but designed to pressure companies to lower rates of salmonella and campylobacter. Among the measures companies could take to reduce the rates of those pathogens: better screening of flocks and better sanitation. The proposal would ask poultry producers to reduce the rates of salmonella in raw chicken parts from around 24 percent now to less than 16 percent, and campylobacter rates in raw chicken parts from 22 percent to 8 percent. Rates also would be reduced in ground chicken and turkey.
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H5N1 in the USA
23.01.2015
As part of the increased AI surveillance of wild birds, another Eurasian H5 clade 2.3.4.4 virus has been identified through whole genome sequencing of the virus isolate. Introduction of the Eurasian (EA) H5N8 virus into the Pacific Flyway sometime during late 2014 has allowed mixing with North American (AM) lineage viruses and generated new combinations with genes from both EA and AM origin (or “reassortant” viruses) such as the EA/AM H5N2-reassortant detected in Canada and the United States. Such findings are not unexpected as the EA-H5N8 virus continues to circulate.
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Avian influenza in Belize
23.01.2015
Low pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 was diagnosed at a poultry farm in Cayo, Belize (Central America). The flock, broiler breeders: 22 weeks, 38 weeks and 39 weeks. All breeder flocks are routinely sampled for avian influenza under the Belize Poultry Improvement Plan Avian Influenza Programme.
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Germany: H5N8 in a Rostock Zoo in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
22.01.2015
A total of 98 birds of 6 species (chicken, geese, ducks, pigeons, psittacides, quails) kept for non-commercial purposes were culled after avian influenza H5N8 have been found in chickens.
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Israel: Avian influenza discovered at broiler breeder farm in Binyamina
22.01.2015
Avian influenza H5N1 was discovered at broiler breeder farm (gransparent stock) in Binyamina. 17,000 bird will be culled. This is the second case discovered in Israel in 2015.
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Nigeria: more cases of H5N1 reported
21.01.2015
Avian influenza have been reported in Ogun: Ifo live bird market, Delta, Edo and Rivers. The disease had hit seven states. The states of Ogun, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Plateau now have cases of avian influenza in addition to Kano and Lagos States which had earlier been reported. All cases are due to H5N1. To date, 21 commercial farms, 9 live bird markets and one private zoo have been affected in the seven states.
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Another case of H5N1 in the Palestinian authorities
20.01.2015
Another case of avian influenza H5N1 was diagnosed in the Palestinian authorities. The highly pathogenic virus was found in a commercial layer flock in Beit Amin, a village south to Kalkilia.
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Japan: avian influenza hits a Broiler Breeder flock
20.01.2015
73,000 broiler breeders at a farm in Saga prefecture in the north-west of the island of Kyushu have been culled following the detection of the H5N8 avian influenza strain. On 17 January 2015, the local veterinary service in Saga prefecture received a notification from a broiler breeder farm on an increase in the number of dead birds.
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HPAI strikes Idaho
20.01.2015
Poultry, captive falcons and wild ducks in Idaho were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in backyard chickens, captive falcons and wild ducks in western and southern Idaho. Several wild ducks infected with H5N8 avian influenza were found in Gooding County, while the falcons and chickens in a small non-commercial flock were infected with H5N2 in Canyon County.
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H5N1 in the Palestinian authorities
H5N1 in the Palestinian authorities
19.01.2015
H5N1 Outbreak hits commercial Turkey flock in Siris - Palestine Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been detected at a turkey farm in the Jenin area. Siris is a village locates 13 km southeast to Jenin. The flock is 75 days old - 9,000 birds and 140 days - 5,000 birds.
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Highly pathogenic avian flu infected a non-commercial flock in Port Angeles, Washington
19.01.2015
A non-commercial 118-bird flock in Port Angeles, Washington, infected with highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza, was euthanized. The flock’s owner recently sold birds that were introduced to a flock in Neah Bay, also in Clallam County on the Olympic Peninsula. Birds in that flock tested negative for avian influenza. The flock was the third in Washington to fall victim to highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza.
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Israel reports a case of H5N1
17.01.2015
An outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 was diagnosed in a turkey farm in Aviel. The flock, 100,000 birds, 14 weeks old will be destroyed.
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Another outbreak of avian influenza in Japan
16.01.2015
Cull of 200,000 layer hens begins at Okayama farm infected with avian influenza. Authorities have banned farmers moving chickens and eggs at six farms within 3 km of the farm in Kasaoka, and 15 other farms within 10 km have been ordered not to ship their products.
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Avian influenza H5N3 strain confirmed in Taiwan
Avian influenza H5N3 strain confirmed in Taiwan
16.01.2015
A new strain of avian influenza H5N3 (highly pathogenic avian influenza virus) was identified at two goose farms in southern Taiwan's Pingtung and Kaohsiung counties. A goose farm in the far south of Pingtung was confirmed to have been hit by the H5N3 virus, with all of its 2,000 geese dead. The virus was also found in another poultry farm in Kaohsiung, where 333 geese have been culled.
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Korea fights to contain the spread of Avian Influenza
Korea fights to contain the spread of Avian Influenza
16.01.2015
Source: GAIN Report
The Korean government has been fighting to contain the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) with outbreaks continuing since September 24, 2014. The government has been fumigating poultry farms, vehicles and livestock related facilities to control the spread of the disease. In addition to fumigation and culling of the birds in the infected farms, the Korean government will impose a “standstill” order on the movement of poultry products for 36 hours from 6 am on January 17 to 6 pm on January 18, 2015. The standstill order was issued after consulting with poultry farmers and agricultural cooperatives and after the farmers were given time to stock up on feed. During the 36-hour period, birds, farms and all of the vehicles that have been used will be decontaminated thoroughly.
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Avian influenza in another wild bird in Oregon
15.01.2015
A mallard duck at the Fern Ridge wildlife refuge, near Eugene, has tested positive for avian influenza. The virus was classified as H5N2.
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USA: Duck with avian influenza found in Davis County
14.01.2015
Health officials have confirmed a case of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a wild duck hunted in Davis County. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food says test results show an American widgeon duck had the H5N8 strain. Other birds found near the Great Salt Lake in Davis County are also being tested.
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Germany: Red Ibis, and other birds culled due to H5N8 avian influenza in Rostock Zoo
Germany: Red Ibis, and other birds culled due to H5N8 avian influenza in Rostock Zoo
13.01.2015
According to a zoo press release, a Red Ibis and several other birds tested positive for H5N8 avian influenza and were culled. A total of 18 birds were affected.
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Avian Influenza H5N8 found in Taiwan
12.01.2015
Taiwan confirmed a case of avian influenza H5N8 in a goose breeding farm in Chiayi County. This is the first time that the H5N8 strain has been detected in Taiwan. Abnormal mortality was noticed and reported to the local disease control center by the owner of the breeding goose farm. Two dead geese were taken from the farm for diagnosis and the farm has been put under movement restrictions since then. Specific RNA product of avian influenza virus was detected and subtyped as H5N8 by RT-PCR. Highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed by the National Laboratory.
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Taiwan: a new variant of H5N2 avian influenza
12.01.2015
Government laboratory tests yesterday confirmed a new variant of the H5N2 avian influenza at goose farms in Yunlin and a duck farm in Pingtung. This form of the H5N2 virus has not appeared before in Taiwan or elsewhere. Health authorities also reported Taiwan's first documented case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8, found in a flock of geese in Chiayi County.
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ECDC report: H5N1 in egypt
10.01.2015
Influenza A(H5N1) has been circulating in domestic poultry in Egypt since its introduction in 2006 and has been the source of sporadic human infections. The number of cases reported in Egypt in 2014 is higher than compared to 2013, although in the same range as in 2012, but the number of laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection reported in November 2014 by Egypt is the highest ever reported for that month. The locations of the reported cases of A(H5N1) in humans match the locations of outbreaks in backyard poultry and, in addition, the reported human cases had direct exposure to infected poultry. According to a WHO update published on 4 December 2014, and since the last WHO update dated 2 October 2014, eight new human cases of influenza A(H5N1) have been reported in Egypt, with onset of disease in November 2014, bringing the total for 2014 to 12.
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Nigeria: H5 in a backyard flock
10.01.2015
H5 was found in a backyard poultry farm consisting of 22-week-old layers, 10-week-old growers and 4-week-old broilers.
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Australia: Queensland salmonella outbreak
09.01.2015
Up to 110 people have been stricken with what appears to be Salmonella food poisoning in a town south of Brisbane, Australia. Eggs used in deep-fried ice cream batter have been blamed for a Queensland food poisoning outbreak that left 110 people violently ill. Tests conducted at Chin Chin Chinese Restaurant returned positive for salmonella, it is believed that raw eggs were to blame.
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California's foie gras ban overturned
09.01.2015
Federal judge strikes down California foie gras ban Rules that state law infringes on superseding federal one. Ban passed legislature in 2004 but didn’t take effect until 2012. The judge permanently blocked the state attorney general from enforcing part of the foie gras ban that took effect in 2012, finding that the federal government's authority to regulate poultry products supersedes the state law.
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US: H5N8 found in another wild bird
09.01.2015
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said that an H5N8 avian influenza virus has been found in another wild bird in the West. In a report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the USDA said an H5N8 virus was found in a hunter-killed gadwall duck in the Pacific flyway.
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Taiwan: H5N2 outbreak, 120,000 chickens to be culled
09.01.2015
Taiwan confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in chickens on a farm in Pingtung County's Xinpi Township. The Pingtung Agriculture Department is culling all 120,000 chickens at the affected farm.
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Germany: H5N8 in wild birds
08.01.2015
The avian influenza virus H5N8 has been found in wild birds in Germany. According to German media Spiegel Online, the city administration Rostock reported that a white stork from Rostock Zoo in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was detected with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8. Meanwhile, two wild ducks infected with the H5N8 in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt have been shot.
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Avian influenza found in second Benton County backyard flock
07.01.2015
Avian influenza has infected a second backyard flock in rural Richland, Benton County south-central Washington. The second flock was exposed to the highly pathogenic H5N2 virus by domestic ducks transferred from the first infected flock. The current flock contains 500 birds.
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Avian influenza in poultry in Washington state
Avian influenza in poultry in Washington state
03.01.2015
Avian influenza has been found in a backyard poultry flock in southeast Washington. The virus has not been found in commercial poultry in Washington or elsewhere in the United States. The owner of the flock of about 150 birds near Benton City, west of the Tri-Cities, contacted the Agriculture Department after losing nearly 50 birds in the past week.
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