Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2016

31.12.2016

H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza was discovered in two dead cats in Pocheon - South Korea. The cats were found dead earlier this week some 2 kilometers from a chicken farm where the strain of the virus was first reported last month.

Ireland: H5N8 avian influenza in a wild duck

31.12.2016

Ireland has found the H5N8 avian influenza strain in a wild duck in the south eastern town of Wexford.

Croatia: H5N8 in a poultry farm

30.12.2016

Croatia reports the discovery of a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 strain in poultry at a small family farm in the village of Kriznica on the Drava river (on the country’s northern border with Hungary).

Iran and avian influenza

30.12.2016

Iran has culled hundreds of thousands of birds in recent weeks as avian influenza spread across seven provinces. More than 1,000 wild birds, mostly geese, have been found dead in the Mighan Lagoon wetland in Markazi Province, central Iran.

Slovakia: H5 avian influenza in backyard birds

29.12.2016

Highly pathogenic H5 has been confirmed in an outbreak in backyard birds in Bratislava, the country's capital of Slovakia.

First documented case of H5N1 infection in a lion

28.12.2016

Emerging Microbes & Infections (2016)

On 12 April 2016, a 3-year-old male lion died in Ezhou zoo, Hubei province, China. Clinical symptoms include droopiness and anorexia several days before death, and no improvement was observed after symptomatic treatment. The body temperature of the lion, measured the night before its death, was 38.8 °C–38.9 °C. Necropsy findings included severe congestion and edema in the lungs, slight intestinal bloating and red residual urine in the bladder.

H5N8 discovered in farms in Lower Saxony

28.12.2016

The culling of about 77,000 turkeys, chickens and ducks is underway after H5N8 avian influenza strain was found on farms in a major poultry production region in the north German state of Lower Saxony. H5N8 avian influenza strain has been discovered on two farms in Germany's Lower Saxony. Tens of thousands of turkeys will be killed in the county of Cloppenburg. The discovery came after 10,000 turkeys were killed in Oldenburg district and 12,000 animals killed in the district of Vechta.

Japan to cull 107,000 layers due to avian influenza

27.12.2016

Japanese authorities had ordered the culling of 107,000 chicken layers at a poultry farm on Kumamoto (Nankan-machi) after a highly pathogenic strain of H5N6 avian influenza was confirmed. About 400 local officials and troops have started to cull all the chickens at the farm in Nankan Town.

Greece: H5N8 in wild swan

26.12.2016

Greece reports H5N8 avian influenza in wild swan. The virus was found in a wild swan in the Evros river delta in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

Israel: avian influenza H5 in Naham

25.12.2016

Israel reports an outbreak of H5 in a commercial layer flock in Naham. 3,400 birds will be culled.

Israel: avian influenza in a turkey farm

24.12.2016

Avian influenza outbreaks in poultry continue to hit Israel. A turkey farm (9,000 birds) in Kfar Vitkin was confirmed to be infected with H5N8. The birds are 18 weeks old.

Israel: summary of HPAI outbreaks since 2006

24.12.2016

Since 2006, 36 Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks have been recorded in Israel on commercial holdings/farms. They were divided into the following (affected) branches: 1. Turkey farms (all but one for fattening; one was a breeding farm): 25 (69 percent of the total) 2. Broiler breeders: 9 (25 percent) 3. Light-hen breeders: 1 4. Broilers: 1 Not a single outbreak was reported from a table-egg layer holding.

Avian influenza, cats and Vets

23.12.2016

A week ago, 45 cats at an animal shelter in New York City had tested positive for a rarely seen avian H7N2 virus. The New York City Health Department has announced that one close contact of the cats at one of the shelters - a veterinarian who was involved in obtaining respiratory specimens from sick cats at the Manhattan shelter - tested positive for the H7N2 virus. The illness was mild, short-lived, and has resolved. There have been two previous documented human cases of H7N2 infection in the United States – one in a person managing an outbreak of the virus in turkeys and chickens in 2002 and the other with an unknown source in 2003. Both of these patients also had mild illness and recovered. This is the first reported case due to exposure to an infected cat.

Sweden: high number of people with campylobacter

23.12.2016

An unusually high number of people have been struck with Campylobacter bacteria this winter in Sweden. The number of infections usually peaks during the late summer months then drops off, but this year has yet to see a notable downward curve.

The Netherlands: avian influenza found at pet shop

23.12.2016

Avian influenza has been found in poultry at a pet shop wholesale company in Stolwijk, Zuid Holland province and all 6,600 hens and ducks are to be destroyed.

Twycross Zoo, a temporary closure of its walk-through aviaries

23.12.2016

Twycross Zoo, in Warwickshire, has been forced into a temporary closure following guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Twycross Zoo is located near Norton Juxta Twycross, Leicestershire.

France: first detection of low pathogenic avian influenza H5N8

23.12.2016

France reported the first case of LPAI H5N8 in a Duck farm in Miramont Sensacq. The flock, 1700 birds was not destroyed but slaughtered. No clinical signs were observed.

Britain: avian influenza found in wild duck in Wales

22.12.2016

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 was found in two dead wild ducks, wigeons, in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

Iran: More H5N8 outbreaks

21.12.2016

Two commercial poultry farms, a nature park, and a wetland are reporting H5N8. 120,000 birds were destroyed at a farm in Qom, another 53,000 layers were culled on a farm in Tabriz. Wild birds were found dead in a wetland and nature park included (37 geese, and several ducks).

Bulgaria: avian influenza found on three duck farms

20.12.2016

More than 4,000 ducks were culled in Bulgaria over the past few days after avian influenza was found on three duck farms. Some 3,150 of the ducks were from a farm in the southern village of Manole, another 900 ducks were from a farm in the northwestern town of Vratsa and several dozen of birds were from the village of Novo Selo on the river Danube.

Israel: H5N8 in turkey breeders

20.12.2016

A case of H5N8 was discovered in a turkey breeding flock near Maayan Zvi (Northern Israel). The farm is located in a rich commercial fish pond area.

Montenegro: first case of H5N5

20.12.2016

Montenegro reported its first case of avian influenza after a dead duck was found infected with the H5N5 strain on Lake Skadar in the east of the country.

Nigeria: H5N8 in Danbare, Kano

19.12.2016

Avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed in a backyard flock with mix birds species in anbare, Kano. The owner purchased birds from a local market.

South Korea: H5N8 AI strain detected at a chicken farm

18.12.2016

A different type of avian influenza (AI) has been discovered in South Korea. It is a new H5N8 strain, and it was detected at a chicken farm located in Anseong, some 77 km south of Seoul. It marks the first time that two strains of AI have broken out in the country simultaneously. The first outbreak of the H5N6 strain that has spread throughout the country was reported at a chicken farm in Haenam, about 420 kilometers south of Seoul, on Nov. 16. The H5N6 strain is more pathogenic than the H5N8 type that was previously detected in 2014.

Serbia: H5N8 in poultry

17.12.2016

H5N8 virus has been detected in three backyard poultry in Serbia. The first detection of the virus was in wild waterfowl earlier this month.

France: summary of H5N8 outbreaks

17.12.2016

35 outbreaks were confirmed in farm animals and 4 cases in wild birds. Situation as for 15 December 2016.

The Netherlands: summary of H5N8 outbreaks

17.12.2016

4 outbreaks were confirmed in farm animals and 28 cases in wild birds. As for 15 December 2016

EFSA: Zoonoses report and food-borne outbreaks in 2015

16.12.2016

This report of EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control presents the results of the zoonoses monitoring activities carried out in 2015 in 32 European countries (28 Member States (MS) and four non-MS). In 2015, there were 229,213 reported cases of campylobacteriosis. This disease remains the most commonly reported foodborne disease in the EU, showing an upward trend since 2008. Campylobacter is mostly found in chickens and chicken meat.The number of cases of salmonellosis, the second most commonly reported foodborne disease in the EU, increased slightly - from 92,007 in 2014 to 94,625 in 2015. The increase observed in the past two years is partly due to improvements in surveillance and better diagnostic methods.

Britain: H5N8 case in Lincolnshire

16.12.2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the strain H5N8 has been confirmed in turkeys on a poultry farm near Louth in Lincolnshire.

Japan: avian influenza confirmed in Hokkaido

16.12.2016

The Hokkaido prefectural government announced the first case of a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N6. The Hokkaido government will begin cull 210,000 chickens at the poultry farm in the town of Shimizu.

Avian Influenza H7N9 the 4th epidemic in China

16.12.2016

MMWR: December 16, 2016

Influenza A(H7N9) virus is a low pathogenic avian influenza virus that can cause severe illness in humans, with a case-fatality rate of 40%. Since March 2013, China has experienced four annual avian influenza A(H7N9) virus epidemics with human infections. Most human infections have been associated with exposure to live poultry, particularly in live-poultry markets. In the first three annual epidemics, there was no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission. Epidemiology and virology data from the most recent (fourth) epidemic, September 2015-August 2016, suggest no evidence of increased transmissibility of A(H7N9) virus from poultry or environmental exposures to humans or of sustained human-to-human transmission.

The Netherlands: HPAI H5N5

15.12.2016

H5N5 was confirmed in one tufted duck found in a wetland area near Werkendam. The avian influenza virus was classified as highly pathogenic.

Hungary: 33 outbreaks of H5N8

14.12.2016

Hungary reported 33 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza i in backyard birds and all others in poultry farms.

The Netherlands: 63,000 hens to be destroyed

14.12.2016

Dutch authorities ordered the destruction of 63,000 broiler breeders after avian influenza was discovered at a poultry farm in the northern province of Friesland.

Isreal reports an H5 case in turkeys

14.12.2016

Israel reports a new case of H5N8 in a turkey flock in Kibbutz Tsor'a. The flock size is 19,500 birds, 11 weeks old.

Risk assessment of Campylobacter spp. in Finland

14.12.2016

Campylobacter spp. are among the most common causes of gastrointestinal diseases in EU countries. Between four and five thousand human campylobacteriosis cases are registered each year in Finland, of which the majority are most probably acquired from abroad. The prevalence and concentration of campylobacters in foods are influenced by the whole production chain. Based on retail samples, the average annual prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was estimated at 5.5–11.7% (95% CI) in Finnish chicken meat and 1.8–5.9% (95% CI) in turkey meat.

Japan: avian influenza confirmed at Nagoya zoo

13.12.2016

Three black swans that have died at a zoo in Nagoya since late last month were all confirmed to have been infected with avian influenza. The infections at Higashiyama Zoo Botanical Gardens in the central Japan city are the second case in the country this year in which birds kept at a zoo were infected, after one at Akita Omoriyama Zoo in northeastern Japan.

Israel: H5N8 in wild birds

13.12.2016

According to The Israeli Veterinary Services (Dr. Avishai Lublin, Poultry Division Director - Kimron Institute). The following results were obtained from wild birds: On December 6, 80 different wild birds were found dead near Faran (southern Israel) in an oxidation pond. 60 were collected and transferred for further testing to the Veterinary Kimron Institute. The majority were Mallard ducks and they were found positive for HPAI H5N8.

France: LPAI H5N1 in ducks

12.12.2016

H5N1 LPAI virus was detected in ducks in Pallanne. The samples taken in the framework of the surveillance of the protection zone around the outbreak in Monlezun (H5N8), in a farm with 1.000 ducks.

New Zealand: 65% of the chickens positive for campylobacter

11.12.2016

Campylobacter was detected in 26 of the 40 products (65%), all purchased from supermarkets in New Zealand. Campylobacter is the leading cause of notified gastrointestinal infections in New Zealand with rates peaking over summer. Last year, 6218 cases were notified.Last year, rates in New Zealand were 135.3 per 100,000, down from 150.4 in 2014.

Israel: H5 outbreaks expanding

11.12.2016

A new outbreak of H5 in a light breeder flock, 50 weeks old in Beer Tuvia. 11,500 birds in one building.

Campylobacter and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, new study

10.12.2016

A Michigan State University research team reports how campylobacter bacteria found in improperly cooked chicken causes Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The research, now published in the Journal of Autoimmunity, not only demonstrates how Campylobacter jejuni, triggers GBS, but offers new information for a cure. If chicken isn't cooked to the proper minimum internal temperature, bacteria can still exist.

Israel: a new case of avian influenza in a breeder farm

09.12.2016

A broiler breeder farm in Masuot Itzhak, was found H5 positive. 26,000 birds in six buildings will be culled. the flock is 60 weeks old.

Hungary: more avian influenza outbreaks

08.12.2016

Hungary reports 24 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N8 in poultry in the southern part of the country, thousands of ducks and geese will be culled. All outbreaks occurred in either backyard or commercial farms.

Germany: LPAI H5N2

08.12.2016

Germany reports two outbreaks of LPAI H5N2 in Schleswig-Holstein, the northernmost state in Germany. A farm in Gudendorf destroyed 2,220 geese due to H5N2. A backyard in Krumstedt was found also H5N2 positive.

Europe: more H5N8 cases in wild birds

08.12.2016

Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland reported new outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds. In Gotland and Malmo, Sweden; Denmark reported 17 cases; Switzerland report two cases in wild birds.

Israel: another outbreak of H5N8 in a turkey farm

08.12.2016

Israel reports another outbreak of H5N8 in a Turkey farm in Hatzor. 7,000 birds, 19 weeks old.

Russia: H5N8 in a commercial layer flock

08.12.2016

Russia reports an H5N8 outbreak in a commercial layer flock located in Kharablinskaya. The affected laying hens were kept in a separate building (unit 7 with a total population of 54,360 heads) of the poultry farm with a total population of ~ 670,000 heads.

France: H5N8 in southern farms

08.12.2016

Four farms near the town of Monesties, were reported H5N8 positive. The total number of affected farms with H5N8 in France is 12 now.

Israel: H5N8 strikes more farms

07.12.2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 have been found in two more farms in the southern part of Israel. A broiler breeder farm in Beer Tuvia (near the first outbreak, and same owner) - 22,000 birds 25 wks old.

Status of avian influenza outbreaks in The Netherlands

07.12.2016

Gain Report - USDA

On November 26, 2016, High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) of the type H5N8 was detected at a commercial duck farm. On December 1, HPAI was found at two other duck farms in the same village. In total, about 207,000 ducks have been culled at eight duck farms. The most significant economic impact is the closure of the South African market, which represents an annual export value of about $100 million of frozen broiler cuts. High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) of the type H5N8 was detected in dead wild waterfowl at several locations, and on a swan, duck and chicken hobby farm in the Netherlands.

Germany: 24 new outbreaks of H5N8

06.12.2016

Germany reports 24 more outbreaks of H5N8, HPAI. The outbreaks occurred in wild birds and waterfowl found in various locations throughout the country.

France: more H5N8 outbreaks

06.12.2016

More cases of H5N8 in France. The outbreaks are in in the southwest part of France, an outbreak at a farm in Monbahus, 4,750 birds were destroyed. Another 15,600 ducks will be culled at a farm in Monlezun.

Serbia: first case of H5N8 avian influenza

06.12.2016

Serbia reported its first case of avian influenza. Six swans were found dead in a Natural Park in northern Serbia and diagnosed as infected with the H5N8 HPAI strain.

Outbreak of avian influenza in Poland

05.12.2016

An outbreak of avian influenza has been reported at a goose farm in Lubuskie province, western Poland, where around 700 birds have been found dead. Samples of dead birds have been sent to the State Veterinary Institute, which confirmed an infection by the H5N8 virus.

3 new outbreaks of Avian influenza in Israel

05.12.2016

Israel reported 3 new outbreaks of avian influenza. All cases are in the southern part of the country: Ein Tzurim: a turkey farm Beer Tuvia: a broiler breeder flock Revadim: a turkey farm

South Korea: avian influenza confirmed in Gangwon

05.12.2016

KBS World radio

Avian influenza in South Korea is spreading quickly. Gangwon Province got its first case of the highly pathogenic virus since the H5N6 strain of avian influenza was first detected in South Jeolla Province last month. The epidemic has caused nearly 3.4 million chickens and ducks to be culled. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said a chicken in a farm in Cherwon in Gangwon Province tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). It is the first time the H5N6 strain of avian influenza was confirmed in Gangwon Province in the central-eastern part of the country since the outbreak was first reported in the southwestern coastal town of Haenam.

Japan: Niigata culls 540,000 chickens

04.12.2016

540,000 chickens were culled in Niigata prefecture at two poultry farms to contain an outbreak of the HPAI H5N6.

Japan: new avian influenza case confirmed

03.12.2016

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N6 flu has been confirmed at another duck farm in the northeastern city of Aomori.

Finland: a second case of H5N8

02.12.2016

Finland has confirmed that nation's second incidence of H5N8, at a zoo in the southern tip of the Scandinavian nation.

Foodborne salmonella infections in Denmark reach historic low

02.12.2016

A record low number of foodborne salmonella cases were registered in Denmark in 2015. While travel remains the leading cause of salmonella infections, no cases have been attributed to Danish eggs for the first time in the almost 30-year history of the salmonella source account. These are some of the findings of the annual report on the occurrence of diseases that can be transmitted from animals and food to humans. In 2015 a total of 925 salmonella infections were reported among Danes, which is equivalent to 16.2 infected cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This is the lowest number of salmonella infections since 1988.

France: first H5N8 case at commercial farm

02.12.2016

France has detected a case of HPAI H5N8 on a duck farm in the southwest (Almayrac). The outbreak follows a case of H5N8 confirmed among wild ducks in northern France this week and is the latest of a series of outbreaks in Europe. The virus killed 2,000 out of a flock of 5,000 ducks on a farm in the Tarn region, and the remaining birds are to be culled as part of preventative measures.

More H5N6 outbreaks in South Korea

02.12.2016

South Korea reported six more outbreaks in two provinces where the virus has already struck poultry: Chungcheong and South Jeolla.

Germany: H5N1 on poultry farm in Brandenburg

02.12.2016

Germany reported a first case of HPAI-H5N1 on a small poultry farm in the northeastern state of Brandenburg. The farm in the Oberhavel district was sealed off and some 500 chicks, ducks and geese were culled.

Tunisia: Avian influenza in wild birds

01.12.2016

Avian influenza H5 has been found in wild birds Common Coot: Fulica atra and Eurasian Wigeon: Anas penelope in Ichkeul Natural Park (wetland).

Egypt: H5N8 in wild birds

30.11.2016

Two common coots found dead in Dumyat during routine epidemiological surveillance activity were diagnosed as infected with HPAI H5N8.

Ukraine: an H5 outbreak in backyard birds

30.11.2016

The Ukraine government reports a highly pathogenic H5 outbreak in backyard birds in a village in Kherson province.

Germany: H5N8 in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania state

30.11.2016

German veterinary report H5N8 in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania state in the northern part of the country, at a farm housing hens, geese, and ducks.

Japan: H5N6 in commercial farms

29.11.2016

Japan started culling more than 300,000 chickens and ducks after a HPAI H5N6 was found in two locations in the north of the country. It is the first time in two years that avian influenza virus has been detected in poultry farms in Japan. In Niigata prefecture north of Tokyo, local authorities started culling about 310,000 chickens at a farm in the village of Sekikawa.

Romania: H5N8 in a swan

29.11.2016

A dead wild swan found in southeastern Romania earlier this month was found to be infected with H5N8 avian influenza.

FSA: AMR in poultry meat on retail sale in the UK

29.11.2016

A British report shows increasing antibiotic resistance in bacteria commonly found in retail poultry. Resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics have increased steadily since 2001 in Campylobacter jejuni isolates from UK-produced poultry meat samples (espeically chicken and turkey). While resistance to ciproflaxin and nalidixic acid were observed in 15% and 22% of poultry isolates in 2011, half of all isolates showed resistance to both drugs in 2014-2015. According to the FSA, four of five UK cases of food-related Campylobacter illness come from contaminated poultry.

France: H5N8 in wild birds

28.11.2016

H5N8 avian influenza has been found in wild ducks in Northern France. The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed on Nov. 26 in the commune of Marck (Pas-de-Calais), on 20 wild ducks used as callers for waterfowl hunting.

Iran: another H5N8 avian influenza case

28.11.2016

Iran's agriculture ministry on Nov 26 reported another H5N8 outbreak at a commercial layer farm (27,000 birds) in the same area where the first two outbreaks were detected near the city of Malard in Tehran province in northwestern Iran.

The Netherlands culls 190,000 ducks

27.11.2016

About 190,000 ducks have been culled in the Netherlands due to H5N8 avian influenza. The outbreak was detected at a farm in Biddinghuizen, about 70 kilometres west of Amsterdam, where about 180,000 ducks were put down together with another 10,000 within a one kilometre radius.

Germany: avian influenza in a Zoo

26.11.2016

A zoo in northern Germany, Ueckermuende zoo, has been temporarily closed after an emu died of H5N8 avian influenza.

Finland: H5N8 in wild birds

25.11.2016

Finland has detected H5N8 avian influenza in 2 wild birds (Tufted Duck) in Vårdö, Ahvenmaan Maakunta.

Avian influenza in seagulls in Berlin

25.11.2016

H5N8 avian influenza strain was detected in Berlin and Brandenburg. The Berlin-Brandenburg state laboratory has discovered the avian influenza virus in two birds in the Mitte and Treptow-Köpenick districts of Germany’s capital.

India: H5N8 in Karnataka

25.11.2016

India has reported an outbreak of H5N8 a highly contagious avian influenza virus in the southwestern state of Karnataka.

H5N8 in Sweden

24.11.2016

The Swedish Ministry of Agriculture, reports identification of H5N8 avian influenza in two locations in the southern tip of the country. The disease was detected in Vellinge and Helsingborg, two villages near the Danish border. Vellinge confirmed that a wild bird was found dead and tested positive for H5N8, while a flock of laying hens outside of Helsingborg were infected with an H5N8 avian influenza.

Germany: Avian influenza in a turkey farm

24.11.2016

A case of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in the German state of Lower Saxony and about 16,000 turkeys on the farm will now be culled.

Russia reported two outbreaks of HPAI H5

23.11.2016

Russia reported two outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza among backyard birds in the southwestern part of the country.

More cases of avian influenza in S. Korea

23.11.2016

The avian influenza virus is spreading to new areas in the central parts of South Korea. An additional outbreak of H5N6 avian influenza was confirmed at a poultry farm in Yangju, Gyeonggi province. Authorities said the new outbreak were caused by the same virus that was reported at two poultry farms each in Chungbuk and Jeonnam.

Germany: H5N2 in backyard poultry

23.11.2016

Low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza has been detected in a non-commercial holding in Mesekenhagen, Vorpommern-Greifswald district - Germany.

Japan reports H5N6 avian influenza

22.11.2016

Japan reports a case of avian influenza H5N6 in two black swans in Akita-shi Zoo. Japan’s environment ministry has raised the avian influenza alert to the maximum level after confirming the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N6 strain in some waters in the southern part of the archipelago and the virus in several dead birds.

S. Korea reports 2 additional avian influenza cases

22.11.2016

South Korea reports two additional cases pf HPAI H5N6 in two farms, increasing the number of confirmed H5N6 avian influenza (AI) virus cases to four. The H5N6 AI virus was discovered at a duck farm in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and at another duck farm in Muan, South Jeolla Province. The veterinary authorities said some 22,000 ducks have been culled in Muan, 385 kilometers south of Seoul. They also slaughtered 8,500 ducks in Cheongju, 137 kilometers south of the capital, to prevent the possible spread of the disease.

Salmonella at an Alabama wedding

22.11.2016

A salmonella outbreak at an Alabama wedding sickened 99 people, including 22 who were hospitalized. The Alabama Department of Public Health has suspended the caterer's permit because of the outbreak at the Saturday wedding, which was attended by about 150 people. According to preliminary reports the department's laboratory has identified Salmonella enteriditis in food specimens of cooked chicken, as well as green beans, both served at the event. Chicken was likely the primary source of the microorganism, finding Salmonella in the green beans was probably from cross contamination.

Denmark: first H5N8 avian influenza at poultry farm

21.11.2016

The first case of H5N8 avian influenza has been detected at a domestic poultry Hobby flock north of Copenhagen in Denmark. 14 hens 5 turkeys 13 geese 35 ducks – 10 dead. Contact herd – preventative culling: one commercial holding (250 layers/140 ducks) on farm sale.

H5N8 in Iran

21.11.2016

Iran reports two cases of avian influenza H5N8, in commercial layers. The first case is in Tohid Farm in Amirabad Tavanbakhshi and involves 50,000 birds. The second case is in Fatem2 Farm in Akhtarabad and invovles 233,000 birds.

FDA: 2014 NARMS, Improvements in antimicrobial resistance levels

19.11.2016

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released its 2014 National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Integrated Report, highlighting antimicrobial resistance patterns in bacteria isolated from humans, retail meats, and animals at slaughter. NARMS monitors foodborne bacteria to determine whether they are resistant to various antibiotics used in human and veterinary medicine.

H5N8 in Europe: current situation

18.11.2016

On 27 October 2016, the Hungarian authorities reported the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)virus A(H5N8) in a wild swan. Further notifications of HPAI A(H5N8) viruses detected in wild birds and poultry holdings have been made recently by seven additional European countries. Austria, Hungary and Germany reported outbreaks in poultry and detections in wild birds. Croatia, Denmark, Poland and Switzerland reported infection in wild birds only, while the Netherlands detected HPAI A(H5N8) in wild birds and birds in a zoo. Outside of Europe, India and Israel are currently reporting outbreaks in birds while South Korea, Taiwan and the Russian Federation reported outbreaks earlier this year. Culling of the affected poultry in European countries is ongoing or completed. This is the second time this virus has been introduced into Europe via the autumn migration of wild birds, with an increased mortality in wild birds being observed in 2016 compared with 2014/2015.

HPAI H5N6 outbreaks in South Korea

17.11.2016

Authorities in South Korea have isolated an H5N6 strain HPAI from two farms located respectively in the Central and Southern regions of the nation, resulting in the culling of 62,000 ducks. . Apparently two other cases are under investigation. . An H5N6 virus was recently isolated from migratory waterfowl suggesting the source of infection which follows the pattern of previous outbreaks. Japan's Ministry of Environment said that a water sample taken from Izumi City, Kagoshima, tested positive for H5N6. During winter months, Izumi City is home to 80% of the hooded cranes in the world.

Avian influenza in Germany: current situation

16.11.2016

So far, five German states have seen avian influenza H5N8 outbreaks, including the southern state of Baden-Württemberg, which reported cases around Lake Constance, which is bordered by Switzerland and Austria. The state of Saxony also confirmed the H5N8 virus was detected in a dead heron at a lake near the city of Leipzig.

Avian Influenza H5N8 is spreading in Denmark

16.11.2016

H5N8 has been found in wild fowl in Als in south Jutland and on southern Funen. There has also been an instance of the disease being found near Roskilde.

Israel: H5N8 in a broiler breeding flock

13.11.2016

Israel reports a case of avian influenza H5N8 in heavy breeders, in Hefzi-Ba (North part of Israel). The flock is 21 weeks old. 40,000 chickens would now be culled. Two months ago FAO issued a warning that H5N8 avian influenza virus had been detected in wild birds in Tyva Republic in southern Russia and would likely spread in a south-westerly direction with the autumn migration of waterbirds.

Switzerland: H5N8 was found in ducks

12.11.2016

H5N8 was found in ducks near Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. Kreuzlingen is a village on Lake Constance. Waterfowl on the Austrian side of the lake had also died from the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Three tufted ducks were found dead in Lake Constance on Nov 4.

Austria: H5N8 in a commercial poultry farm

12.11.2016

Austrian officials report that H5N8 has been confirmed in a flock of free-range turkeys in Vorarlberg, a state near Lake Constance.

Germany: a new H5N8 case

12.11.2016

In Germany, the state of Schleswig-Holstein reported one case of avian influenza confirmed at a farm where 30,000 chickens would now be culled.

Austria: avian influenza in a commercial farm

12.11.2016

The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety confirmed a second outbreak at a turkey farm in its western Vorarlberg province close to the German and Swiss borders and said 1,100 would be culled.

Avian influenza H5N8 found in Danish ducks

11.11.2016

The National Veterinary Institute at DTU discovered the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in a group of tufted ducks on the island of Møn and in one tufted duck in Christiania in Copenhagen.

Avian Influenza H5N8 in the Netherlands

11.11.2016

The Netherlands reported its first confirmed cases of H5N8 in dead crested grebes and tufted ducks near Monnickendam. Several dead birds were found Monnickendam, a city in the Dutch province of North Holland at the coast of the IJsselmeer lake. More dead birds were found in the area and are currently being investigated as well.

Croatia confirmed H5N8 in wild swans

10.11.2016

Croatia confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in 10 wild swans found dead in the River Bidj, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

H5N8 in wild birds in Germany & Austria

09.11.2016

Germany and Austria reported outbreaks involving the H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza. Germany's outbreak involves dead wild birds collected around Great Plon Lake in Schleswig-Holstein state, located in the northern part of the country. More than 100 dead waterfowl had been found and that tests at the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute confirmed the H5N8 findings.

H5N8 in Poland

08.11.2016

Poland reported H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the northwest corner of the country. Several wild birds were found dead in a water reservoir in Goleniow. H5N8 was found in samples taken from 5 ducks and 1 gull.

Polish eggs traced-back for across Europe outbreak of Salmonella

08.11.2016

On October, 20, 2016, Poland was notified by the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), submitted by the Netherlands, about a contamination of eggs with Salmonella Enteritidis detected in Europe. The information contained in the notification clearly showed that the contamination was caused by the shipment of eggs from a poultry farm from Wielkopolska Province in Western Poland. The outbreak of Salmonella has been traced by multiple countries to eggs from Poland.

Avian Influenza (H5 and H7 strains) in Europe: DEFRA report

05.11.2016

The Hungarian authorities have confirmed HPAI H5N8 in a (wild) Mute Swan by a lake in Csongrad region, a well-known rest place for migratory birds at this time of year. This is the first report of HPAI H5N8 this year in the EU and follows the case in wild birds in Central Russia reported in June 2016. The same subgroup or clade (2.3.4.4) of H5 viruses was also detected in USA (Alaska) in August 2016 in wild mallards. In other unrelated disease reports, the Netherlands has confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza, H5 (N type not determined) in turkeys in Deurne, Limburg. The holding contained approximately 12,000 turkeys, 5,000 ducks and 2,000 pheasant; no clinical signs were observed. The birds have been depopulated. The four other premises in the 1km zone have been screened.

Hungary: H5N8 at a turkey farm

04.11.2016

Last week, Hungary reported that H5N8 was found in a dead swan in Csongrad County, in the south of Hungary. Hungary's NÉBIH (Department of Animal Health and Animal Welfare), reported an H5N8 outbreak at a turkey farm in neighboring Békés county.

HPAI H7N1 in Algeria

04.11.2016

HPAI H7N1 has been found in a nature park in Algeria, the first ever report of avian influenza in that country. The outbreak began on Oct 20 and is ongoing.

Czech Republic: recall of 3 million eggs

02.11.2016

The Czech State Veterinary Administration ordered an immediate recall of approximately 2.67 million eggs from Poland which may have been sold at Tesco, Albert, and Kaufland supermarket chains due to the threat of salmonella. So far, hygiene officers in the Czech Republic have no specific information about salmonella cases linked to the Polish eggs.

Feral pigeons: A reservoir of zoonotic Salmonella Enteritidis strains?

30.10.2016

Veterinary Microbiology 195 (2016) 101–103

Researchers at the University of Ghent have isolated Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 4 (PT4), an important human pathogen, from a population of feral pigeons in Brussels. Salmonella enterica infections in pigeons are generally associated with pigeon-adapted strains of serovar Typhimurium that are of little public health concern.

Poultry: the most common food in outbreaks, United States, 1998-2012

29.10.2016

Epidemiology & Infection (2016)

A recent study in Epidemiology and Infection analysed outbreaks reported to the United States’ Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System from 1998 to 2012 in which the implicated food or ingredient could be assigned to one food category. Of 1114 outbreaks, poultry was associated with 279 (25%), accounting for the highest number of outbreaks, illnesses, and hospitalizations, and the second highest number of deaths. Of the 149 poultry-associated outbreaks caused by a confirmed pathogen, Salmonella enterica (43%) and Clostridium perfringens (26%) were the most common pathogens.

Multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 8

28.10.2016

EFSA

A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type (PT) 8 with multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) profiles 2-9-7-3-2 and 2-9-6-3-2, linked to eggs, is ongoing in the EU/EEA. Based on Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), isolates are part of two distinct but related genetic clusters. ECDC and EFSA are liaising with relevant authorities in the Member States and at the EU level to facilitate the coordination of investigation and response measures. From 1 May 2016 to 12 October 2016, seven EU/EEA countries have reported 112 confirmed cases belonging to two distinct WGS clusters, and 148 probable cases sharing the S. Enteritidis MLVA profiles 2-9-7-3-2 or 2-9-6-3-2. Outbreak cases, both confirmed and probable, have been reported by Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Netherlands: H5 Avian influenza In Deurne

28.10.2016

Low-pathogenic avian influenza is reported in the Netherlands on a poultry farm in Deurne, which is in the southern part of the country.

H5N8 found in Hungary

27.10.2016

A dead swan in Hungary has tested positive for H5N8. Hungary's Department of Animal Health and Animal Welfare reported that a dead swan in Csongrad County tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain.

South Africa: H7N2 in ostriches

26.10.2016

For the first time, low pathogenic H7N2 avian influenza is being reported in ostriches in South Africa. The case has been reported on Sep 20, in a flock of commercial ostriches in Western Cape province near the southern tip of the continent.

Bhutan reports H5N1 outbreak

25.10.2016

Bhutan's agriculture ministry reported a highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreak in backyard birds in Chhukha district, located in the southwestern part of the country.

Seven EU countries imported salmonella-infected eggs from Poland

22.10.2016

A total of seven countries in the European Union have imported eggs infected with the Salmonella enteritidis from Poland. Dutch authorities have reported the infected eggs to the European Commission, which oversees the quality of food and feed. The threat is considered to be serious.

H7N3 in Germany

19.10.2016

A case of the low-pathogenic avian influenza H7N3 has been found in two pheasants in a park in Mannheim, Germany.

India: New Delhi Zoo closed temporarily due to avian influenza

19.10.2016

New Delhi's zoo has been closed temporarily after nine birds died from H5N8 on Oct 14 and 15. Autopsies conducted on the birds confirmed that at least two of them died from H5N8 avian influenza.

Two fatal Egyptian cases of H5N1

11.10.2016

Two new laboratory-confirmed human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection were reported to WHO. A 3-year-old male resident of Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, had onset of symptoms on 7 May 2016, was hospitalized and treated with antivirals for pneumonia, but passed away on 20 May 2016. Prior to his illness, the case was exposed to domestic poultry that appeared healthy.

FSIS: Possible link between chicken product and Salmonella

09.10.2016

On September 26, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified FSIS of an investigation of Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illnesses in the state of Washington. Working in conjunction with CDC and the Washington State Department of Health, FSIS determined that there is a possible link between rotisserie chicken salad from Costco’s Alderwood store in Lynwood, Wash. and these illnesses. Based on epidemiological evidence, four Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- case-patients have been identified with illness onset dates ranging from September 2 to September 6, 2016.

Food safety failures identified at Adelaide InterContinental, source of salmonella outbreak

08.10.2016

Documents released under the freedom of information act highlighted numerous potential problems with the Intercontinental’s cooking practices, which left 83 people ill with salmonella poisoning after eating at the Riverside restaurant on Sunday, July 31. These include the known safety risk of using the same whisk in both cooked and raw eggs. An Adelaide City Council report, obtained by The Advertiser from Duncan Basheer Hannon, confirms the common link between the affected individuals was the consumption of scrambled eggs. Test results identified a salmonella strain known as -Salmonella typhimurium-, which is linked to eggs.

Avian influenza in UAE

06.10.2016

A flock of quails in the Western Region of United Arab Emirates have been found to be infected with avian influenza.

Salmonella found at the Good Earth Egg Company

04.10.2016

CDC, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Department of Agriculture, several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections. Eight people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Oranienburg were reported from three states. Whole genome sequencing showed that isolates from ill people are closely related genetically to one another. Two ill people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations identified shell eggs distributed by Good Earth Egg Company of Bonne Terre, Missouri as the likely source of the infections in this outbreak.

The first fatality associated with influenza A(H9N2) virus infections in humans

04.10.2016

A human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was reported from China. The case was a 57-year-old female from Sichuan Province. Date of illness onset is unknown as the patient was hospitalized on 9 February 2016 with a history of recurrent productive cough with fatigue andshortness of breath during the past year. The patient has chronic underlying conditions. On 16 February 2016, a sample from this patient tested positive for A(H9N2) virus.

H5N1 in Ivory Coast

03.10.2016

Animal health officials in Ivory Coast reported a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreak at a commercial chicken farm in Abidjan district, located in the southern part of the country.

Emerging pathogens in meat and poultry

29.09.2016

Meat and poultry are among the leading vehicles for foodborne illnesses around the world and are responsible for sickening more than 2 million Americans each year. The pathogens that cause these infections are typically zoonotic and can be introduced at any point along the food chain - from when the animal is raised, to the day of slaughter and beyond, up to the moment the meat or poultry product is consumed. This report discusses microbial hazards associated with meat and poultry consumption. While many of the pathogens described in the report can also be transmitted through other food vehicles (e.g., contaminated produce, raw milk, or undercooked eggs), the report focuses on direct human health risks associated with the handling or consumption of meat and poultry products in the United States.

H5N1 HPAI spread in the Middle East: risk assessment

24.09.2016

A risk assessment performed by FAO provides an estimate of the likelihood of introduction of H5N1 HPAI from recently infected countries (Lebanon and Iraq) to other countries in the Middle East region and neighbouring territories as a result of the movement of live poultry (both legal and illegal), poultry-related products and the migration of wild birds.The preliminary assessment based on the available information and uncertainties associated indicate that the risk of introduction of H5N1 HPAI for each of the nine regional and neighbouring countries or territories varies and is as follows: • High: Iran, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Turkey • Medium: Gaza Strip, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and The West Bank • Low: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia • Negligible: Cyprus

MRSA can spread to humans through contaminated poultry

21.09.2016

Clinical Infectious Diseases 2016

A novel form of the dangerous superbug Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can spread to humans through consumption or handling of contaminated poultry. A new research, published online in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, shows that poultry may be a source of human exposure to MRSA. The study focuses on a special newly identified strain of MRSA associated with poultry. MRSA is often found in chickens, pigs and other food animals. Farmers, farm workers, veterinarians and others working directly with livestock are at risk of MRSA infections.

H5N3 avian influenza in France

17.09.2016

Low-path H5N3 avian influenza was detected by surveillance efforts in a flock of 6,000 poultry on a farm in Athos-Aspis in Pyrenees-Atlantiques department in the far southwest.

USDA: HPAI in wild duck in Alaska

27.08.2016

A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strain was detected in a wild mallard duck in Alaska. This is the first detection of the H5N2 in the U.S. since June 2015. Another strain of HPAI, H7N8, was found in an Indiana turkey flock in January. In related news, a low-pathogenic H5 avian influenza outbreak struck a duck farm near St. Catharines in southern Ontario, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported on July 8, 2016. And in the U.S., on July 18, the Low-pathogenic H5 avian influenza was been found in live-bird markets in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

H9N2 confirmed in Chinese child woman

27.08.2016

A 29-year-old woman in China’s Guangdong province was hospitalized with an H9N2 avian influenza infection and has since recovered. China’s Ministry of Health and Family Planning Commission said that the woman, who is from Zhongshan in Guangdong’s Pearl River delta region, recovered during her hospitalization in Guangzhou.

H5N1 avian influenza virus found in Togo

26.08.2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been reported on two farms in Adidogome in Togo.

Campylobacter, acute gastroenteritis costs Swiss health care up to €45M yearly

24.08.2016

Schmutz et al (2016) Epidemiol. Infect.

Rising numbers of campylobacteriosis case notifications in Switzerland resulted in an increased attention to acute gastroenteritis (AG) in general. Patients with a laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter infection perceive their disease as severe and around 15% of these patients are hospitalized. A new study aimed at estimating healthcare costs due to AG and campylobacteriosis in Switzerland. The researchers used official health statistics, data from different studies and expert opinion for estimating individual treatment costs for patients with different illness severity and for extrapolating overall costs due to AG and campylobacteriosis.

FSIS Report covers 16 years of Salmonella trends

19.08.2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has released a detailed report outlining 16 years worth of Salmonella data. Serotypes Profile of Salmonella Isolates from Meat and Poultry Products is a 123-page report that dissects data from reported and collected from January 1998 through December 2014. A few highlights from the report include the following: -Salmonella sickens roughly 1.2 million Americans annually. An estimated 19,000 of those victims are hospitalized and 380 ultimately succumb to their illness. -Salmonella is the primary cause of bacterial foodborne illness. -Salmonella Kentucky is the most common serotype.

First outbreaks of H9N2 viruses isolated from poultry flocks in Morocco

17.08.2016

Virology Journal (2016) 13:140

In Morocco, low pathogenic avian influenza subtype H9N2 virus was first diagnosed in poultry in January 2016. By mid-February, all parts of the country were affected and the disease spread to layers and breeders farms, which showed very severe respiratory signs, mortality rates ranging from 2 to 15 %and drastic drop in egg production (up to 80 %) with no complete recovery after several weeks. As an initial response, the National Sanitary and Security Food Office of Morocco authorized emergency vaccinations of all types of poultry production.

New case of avian influenza in Denmark

08.08.2016

A mallard duck farm near the north Jutland town of Nibe has been infected with a low pathogenic type of avian influenza H5N2, according to the Danish veterinary and food administration Fødevarestyrelsen. An entire flock of 1,200 ducklings will be killed to prevent the virus from spreading. All hobby duck shooting within the zone is only allowed with a permission from the veterinary administration. The infection was discovered during a routine inspection carried out as part of prevention efforts against Avian influenza.

Australia: salmonella outbreak at Adelaide hotel

07.08.2016

A buffet breakfast containing contaminated eggs has left nine people in hospital after a salmonella outbreak at the InterContinental in Adelaide’s CBD. South Australian Health has confirmed 71 people fell ill after consuming the contaminated food at the Riverside Restaurant last Sunday.

Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in Double-Crested Cormorants

04.08.2016

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is receiving reports of sick or dead double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), predominantly juveniles, from the Great Lakes region. Common clinical signs observed are increased fledgling mortality at rookeries, neck weakness, unilateral wing paralysis, incoordination, and tremors. Occasionally, concurrent mortality in other species including gulls and pelicans is reported. Virulent Newcastle Disease virus (vNDV) has been confirmed by genetic sequencing.

H5N1 in Cote d'Ivoire

01.08.2016

Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa last week reported 10 outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza affecting more than 33,000 poultry.

Salmonellosis associated with mass catering

30.07.2016

Epidemiology and Infection (2016)

Salmonella spp. is the causative agent of a foodborne disease called salmonellosis, which is the second most commonly reported gastrointestinal infection in the European Union (EU). Although over the years the annual number of cases of foodborne salmonellosis within the EU has decreased markedly, in 2014, a total of 88,715 confirmed cases were still reported by 28 EU Member States. The European Food Safety Authority reported that, after the household environment, the most frequent settings for the transmission of infection were catering services. As evidenced by the reviewed literature, which was published over the last 15 years (2000–2014), the most frequently reported causative agents were Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium serovars.

Countries should reduce use of colistin in animals

30.07.2016

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended that colistin-containing medicines should only be used as a second line treatment in animals and that their sales should be minimised across all European Union (EU) Member States to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The European Commission asked for this update in response to the discovery of a new mechanism of resistance in bacteria to colistin (caused by the mcr-1 gene). The gene can be transferred between different types of bacteria, potentially causing a rapid development of resistance. The gene was first identified in bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) in South China, and since then has also been found in the EU and other regions.

Raw or lightly cooked eggs safe for more vulnerable groups

28.07.2016

A report from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) states that the risk of salmonella in UK eggs produced under the Lion code is now “very low”. It is recommending that the FSA considers amending its advice. The report says: “There has been a major reduction in the microbiological risk from salmonella in UK hen shell eggs since the 2001 ACMSF report.“This is especially the case for those eggs produced under the Lion code quality assurance scheme.“In practical terms, the group considered that the ‘very low’ risk level means that UK eggs produced under the Lion code, or under demonstrably equivalent comprehensive schemes, can be served raw or lightly cooked to all groups in society, including those that are more vulnerable to infection, in domestic and non-domestic settings, including care homes and hospitals.

Avian influenza in Denmark

27.07.2016

On 27 July 2016, LPAI H7N7 was detected in A large flock of mallard ducks at Brenderup farm in western Funen in connection with the Danish surveillance programme for avian influenza. The diagnosis was confirmed and the virus was typed by sequencing. The killing of the mallards (3,000) at the infected holding will be conducted on 28 July 2016.

Prevalence of mcr-1 in E. coli from Livestock and Food in Germany

26.07.2016

Researchers in Germany reported comprehensive data on the prevalence of mcr-1 in German livestock and food isolates. Over 10.600 E. coli isolates from the national monitoring on zoonotic agents from the years 2010–2015 were screened for phenotypic colistin resistance (MIC value >2 mg/l). Of those, 505 resistant isolates were screened for the presence of the mcr-1 gene. In total 402 isolates (79.8% of colistin resistant isolates) harboured the mcr-1 gene. The prevalence was depending on the food production chain. The highest prevalence was detected in the turkey food chain (10.7%), followed by broilers (5.6%). A low prevalence was determined in pigs, veal calves and laying hens.

H5N1 in southwest France

19.07.2016

The French Ministry of Agriculture reports two new outbreaks of avian influenza. The first, in Dordogne: Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak was confirmed July 18, 2016 on a farm in 4400 outdoor chickens in the town of Ladornac, by identifying a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.

Avian influenza in Iraq

14.07.2016

On Tue 12 Jul 2016, the Wasit Provincial Council reported cases of avian influenza in a number of poultry farms in areas of Essaouira and Aziziyah, north of the province. (city of Kut) and directed the concerned authorities to destroy more than 2.5 million chickens.

Canada: Avian influenza confirmed on southern Ontario duck farm

08.07.2016

A duck farm near St. Catharines, Ontario, has been quarantined after a case of avian influenza was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The strain is an H5N2. All birds (14,000 - 12-week-old ducks) on the infected property will be euthanized.

A novel plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance gene

08.07.2016

Eurosurveillance, Volume 21, Issue 27, 07 July 2016

Belgian researchers report the discovery of a novel plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance gene in porcine and bovine colistin-resistant Escherichia coli that did not contain mcr-1. The gene, termed mcr-2, has 76.7% nucleotide identity to mcr-1 (80.65% proteins identity). MCR-1 gene, was first identified in E coli samples in China in late 2015 and has now been detected in 30 countries. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MCR-2 might have originated from Moraxella catarrhalis.

USA: LPAI Identified in live bird markets

08.07.2016

According to a July 4th report in the USAPEEC Monday Line the USDA-APHIS detected low pathogenicity H5 avian influenza at live bird markets in Philadelphia, PA., King’s County, NY and New Jersey.

Salmonella outbreak at Suffolk jail

07.07.2016

Health officials say undercooked chicken served at the Suffolk County jail on Long Island led to a salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 21 inmates earlier this year. The outbreak started on May 10 and lasted a week and a half.

H5N1 outbreak in Cameroon

06.07.2016

16 outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza were reported in Cameroon. The outbreaks began in mid-May through early June. The outbreaks were reported in commercial farms and at markets.

MCR-1 gene has been found in seagulls in LIthuania and Argentina

25.06.2016

J. Antimicrob. Chemother. (2016)

In letters to the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, two research teams in Lithuania and Argentina report that they trapped birds and swabbed their butts, or scooped up seagull droppings, and found the resistance-conferring gene in E. coli being carried by two species: herring gulls in Lithuania (Larus argentatus) and kelp gulls in Argentina (Larus dominicanus).

Data regarding the outbreak of H7N8 in commercial Turkeys in the USA

23.06.2016

Genome Announcements (2016)

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H7N8 was detected in commercial turkeys in January 2016. Control zone surveillance discovered a progenitor low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus in surrounding turkey flocks. Data analysis supports a single LPAI virus introduction followed by spontaneous mutation to HPAI on a single premises. In January 2016, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) veterinarians were notified of increased mortality at a commercial turkey operation. Decreased water consumption and recumbent turkeys with pulmonary congestion and edema were reported in one of six barns. Three days following the onset of clinical signs, mortality increased from 100 to 800 birds within 24 h. Birds in the five other barns on the index premises showed no clinical signs. Turkeys from the affected barn tested positive for H7 by PCR, and partial sequencing confirmed H7N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Russia: H5 in wild birds

20.06.2016

During the active monitoring of the ornithofauna in the surroundings of Ubsu-Nur Lake, a few wild birds were shot. Genome of HPAI H5 avian influenza virus was detected in 17 samples from carcasses of birds [black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus), grey heron (Ardea cinerea), common tern (Sterna hirundo), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), duck (Anatidae)].

H9N2 in a chinese child

20.06.2016

A 4-year-old girl in China's Guangdong province is sick with an H9N2 avian influenza infection. The child, who lives in the city of Meizhou, is hospitalized in serious condition. H9N2 viruses are found in poultry in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and human cases occur sporadically.

Restaurant cooking trends and increased risk for Campylobacter infection

16.06.2016

Emerg Infect Dis Volume 22, Number 7- July 2016

In the United Kingdom, outbreaks of Campylobacter infection are increasingly attributed to undercooked chicken livers, yet many recipes, including those of top chefs, advocate short cooking times and serving livers pink. During 2015, a group of researchers studied preferences of chefs and the public in the United Kingdom and investigated the link between liver rareness and survival of Campylobacter. They used photographs to assess chefs’ ability to identify chicken livers meeting safe cooking guidelines. To investigate the microbiological safety of livers chefs preferred to serve, they modeled Campylobacter survival in infected chicken livers cooked to various temperatures.

Lebanon: A second H5N1 outbreak

14.06.2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus was detected in a layer farm in Sariin Tehta, Bekaa, AL BIQA' - Lebanon. 126,000 birds were culled.

H7N9 in The Netherlands

10.06.2016

Netherlands has reported an outbreak of avian influenza in domestic laying hens in Friesland region. Over 48,000 birds were present on the premises in two production systems with outside access of 16,000 free range birds and 32,000 organic birds. The virus was reported as H7N9 low pathogenicity with only very mild clinical signs observed of slight egg drop and dullness. The most recent occurrence of H7N9 in Dutch birds was in April 2015, according to the OIE.

Hong Kong suspended live poultry trading

05.06.2016

Sales of live poultry have been suspended after samples of poultry droppings taken from a live bird market at Tuen Mun tested positive for the H7N9 avian influenza virus.The positive sample was detected at a market in Tuen Mun on May 16. The stall sells live chickens and pigeons.

Survey of the prevalence of Salmonella species on laying hen farms in Kosovo

04.06.2016

Hulaj et al. (2016) Poultry Science

A survey on the prevalence of Salmonella species was carried out on 39 layer farms in Kosovo between April and September 2012. In total 367 samples, comprising feces, dust, eggs, and internal organs from dead birds, were investigated using bacteriological culture methods. Additionally, data on the location of the farm, the total number of birds on the farm, age of birds, and laying performance were collected. Salmonella were isolated from 38 samples obtained from 19 (49%) farms. The most common serovar identified was Salmonella Enteritidis, found on 18 farms (95%).

Niger confirms avian influenza outbreak in poultry

03.06.2016

Niger has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus among poultry. Niger's veterinary services submitted a notification to the OIE on Thursday (June 2) after the outbreak was confirmed at the end of May.

H7N3 in Mexico

01.06.2016

On Jun 1 government officials confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N3 in Mexico. H7N3 was detected on May 11 on a farm containing 151,000 commercial layers in the town of Sayula, Jalisco.

FSA: latest results from the chicken campylobacter survey

27.05.2016

The results for January to March 2016 continue to show a decrease both in the number of birds with campylobacter on them and those with the highest level of contamination from the equivalent quarter last year. This survey investigated the prevalence and levels of campylobacter contamination on fresh whole chilled chickens and their packaging. The survey examined more than 3,000 samples of whole chickens bought from UK retail outlets and smaller independent stores and butchers. The latest data show 9.3% of chickens tested positive for the highest level of contamination in this quarter, down from 21.8% for the three months from December 2014 to February 2015. Campylobacter was present on 50% of chicken samples, down from 71% in the equivalent quarter of the previous year.

Avian influenza in Cameroon

27.05.2016

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been reported in Yaoundé. On Sunday 22 of May 2016, the Epidemiological surveillance network of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industry observed high mortalities in poultry within the breeders rearing facilities of the Poultry complex in Mvog Betsi, Yaoundé.

Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks United States - 2014

27.05.2016

Foodborne diseases due to known pathogens are estimated to cause about 9.4 million illnesses each year in the United States. In 2014, 864 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported, resulting in 13,246 illnesses, 712 hospitalizations, 21 deaths, and 21 food recalls. Ground beef was the contaminated food or ingredient in five of the 25 multistate outbreaks. Four were caused by Shiga toxin producing E. coli and 1 by Salmonella. Fish (43 outbreaks), chicken (23), and dairy (19, of which 15 were due to unpasteurized products) were the most common single food categories implicated.

First report of mcr-1 in the USA

27.05.2016

The recently discovered colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has reached the United States, report researchers in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. The plasmid-borne gene confers resistance to the antibiotic colistin, a last-resort drug for difficult-to-treat carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The mcr-1 gene was found in a strain of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli from a 49-year-old woman in Pennsylvania with a urinary tract infection.

Another outbreak of H7N7 in Italy

19.05.2016

Another outbreak of HPAI H7N7 has been found in Italy. The outbreak occurred in Emilia-Romagna, The farm was within the protection zone set up after the earlier outbreak.

LPAI outbreaks in Italy

15.05.2016

On 6 April 2016 the National Reference Laboratory confirmed the presence of a LPAI virus H5N2 subtype in a poultry grower in Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Poultry grower holding with 340 birds belonging to different species. On 8 Apr 2016 all birds present were culled, and the carcasses were disposed of under official supervision. Preliminary cleaning activities were performed.

Newcastle disease in Bulgaria

15.05.2016

Two NCD outbreaks were recorded in Kardzhali region in Feb 2016. 1st outbreak of NCD confirmed on 05 Feb 2016 in Nenkovo village, Kardzhali region. 2nd outbreak confirmed on 23 Feb in Rudina village, Kardzhali region.

Newcastle Disease in Romania

15.05.2016

Two Newcastle disease outbreaks in commercial broiler farms were recorded in Romania. Location of the two outbreaks: Prahova County. First outbreak- Outbreak holding: 70000 chickens, aged from 9 to 32 days old. First signs of disease: on 07.04.2016, until the date of confirmation, 975 chicken died. The farmer has two more other commercial holdings, of the same capacity; one of them, in Magurele, was also infected as a secondary outbreak. The poultry have been immunized three times: on 07.03.2016, on 17.03.2016, the last one on 03.04.2016 with a live, attenuated vaccine. Even the farmer declared that the flock was vaccinated, the antibodies tittered in the laboratory on 18 samples were found at a low level.

Food poisoning due to Salmonella in Singapore

13.05.2016

Salmonella contamination has been determined as the cause of mass food poisoning among 231 people who ate food prepared by Kuisine Catering in February. The alarm was first sounded when 33 people fell ill after a birthday party in February. Later, more affected consumers said they experienced vomiting and had diarrhorea after consuming food prepared by the caterer from Feb 12 to 14.

Avian influenza outbreaks in South African ostriches

04.05.2016

There have been two more outbreaks of H5N2 low pathogenic avian influenza on commercial ostrich farms in South Africa.

Avian influenza in the USA

03.05.2016

U.S. authorities destroyed 39,000 turkeys in Missouri due to an outbreak of a low pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in Jasper County in SW Missouri.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Italy

02.05.2016

Avian influenza H7N7 (HPAI) was found in a commercial farm of layer hens (free-range/organic) in Ferrara region. Increased mortality rate was reported during the last two to three days. A protection zone of three kms and a surveillance zone of ten kms have been established around the farm, which is under restriction. Depopulation has been completed (17,000 birds).

France imposes three-month ban on making foie gras

02.05.2016

French authorities halted the production of foie gras, fattened duck or goose liver, until August throughout southwestern France as the region braces for a particularly virulent strain of avian influenza. The effect of the ban will be felt worldwide, as France supplies an estimated 75 percent of the world’s foie gras-- 70 percent of which comes from the affected area. Exports of the delicacy amounted to 5,000 tons in 2014. The French minister of agriculture said the government would compensate the breeders for their estimated $150,000 loss.

FDA: drug-resistant salmonella in poultry

28.04.2016

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released a new interim report that measures antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolated from raw retail meat and poultry collected through the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS). The 2014-2015 Retail Meat Interim Report contains data from January 2014 – June 2015. It focuses only on Salmonella, a major pathogen of concern in foodborne disease outbreaks. Information includes serotype distribution, prevalence by food source and state, selected resistance patterns, and a list of all the identified antimicrobial resistance genes. To provide data in a timelier manner, the FDA intends to issue retail meat interim reports twice per year. In this report FDA also includes, for the first time, whole-genome sequencing data for Salmonella.

Iraq: New outbreaks of avian influenza in 10 years

27.04.2016

Iraq reported this week six outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus that occurred between mid-December and early February in the first occurrence of the disease in 10 years.

Asda recalls chicken and sweetcorn pasta salad after Salmonella fears

23.04.2016

Asda has recalled some of its chicken and sweetcorn pasta salad products after it was found to contain salmonella which can cause severe food poisoning and even death. Asda recalls meals contaminated with 'potentially deadly' salmonella and warn customers NOT to eat them. The supermarket said contamination could cause severe food poisoning.

Lebanon: First report of avian influenza

22.04.2016

Lebanese authorities Thursday slaughtered thousands of chickens after cases of the H5N1 virus were discovered at a poultry farm in Nabi Sheet town of the Bekaa.

FSA Suspends Quarterly Campylobacter Retail Survey

20.04.2016

For the past year, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been running a survey to measure the amount of Campylobacter in chickens for sale in local grocery stores. Due to changes in how chickens are processed, the agency has now announced that it will suspend testing for the time being. Traditionally, the FSA’s Campylobacter testing measured levels of the bacteria on the chicken’s neck skin. In general, this is usually the most contaminated part of the bird. However, food processors are increasingly removing the neck skin before the chickens make it to retailers. While this growing practice does decrease the risk of food poisoning for consumers, it poses a new challenge for the FSA’s survey, testing methods and the findings. Now, the FSA is having trouble fairly comparing the results of Campylobacter contamination from retailer to retailer, due to varying levels of neck skin on their chickens.

Ghana: Avian influenza hits Western Region

20.04.2016

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of avian influenza on a poultry farm in Tarkwa, a suburb of Takoradi in the Western Region. In 2015, five regions including Greater Accra, Central, Western, Ashanti and Volta recorded outbreaks.

Foodborne diseases active surveillance network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2012–2015

16.04.2016

In 2015, FoodNet identified 20,107 confirmed cases of infection, 4,531 hospitalizations, and 77 deaths. The number and incidence of confirmed infections per 100,000 population were reported for Salmonella (n = 7,728 [incidence = 15.89]) and Campylobacter (6,309 [12.97]). Among 6,827 (88%) serotyped Salmonella isolates, the top serotypes were Enteritidis, 1,358 (20%); Newport, 816 (12%); and Typhimurium, 739 (11%).

Less Salmonella at Iowa egg-production operations

14.04.2016

Six years of Iowa State University testing show a dramatic decrease in the number of environmental samples taken from egg facilities that test positive for the Salmonella enteritidis causing human food poisoning. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine annually conducts tests on nearly 13,000 environmental samples. About 60 percent of the samples originate from Iowa egg farms and the remainder from sites located in more than a dozen other states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires facilities housing more than 3,000 laying hens, comprising more than 98 percent of the nation’s flocks, to take environmental samples during various stages of production.

Avian influenza in Mexico

12.04.2016

19 outbreaks of H7N3 occurred in Mexico between Jan 28 and Mar 23. They involved nine farms holding mainly commercial layers in Jalisco; three farms containing breeding birds in Veracruz; and three backyard flocks, three farms of commercial layers, and one farm of 25 peafowl in Puebla.

Potential Laboratory-acquired Salmonella infection at CDC

01.04.2016

CDC is investigating how one of its laboratory workers who was recently diagnosed with Salmonella infection may have acquired their infection due to work they performed in a BSL-2 laboratory. Preliminary laboratory tests indicate that the worker was infected with a strain of Salmonella which matched the strain being worked on in the lab. The worker is well and back at CDC and, based on what we know now, no other staff were exposed.

Denmark 2014-15: Campylobacter cases high and Salmonella low

26.03.2016

Salmonella: Two serotypes - S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium - generally account for about two thirds of all salmonella infections in Denmark. The number of zoonotic salmonella cases registered in 2014 was 1,124 (19.7 per 100,000), which is nearly the same as the previous two years. In 2015, the number decreased to 925 cases, 18% less than in 2014 (16.2 per 100,000). As in previous years, patients below 5 years of age accounted for a relatively high number of diagnosed salmonella infections. This also reflects that relatively more in this age group are tested for salmonella.S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium and the S.T monophasic variant accounted for the majority of infections: a total of 62% of all infections in 2014 and 54% in 2015. Both in 2014 and in 2015, the monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium, including isolates with the antigen formula ”1,4,[5],12:i:-” was more frequently observed than S. Typhimurium.

South Korea confirms new avian influenza case

26.03.2016

South Korea confirmed a new case of avian influenza (H5N8), the first outbreak in about five months. The Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said ducks at a poultry farm in Icheon, 80 kilometers east of Seoul, have tested positive for the virulent strain of avian influenza. All 10,900 ducks were culled as a precautionary measure, and the farm has been under quarantine to prevent the virulent virus from spreading.

Kenneth Miller Farms issues a voluntary recall

19.03.2016

Kenneth Miller Farms of New Lebanon, Ohio issues a voluntary recall for shell eggs due to possible contamination with Salmonella enteritidis. The eggs subject to recall include eggs sold from their farm directly to consumers, as well as eggs sold to Lucky’s Taproom and the Mudlick Tavern. Egg cartons associated with this alert are identified by Miller Farms, New Lebanon, Ohio.

H5N2 in South Africa

15.03.2016

4 outbreaks of low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza virus occurred on commercial ostrich farms and one involved domestic ducks. No birds in the South African outbreaks have been destroyed.

Salmonella in raw-egg mayonnaise

08.03.2016

Nine people who became ill after eating at Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery (Lucky's is a full service bar and restaurant in Dayton's Historic Oregon District, Ohio) tested positive for salmonella, and so did mayonnaise that the restaurant made in-house. The number of people who complained of being sickened after eating at Lucky’s rose to 77. Five people were admitted to hospitals.

Avian influenza reported in Mexico

07.03.2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N3 was confirmed on two farms in Mexico's central province of Puebla and on two farms in the west-central province of Jalisco.

Outbreak of Salmonella infantis infections - Canada

04.03.2016

The Public Health Agency of Canada collaborated with federal and provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections in nine provinces. Epidemiologic and laboratory investigations conducted by local, provincial, and federal officials indicated that exposure to fresh, raw chicken was the likely source of this outbreak. Given that the reported number of Salmonella Infantis cases has returned to the expected number for this time of year, the outbreak investigation coordinating committee has been deactivated and the investigation is coming to a close.

MCR-1 gene in retail chicken meat in the Netherlands

03.03.2016

Eurosurveillance, Volume 21, Issue 9, 03 March 2016

Recently, the plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene mcr-1 was found in Enterobacteriaceae from humans, pigs and retail meat in China. Several reports have documented global presence of the gene in Enterobacteriaceae from humans, food animals and food since. A group of Dutch researchers screened several well-characterised strain collections of Enterobacteriaceae, obtained from retail chicken meat and hospitalised patients in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2015, for presence of colistin resistance and the mcr-1 gene. No mcr-1-positive isolates were identified among 2,275 human isolates tested.

Newcastle disease in Bulgaria

02.03.2016

An outbreak of Newcastle disease has been reported in the village Rudina, Kardzali - Bulgaria. Two weeks ago an outbreak of Newcastle disease has been discovered in a backyard poultry holding in Nenkovo, in Kardzali region.

Campylobacter reduction in UK

26.02.2016

The results for the second quarter of testing, from October to December 2015, continue to show a decrease in the number of birds with the highest level of contamination from the same months last year. These most heavily contaminated birds, carrying more than 1,000 colony forming units per gram (cfu/g), are the focus of the current target agreed by industry, which is equivalent to no more than 7% of chickens at retail having the highest levels of contamination. Research has shown that reducing the proportion of birds in this category will have the biggest positive impact on public health. The latest data show 11% of chickens tested positive for the highest level of contamination, down from 19% in October to December 2014. Campylobacter was present on 59% of chicken samples, down from 74% in the same months of the previous year.

The French origin of MCR-1-mediated colistin resistance in Tunisia

26.02.2016

Eurosurveillance, Vo 21, Issue 8, 25 February 2016

The live chicken population in Tunisia is heavily colonised by mcr-1-positive E. coli with subsequent possible contamination of chicken productsץ High prevalence of MCR-1 and CTX-M-1-producing Escherichia coli in three Tunisian chicken farms. Chickens were imported from France or derived from French imported chicks.

Avian Influenza in poultry in France - update

19.02.2016

Avian Influenza in poultry in France

18.02.2016

To date there are 72 outbreaks of HPAI H5 (N1, N2 and N9) and seven outbreaks of LPAI H5 (N2 and N3) which have been reported to the EU Animal Disease Notification System. The recent outbreaks have been detected as part of clinical surveillance and the majority in fattening ducks. The exports and trade of live poultry, hatching eggs and day old chicks are carefully controlled from restriction zone. The eradication programme put in place by the French Authorities is designed to allow current populated farms to continue production until expected point of slaughter and then for strict cleaning and disinfection to take place, followed by a period of several weeks during which the premises must remain empty.

Brazil: Prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in poultry carcasses in state of Rio de Janeiro

17.02.2016

Panzenhagen et al (2016) Food Control, 61:243-247

To investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in poultry carcasses in state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 60 samples from 6 slaughterhouses were collected over a period of 6 months. A total of 82 Campylobacter isolates were obtained from twenty seven (45%) positive chicken carcasses, including 44 isolates (53.66%) of Campylobacter jejuni and 38 (46.34%) of Campylobacter coli. Salmonella was isolated from 4 (6.67%) carcasses by conventional method and was detected in 5 (8.33%) of 60 chicken carcasses by PCR. All the Campylobacter isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin.

Spain: one dead and over 100 fell ill with food poisoning in Cadiz

14.02.2016

At least 112 people (75 in Cádiz, 32 in Sevilla, 4 in Málaga, 2 in Granada and one in Jaén). have fallen ill and one person has died from suspected salmonella poisoning at a bar in the coastal city of Cádiz. The source appears to be a bocadillo (small sandwich) of tortilla casera, made of potatoes and eggs, ordered by many of the victims.

Probable Hospital Cluster of H7N9 Influenza Infection

11.02.2016

The New England Journal of Medicine

Human H7N9 infections appear to be acquired through zoonotic transmission, although clusters of human-to-human household transmission have occurred. A new study report a hospital cluster of H7N9 infections that took place from January to February 2015. A 28-year-old man (index patient), with repeated exposure to live poultry, presented with respiratory infection and was admitted to the respiratory department, where his condition worsened. Laboratory investigation showed that he was positive for H7N9 by serologic testing and polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay. Seven days after admission of the index patient, influenza-like illness developed in a 33-year-old male physician (Doctor 1) who attended the index patient. The acute respiratory distress syndrome later developed in this physician. Four days after the onset of symptoms in Doctor 1, influenza-like illness and bronchial pneumonia developed in a second attending physician (Doctor 2), a 35-year-old man, in the same department.

EU: antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic and indicator bacteria from humans, animals and food in 2014

11.02.2016

Bacteria in humans, food and animals continue to show resistance to the most widely used antimicrobials, says the latest report on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria in Europe. Scientists warn that resistance to ciprofloxacin, an antimicrobial that is critically important for the treatment of human infections, is very high in Campylobacter, thus reducing the options for effective treatment of severe foodborne infections. Multi-drug resistant Salmonella bacteria continue to spread across Europe. The findings of this latest annual Europe-wide report by EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) underline again that antimicrobial resistance poses a serious risk to human and animal health.

Campylobacter and Salmonella in Swiss surveillance data, 1988–2013

11.02.2016

Clinical isolates of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are notifiable in Switzerland. Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are the most frequently reported zoonotic infections in Switzerland. In 1995, Campylobacter replaced Salmonella as the most frequently reported food-borne pathogen. Between 1988 and 2013, notified campylobacteriosis cases doubled from 3,127 to 7,499, while Salmonella case notifications decreased, from 4,291 to 1,267. Case notifications for both pathogens peaked during summer months. Campylobacter infections showed a distinct winter peak, particularly in the 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 winter seasons. The inverse trends observed in case notifications for the two pathogens indicate an increase in campylobacteriosis cases.

Prevalence of MCR-1 in commensal E. coli from French livestock 2007 to 2014

11.02.2016

Colistin resistance was investigated in 1,696 isolates collected from 2007 to 2014 within the frame of the French livestock antimicrobial resistance surveillance programme. The mcr-1 gene was detected in all commensal Escherichia coli isolates with a minimum inhibitory concentration to colistin above the 2 mg/L cut-off value (n=23). In poultry, mcr-1 prevalence was 5.9% in turkeys and 1.8% in broilers in 2014. These findings support that mcr-1 has spread in French poultry.

France: another H5N9 outbreak

10.02.2016

France reports another highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in poultry. The affected French farm is in Pyrenees-Atlantiques department, which had already reported recent outbreaks. Excess deaths in broilers triggered testing, which revealed the H5N9 strain. Of 4,400 susceptible birds, the virus killed 80, and the rest were culled to control the virus’s spread.

DeLauro and Slaughter statements on new USDA standards to reduce Salmonella

06.02.2016

Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and Louise Slaughter released the following statements on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s finalization of new federal standards to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in ground chicken and turkey products, as well as in raw chicken breasts, legs, and wings. "While the new federal standards announced by the USDA are progress in fighting foodborne illnesses, implementing these standards alone is not enough to keep American consumers safe. The USDA should immediately declare Salmonella as an adulterant as part of their work to protect consumers and reduce public health threats," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "The facts are clear: Salmonella and Campylobacter continue to have a significant human and economic cost on Americans every year. We can more effectively respond and prevent these outbreaks, but the USDA must do more. American consumers deserve it."

USDA finalizes new food safety measures to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry

05.02.2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the finalization of new federal standards to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in ground chicken and turkey products, as well as in raw chicken breasts, legs, and wings. Based on scientific risk assessments, FSIS estimates that implementation of these standards will lead to an average of 50,000 prevented illnesses annually. As part of this move to make chicken and turkey items that Americans frequently purchase safer to eat, FSIS has also updated its microbial testing schedule at poultry facilities and will soon begin posting more information online about individual companies' food safety performance. These new standards, in combination with greater transparency about poultry companies' food safety performance and better testing procedures, will help prevent tens of thousands of foodborne illnesses every year, reaching the Healthy People 2020 goals.

Avian influenza in South Africa

03.02.2016

South Africa report two outbreaks of H7N3 involving farm flocks of 612 and 3,835 ostriches in Western Cape province.

Avian influenza in Nigeria

30.01.2016

Avian Influenza, has been reported in 18 states in Nigeria and has affected over 2.5 million chickens and over 700 farms nationwide.

WHO estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases

20.01.2016

Foodborne diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and a significant impediment to socioeconomic development worldwide, but the full extent and burden of unsafe food, and especially the burden arising from chemical and parasitic contaminants, has been unknown. Precise information on the burden of foodborne diseases can adequately inform policy-makers and to allocate appropriate resources for food safety control and intervention efforts. A report, resulting from the WHO Initiative to Estimate the Global Burden of Foodborne Diseases and prepared by the WHO Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG), provides the first estimates of global foodborne disease incidence, mortality, and disease burden in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). For the global estimates, thirty-one foodborne hazards causing 32 diseases are included. Together, the 31 hazards caused 600 million foodborne illnesses and 420,000 deaths in 2010.

Israel: Eggs imported from Spain may have Salmonella

20.01.2016

The Israeli Health Ministry suspects that eggs imported from Spain may be infected with Salmonella enteritidis. Until the Health Ministry completes further tests to determine the presence of the bacteria, it is suspending the import of eggs from Spain.

Human infections with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus in Bangladesh

20.01.2016

WHO

One human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was reported from Bangladesh. The case was a 46-year-old male poultry worker in a market in Dhaka City. He had onset of illness on 27 October 2015 presenting with fever, runny nose, headache and myalgia. Throat and nasal swabs were collected as partof the market avian influenza surveillance system and tested positive for A(H9N2) virus. The patient recovered. One day prior to illness onset, the case reported handling sick poultry.Overall public health risk assessment for avian influenza A(H9N2) viruses: This is the third human infection of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus reported from Bangladesh.

More avian influenza cases in Dubois, Indiana

16.01.2016

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) announces nine more commercial turkey farms in Dubois County have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This brings the total to 10 commercial turkey operations. Further testing is underway to determine the virus type. Depopulation activities are underway on most of the sites.

FoodNet Canada 2014 - short report

15.01.2016

FoodNet Canada tracks illnesses of the gut, commonly known as food poisoning, in Canadians, and traces them back to their sources, such as food, water and animals. These data are analyzed to help determine which sources are causing the most illness among Canadians and help us track illnesses and their causes over time. In the 2014 surveillance year, FoodNet Canada was active in three sites in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. In 2014, Campylobacter and Salmonella remained the most common causes of human enteric illness in the sentinel sites. Campylobacter was the most prevalent pathogen found on skinless chicken breast in all sites with close to one-half of all samples testing positive. Across all three sites, Salmonella is the most commonly found pathogen in chicken nuggets, with more than one-quarter of all samples testing positive. Salmonella prevalence on skinless chicken breast ranged across the sites from 15% - 26%.

Germany: Low pathogenic Avian Influenza of subtype H5N2

15.01.2016

LPAI H5N2 was detected in a holding, commune Roding, Landkreis Cham, Bavaria. 13,100 heads of poultry without clinical signs (9,300 laying hens, 200 laying hen pullets, 1,500 geese, 2,000 ducks, 100 turkeys - only geese kept in free range).

Avian influenza in the USA

15.01.2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Friday confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Dubois County, Indiana. The farm has about 60,000 turkeys and the flock is being euthanized to prevent the disease from spreading.

Italy: Colistin MCR-1, E. Coli in Turkeys slaughtered in 2014

14.01.2016

Promed - Archive Number: 20160113.3933461

The mcr-1 gene, which encodes transferable resistance to colistin, has been confirmed in commensal Escherichia coli from Italy, in primary production of turkeys. The 1st confirmed mcr-1-positive isolate is among colistin-resistant isolates detected from the harmonised monitoring programme performed on cecal samples at slaughter in 2014, and aimed at estimating the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence in major zoonotic (e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni) and indicator commensal bacteria (e.g.E. coli), according to the Decision 2013/652/EU. Isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for colistin above the epidemiological cutoff had already been reported to the National Competent Authority and to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) according to the EU legislation. The National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance, IZSLT, Rome, Italy, has been investigating the genetic basis of colistin resistance.

Avian influenza in France - an update

12.01.2016

Of 129 suspected outbreaks, 67 have tested positive for HPAI H5, 15 positive for LPAI H5, 45 proved negative, and 3 are still under investigation. While 20 of the HPAI H5 viruses' neuraminidase was undetermined, of the remainder H5N9 was the most common subtype detected, followed by H5N1.

Avian influenza in Scotland

11.01.2016

A suspected case of avian influenza has been identified in grandparent chickens at a farm in Fife, Scotland. Around 40,000 birds will be culled. Initial test results indicated the presence of a strain of avian influenza (H5N1), a low pathogenic strain.

Good Earth Eggs recalled

09.01.2016

Good Earth Egg Company, LLC of Bonne Terre, Missouri has announced a voluntary recall of its shell eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

A new avian influenza vaccine that protects poultry from multiple strains

08.01.2016

A team of researchers at Kansas State University, in collaboration with Garcia-Sastre of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, has developed a vaccine that protects poultry from multiple strains of avian influenza found in the U.S., including H5N1, H5N2 and H5N8. The vaccine has the potential to be administered through water or into embryonated eggs, making it easier for poultry producers to vaccinate flocks. The vaccine, called NDV-H5Nx, protects chickens and likely other poultry against the three recently introduced U.S. avian influenza strains H5N1, H5N2 and H5N8, as well as against Newcastle disease virus.

Israel: eggs with Salmonella from Ukraine

06.01.2016

The Israeli Ministry of Health warned the public against using eggs marked UA that come from the Ukraine due to Salmonella enteritidis. These findings might be related to a Salmonella food poisoning that started in October 2015.