Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2017

Australia: Chicken sandwiches linked to salmonella outbreak

30.12.2017

A bakery north of Adelaide has been linked to more than a dozen cases of salmonella, including three people who had to be hospitalised. Chicken sandwiches and wraps from Gawler South Bakery have been linked to 17 confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning in the past fortnight, Of these confirmed cases, three patients have been so severely ill they needed to be hospitalised.

Saudi Arabia: H5N8 outbreaks

30.12.2017

H5N8 HPAI has been found at a poultry facility (breeding farm) in Al-Ahsa, an Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. New cases of the avian influenza were discovered at Al-Quaiya and Dharma. The H5N8 disease was first discovered at Al-Aziziya Market before hitting the governorates of Al-Kharj and Huraimila. The Ministry of the Environment, Water and Agriculture reported 8 new cases at a poultry project in Riyadh, which led to the culling of 85627 birds.

FDA waited months on average to recall tainted foods

29.12.2017

The Food and Drug Administration waited an average 57 days to issue recalls for contaminated foods, a new Department of Health and Human Services report found. The report, which studied 30 of 1,557 FDA-issued recalls from 2012 to 2015, found the agency was slow to recall tainted foods, which could lead to illness. In one incident, the FDA did not issue a recall until 303 days after deeming the food a potential hazard. Food recalls are announced frequently, but the vast majority are voluntary.

Russia: HPAI H5N2

29.12.2017

Russia has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza on a farm in the central region of Kostromskaya Oblast. More than 660,000 birds were culled.

HPAI: APHIS proposes updates for floor-raised poultry

26.12.2017

The USDA's Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service is proposing updates to its virus elimination flat rate payments for floor-raised meat poultry facilities affected by notifiable avian influenza, which means any avian influenza with high pathogenicity and by H5 and H7 subtypes with low pathogenicity. When a poultry facility becomes infected with notifiable AI, virus elimination is a crucial step in the recovery process. APHIS provides reimbursement for virus elimination activities conducted by the owner/producer, but must ensure that these activities are both time- and cost-effective. APHIS would provide a single virus elimination flat rate for all floor-raised meat poultry facilities.

Avian influenza overview September – November 2017

26.12.2017

EFSA-ECDC-

Between 1 September and 15 November 2017, 48 A(H5N8) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in poultry holdings and 9 H5 HPAI wild bird events were reported within Europe. A second epidemic HPAI A(H5N8) wave started in Italy on the third week of July and is still ongoing on 15 November 2017. The Italian epidemiological investigations indicated that sharing of vehicles, sharing of personnel and close proximity to infected holdings are the more likely sources of secondary spread in a densely populated poultry area. Despite the ongoing human exposures to infected poultry during the outbreaks, no transmission to humans has been identified in the EU.

Avian Influenza in Iran

25.12.2017

Major egg producing Iranian provinces, namely Qazvin, Tehran, Alborz and East Azarbaijan, are dealing with an outbreak of avian influenza, which has led to the culling of 16 million chicken and a rise in egg prices. The outbreak has caused losses worth over 20 trillion rials ($477.44 million) to production units.

USDA: report on HPAI outbreak from 2014-2015

22.12.2017

The 2014-2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the largest poultry health disaster in U.S. history. More than 50 million birds were lost to the disease itself or to depopulation, overshadowing bird losses during any previous U.S. outbreak. Losses of table-egg laying chickens, or “layers,” and turkeys grown for meat, the primary poultry varieties affected, were estimated at 12 and 8 percent of their respective inventories. Losses of broiler chickens, which provide virtually all U.S. chicken meat, were less than 0.01 percent of their estimated inventory.

Philippines: H5N6 avian influenza outbreak

22.12.2017

The Philippines reports 4th H5N6 avian influenza outbreak since August 2017.

Europe: The risk of introduction of H5N6

22.12.2017

DEFRA

Since the 11th December, Netherlands has reported three cases of H5N6 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds in Flevoland, near the outbreak reported on the 8th December in commercial ducks. The birds were all reported to be mute swans (Cygnus olor) and in total 8 were found dead and all tested positive. On the 21st December an outbreak of H5N6 HPAI was reported in captive birds in Flevoland, where according to initial reports, 49 out of 58 birds were found dead and all tested positive for the virus.

Italy: new H5N8 cases

22.12.2017

Avian influenza continue to be isolated on poultry farms in Italy.

Types of food that contribute to foodborne illness

22.12.2017

The Interagency Food Safety Analytics Collaboration (IFSAC) - 2017

Each year in the United States an estimated 9 million people get sick, 56,000 are hospitalized, and 1,300 die of foodborne disease caused by known pathogens. These estimates help us understand the scope of this public health problem. However, to develop effective prevention measures, we need to understand the types of foods contributing to the problem.

Saudi Arabia: HPAI H5N8 in Riyadh

20.12.2017

Saudi Arabia's MEWA (Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture) announced today the detection of Highly Pathogenic H5N8 among birds at Azizia market in the city of Riyadh.

SA eggs: 73% contaminated with pathogenic bacteria

15.12.2017

Jambalang et al (2017) S Afr J Sci. 113(11/12)

Food safety is an important public health issue and governments across the world are intensifying their efforts to improve the quantity, quality and the safety of national food supplies. Bacteria, especially Salmonella species, present in or on chicken meat and hens’ eggs in particular are the most common causes of food poisoning and the major sources of human salmonellosis. A new study published in the South African Journal of Science found that almost three-quarters of eggs bought at shops in Pretoria are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria.

Salmonella cases no longer falling in the EU

13.12.2017

Salmonella: Cases of Salmonella Enteritidis acquired in the EU have increased in humans by 3% since 2014 says the report, which is compiled by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In laying hens, the prevalence increased from 0.7% to 1.21% over the same period. There were 94,530 human cases of salmonellosis reported in the EU in 2016. S. Enteritidis – the most widespread type of Salmonella, accounted for 59% of all salmonellosis cases originating in the EU and is mostly associated with the consumption of eggs, egg products and poultry meat.

Turkey the case of Salmonella outbreak at Toyo Tire

09.12.2017

Preliminary laboratory findings released by the Georgia Department of Public Health have identified the food source responsible for last month's salmonella poisoning outbreak that sickened dozens and hospitalized five people who ate food catered for Toyo Tire employees. These findings indicate that turkeys handled and catered by Angelo's New York Style Pizza & Bistro were the cause of the outbreak among the employees who took part in the meals Nov. 14-15, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District.

USA: Antimicrobial sales decline in 2016

09.12.2017

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has published its annual report summarizing sales and distribution data for the 2016 calendar year for actively marketed antimicrobial drugs approved for use in food-producing animals by drug class, medical importance, route of administration, indication, and dispensing status, as well as species-specific estimates of these sales and distribution. The species-specific estimates are new to this year’s report and are the result of rulemaking implemented in 2016.

The Netherlands: H5N6 HPAI in ducks

08.12.2017

A suspected highly pathogenic variant of the H5N6 avian influenza was discovered at the farm in Biddinghuizen, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) east of Amsterdam.

Antibiotic resistance: An unexpected chronology

01.12.2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases – Nov 29, 2017

A new study by French scientists suggests the rise of ampicillin resistance in a strain of Salmonella may have begun before the antibiotic was ever used in humans. Ampicillin, the first semi-synthetic penicillin active against Enterobacteriaceae, was released onto the market in 1961. The first outbreaks of disease caused by ampicillin-resistant strains of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium were identified in the UK in 1962 and 1964. In this study, whole-genome sequencing study, we analysed 288 S enterica serotype Typhimurium isolates collected between 1911 and 1969 from 31 countries on four continents and from various sources including human beings, animals, feed, and food.

Philippines: new avian influenza outbreak

01.12.2017

Almost four months since the first outbreak, the Department of Agriculture - Philippines, disclosed there has been another incident of avian influenza in a poultry farm in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol confirmed the case of bird flu in Nueva Ecija after reports of culling of around 40,000 birds surfaced earlier this week.

Avian Influenza (H5N8) situation in Bulgaria

01.12.2017

Five outbreaks of HPAI H5N8 were confirmed by PCR in Bulgaria between Oct and 27 Nov 2017.

Italy: new H5N8 cases

25.11.2017

Avian influenza continue to be isolated on poultry farms in Italy. Added cases to the 2017 list.

H5N2 LPAI in Germany

23.11.2017

Ducks and geese in Rotenburg (Wümme- Lower Saxony region) were diagnosed as infected by H5N2 LPAI virus; 43 birds showed mild clinical signs.

H7N9: human infection and human-to-human transmission, 2013–2017

22.11.2017

Emerg Infect Dis Vol 24, Num 2 - Feb 2018

Since December 2016, the number of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China has increased markedly, prompting concerns of pandemic influenza. Early signals of greater human-to-human transmissibility might be increased number and size of clusters of epidemiologically linked human infections and clusters of case-patients who are not blood relatives or increased numbers of case-patients with mild illness. To elucidate whether the increase in humans infections during the fifth epidemic (2016–2017) in China was associated with increased human-to-human transmissibility of A(H7N9) virus, a group of researchers compared the characteristics of clusters of A(H7N9) case-patients during the fifth epidemic with those of clusters of case-patients identified from the previous 4 epidemics (2013–2016).

South Korea: H5N6 at duck farm

19.11.2017

South Korea confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza at a duck farm in the south west of the country in Gochang county. All of the ducks 12,300, were slaughtered. South Korea had its worst battle over avian influenza late last year.

IPC responds to WHO guidelines on antimicrobials

11.11.2017

The International Poultry Council (IPC) issued the following statement expressing its concerns about guidelines issued on Nov. 7 by the World Health Organization (WHO) that call on the global meat and poultry industries to stop the routine use of antibiotics (antimicrobials) for growth promotion and disease prevention. “The IPC is very concerned that the WHO guidelines inappropriately tie the hands of producers and limit their options for using antimicrobials for prevention, control and treatment of diseases based on specific need. The ability of a trained veterinarian to prescribe the correct treatment at the right time is paramount for minimizing antimicrobial use and ensuring a viable supply of healthy birds that is vital to a safe global food supply.

H5N8 HPAI in Italy in 2017

11.11.2017

Total of 75 cases in the domestic poultry. 51% (38) in turkey farms. 12% (9) in layer farms and a total of 2.7M birds were culled. The majority of the H5N8 HPAI affected industrial poultry farms had no epidemiological contacts with previously infected poultry premises. Most of the infected farms were located in proximity of wetlands. Substantial populations of wild water birds have been reported near some of the outbreak sites. Depopulation activities took about 15 days to be concluded. 860,000 birds were culled as prevention.

WHO: stop using antibiotics in healthy animals

08.11.2017

The Lancet Planetary Health Available online 7 November 2017

A new report that includes a systematic review of 179 studies, commissioned by the WHO and published in The Lancet Planetary Health, found that interventions to reduce antibiotic use in food-producing animals decreased drug-resistant bacteria in animals by approximately 15% and multidrug-resistant bacteria by 24% to 32%. A smaller body of evidence suggests a similar association in the studied human populations, particularly those with direct exposure to food-producing animals. The implications for the general human population are less clear, given the low number of studies. The overall findings have directly informed the development of WHO guidelines on the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals. The WHO said the evidence also indicates that broad restrictions on all antibiotic classes is more effective in reducing antibiotic resistance than narrow restrictions on particular drugs.

Bulgaria: 4 outbreaks of avian influenza

06.11.2017

A total of four outbreaks of avian influenza have been found in Bulgaria in the districts of Dobrich, Haskovo, Sliven and Yambol. The last outbreak was found in a breeding stock in the village of Zimnitsa, Straldzha municipality, Yambol district, where nearly eight thousand ducks were killed.

UK: Record low for sales of antibiotics for use in animals

01.11.2017

Sales of antibiotics for use in animals in the UK have fallen to their lowest level since records began, exceeding a government target to combat the threat of antibiotic resistance (AMR) two years early. A Defra report released on 27 Oct 2017, shows sales of antibiotics for use in food-producing animals dropped by 27%, from 62 mg/kg in 2014 to 45mg/kg in 2016, surpassing a government target of 50 mg/kg set following recommendations in the 2016 O’Neill Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. The decline in veterinary antibiotic usage was highlighted by reductions in the pig and poultry sectors, with usage falling by 34% in pigs, 37% in chickens, 57% in turkeys, and 60% in ducks.

H5N2 LPAI in the Dominican Republic

27.10.2017

In the Dominican Republic, veterinary officials said an abnormal number of deaths and a drop in egg production beginning on Sep 30 at a commercial layer farm in Espaillat province prompted testing, which pointed to avian flu. Samples sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in the United States confirmed low-pathogenic H5N2.

FDA: 2015 NARMS Integrated Report

24.10.2017

NARMS report, main point: - For retail chicken meat testing in 2015, Salmonella recovery continued to decline to the lowestl evels in 14 years of NARMS retail meat testing, ,falling to 6.1% in 2015. A parallel decline occurred in retail ground turkey. Similarly, the occurrence of Campylobacter in retail chicken samples has declined steadily, down from a peak of 60% in 2004 to 24% in 2015. - In 2015, 76% of Salmonella isolated from humans had no resistance to any of the antimicrobial drugs tested. - Multidrug resistance (MDR) increased from 9 percent to 12 percent of human Salmonella, driven largely by an increase in combined resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracycline among Salmonella serotype I 4,[5],12:i:-. - Erythromycin resistance in Campylobacter coli increased three-to five-fold between 2011 and 2015 in isolates from humans (2.7 percent to 12.7 percent) and from chicken carcasses (3.4 percent to 12.8 percent).

New outbreaks of H5 avian influenza in Europe

24.10.2017

Germany has discovered a case of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of avian influenza in a wild duck. The virus was found in a mallard duck in Osterwald in Bentheim in the northern state of Lower Saxony. An outbreak of H5N8 bird flu was also reported in wild swans in Germany in August. Bulgaria has reported two outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza. One outbreak occurred on a farm in the village of Stefanovo in the northeastern region of Dobric. The other outbreak was discovered in a backyard in Uzundzhovo in the southern region of Haskovo.

Israel: Thousands of eggs contaminated with salmonella

22.10.2017

The Israeli Health Ministry warned consumers again that laboratory tests on eggs from the Yesh Maof farm revealed that eggs were infected with salmonella enteritidis. According to Yesh Maof, the chicken coops have been cleaned and are free of salmonella enteritidis. The company also hinted that the stamps on the tainted eggs may have been forged. In a statement, the Health Ministry said it will "continue testing and monitoring" in order to protect the public health. They also said they are investigating the claim that the stamps on the eggs were forged.

Australia: ACT Health annual report 2016-2017

21.10.2017

According to ACT Health’s annual report (2016-2017) A large Salmonella outbreak was investigated by Health Protection Service (HPS) in January and February 2017. Over 100 cases of gastroenteritis were reported among people who ate at the same food premises between 29 January and 14 February. Seventy‐five of these people had confirmed Salmonella infections and 19 were hospitalised. Another unrelated outbreak of Salmonella was also investigated around the same time. Four people with confirmed Salmonella infections reported eating at the same food premises between 30 January and 2 February. Environmental Health Officers from HPS inspected both of the above premises.

A HPAI H7N9 strain is lethal in ferrets infected via respiratory droplets

21.10.2017

Cell Host & Microbe 22, 1–12 November 8, 2017

U.S. and Japanese researchers studied a sample of a new highly pathogenic strain H7N9 to see how effectively it spread among mammals, including ferrets, which are considered the best animal model for testing the transmissibility of influenza in humans. In the study published in Cell Host & Microbe, flu expert Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin and colleagues tested an isolate of the new H7N9 strain taken from a person who died from the infection last spring. They found that the virus replicated efficiently in mice, ferrets and non-human primates, and that it caused even more severe disease in mice and ferrets than a low pathogenic strain of the same virus that does not cause illness in birds.

FSA: Final results from the third annual retail survey

21.10.2017

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the last set of results from its third survey of campylobacter contamination in fresh shop-bought UK-produced chickens. The full year’s results show that on average, across the entire market, 6.5% of chickens tested positive for the highest level of contamination, (over 1,000 colony forming units per gram – cfu/g). This is down from 19.7% in 2014/15 when the survey began. This is the full year’s results from our third annual retail survey - August 2016 to July 2017 – based on a total of 3,980 whole fresh chickens sampled at retail.

Canada: Salmonella in chicken burgers

19.10.2017

Janes Pub Style Chicken Burgers and Pub Style Snacks Popcorn Chicken have been recalled because of possible salmonella contamination, as part of an investigation of an illness outbreak. In its food recall warning, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the recall was triggered by findings during an investigation of a foodborne illness outbreak. Currently, there are 18 cases of Salmonella Enteriditis illness in six provinces: British Columbia (1), Alberta (1), Ontario (10), Quebec (2), New Brunswick (2), and Nova Scotia (2). Six people have been hospitalized. One of the ill individuals has died; however, it has not been determined if Salmonella contributed to the cause of death. Individuals became sick between June and September of this year.

EFSA: Scientific opinion how to boost avian influenza EU preparedness

18.10.2017

Migratory wild birds crossing the north-eastern and eastern border of the European Union is the most likely pathway for avian influenza to enter the territory, says EFSA. Experts assessed the risk of avian influenza entering the EU and reviewed surveillance approaches - which comprise monitoring by Member States and the actions they take to minimise its spread. Their scientific advice is based on a thorough review of all the information on the avian influenza outbreaks that have occurred in recent years.

EFSA/ECDC: Avian influenza overview October 2016–August 2017

16.10.2017

The A(H5N8) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epidemic occurred in 29 European countries in 2016/2017 and has been the largest ever recorded in the EU in terms of number of poultry outbreaks, geographical extent and number of dead wild birds. Multiple primary incursions temporally related with all major poultry sectors affected but secondary spread was most commonly associated with domestic waterfowl species. A massive effort of all the affected EU Member States (MSs) allowed a descriptive epidemiological overview of the cases in poultry, captive birds and wild birds, providing also information on measures applied at the individual MS level.

The Netherlands: H5 avian influenza in poultry in Sint Philipsland

13.10.2017

H5N2 (LPAI) avian influenza has been found in a laying hen flock in Sint Philipsland (municipality Tholen, Zeeland). In total there are approximately 42,000 laying hens. All birds will be culled. The last time avian influenza was found in a commercial farm in the Netherlands, was on Christmas last year. In January, avian flu was detected among backyard poultry in Gelderland and Noord-Holland.

Food Standard Agency’s new advice on runny eggs

11.10.2017

The Food Standard Agency has announced a chance to its advice about eating eggs – infants, children, pregnant women and elderly people can now safely eat raw or lightly cooked eggs that are produced under the British Lion Code of Practice. The FSA decision is a reflection on the success of UK egg producers in all but eliminating Salmonella from the UK flock. Since the introduction of vaccination in 1998 the levels of Salmonella have declined. Vaccination, along with high standards of hygiene and biosecurity required in the UK, has been a key to this reduction to negligible levels in Lion Mark eggs.

South Africa: H5N8 is becoming a real issue

05.10.2017

Avian influenza has hit Johannesburg with ~600 carcasses of birds having been recovered from the City of Joburg facilities at Westdene Dam, Emmarentia Dam, Zoo Lake and Joburg Zoo. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has confirmed that some of its facilities have been affected by the outbreak that was first detected in Limpopo and which has been spread by the seasonal migration of birds. Hardest hit has been the Western Cape region, where reportedly 2 million birds have been destroyed.

Influenza A(H9N2) Virus, Burkina Faso

05.10.2017

EID, Vol 23, Number 12 - December 2017

Since their detection in China in 1992, influenza A(H9N2) viruses have caused large economic losses to the poultry industry and have occasionally been transmitted to mammalian species, including humans. Three main genetic lineages were described among the Eurasian H9N2 subtype viruses: G1 Y280, and Y439 (Korean) lineage. In the past decade, the G1 lineage has spread mostly in gallinaceous birds across Asia, the Middle East, and eventually North Africa, where H9N2 outbreaks were reported in Libya (2006 and 2013), Tunisia (2010–2012), Egypt (2011–present) and Morocco (2016).

Outbreak of Campylobacter associated with consuming Chicken Liver Mousse

29.09.2017

MMWR: September 29, 2017 / 66(38);1027

On July 13, 2016, Clark County (Washington) Public Health (CCPH) received a report of diarrheal illness in four of seven members of a single party who dined at a local restaurant on July 6, 2016. Members of the five households in the party reported that their only shared exposure was the restaurant meal. CCPH ordered closure of the restaurant kitchen on July 13, 2016, and began an investigation to identify the source of diarrheal illness and implement additional control measures.

Canada: Salmonella outbreak linked to frozen raw breaded poultry products

29.09.2017

Public health officials in four provinces are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products. Currently, there are 13 cases of Salmonella illness in four provinces: Ontario (7), Quebec (2), New Brunswick (2), and Nova Scotia (2). Four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Individuals became sick between June and August of this year. The average age of cases is 38 years (range 0-82 years), with approximately equal distribution among males and females.

South Africa: H5N8 is spreading

22.09.2017

An estimated two million egg laying chickens have been culled since the outbreak of Avian influenza H5N8 in South Africa about three months ago. About 50 cases have been reported at commercial chicken and ostrich farms, while wild birds and backyard chicken farmers have also been affected.

Britain: retailers to self-report chicken Campylobacter results

22.09.2017

The Food Standards Agency will stop monitoring anf publishing supermarkets selling chicken contaminated with Campylobacter. The decision by the FSA came after pressure from big stores. The official watchdog started publishing details on the proportion of chickens contaminated with campylobacter in 2014. The move was strongly resisted by supermarkets, which tried to block it with appeals to ministers amid concerns that it would hit sales. But the publication of figures went ahead and revealed that 78 per cent of chickens sold by the major supermarkets carried the bug. A total of 20 per cent were contaminated at a high level, making them a particular risk to the public. The tactic shamed the stores into cleaning up farms and changing chicken processing to reduce contamination.

Sweden: Salmonella outbreak from Polish eggs

19.09.2017

At least 12 people have been sickened by Salmonella in Sweden from eggs from Poland. The confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis were reported during August and September. Persons got infected when they ate sauce béarnaise at a restaurant in Kalmar. The sauce was made from eggs and was contaminated with Salmonella.Other people in Blekinge have fallen ill with the same Salmonella type and there is a link to the consumption of raw eggs. Illness onset dates range from 25 July to 29 August and outbreak cases are from the counties Kalmar and Blekinge.

UK: Food poisoning outbreak at Brockley Hall Hotel in Saltburn

13.09.2017

A total of eight cases of food poisoning were reported to PHE North-east - six of which were laboratory confirmed cases of campylobacter . The two remaining cases were “probable”. The source of the foodborne illness outbreak has been identified.

Israel: Recall of eggs due to salmonella enteritidis

05.09.2017

Israel has ordered the recall of about 11 million shell eggs out of fear they may be contaminated with Salmonella enteritidis. The recall includes all eggs sorted at the same sorting station, since there is no traceability system for eggs in Israel.

MS vaccine could facilitate replication of avian influenza viruses

04.09.2017

Poultry Science (2017) 96:3086–3095

A recent study published in Poultry Science revealed that Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) vaccine [MS vaccine used was Vaxsafe R MS (Bioproperties Pty Ltd)], could facilitate replication of avian influenza viruses and thus avian influenza virus infections can be worse after MS vaccination in layers, especially in AIV-endemic areas. The presented data demonstrate that H9N2 AIV caused obvious clinical signs, induced significant reduction of body weights, antibody titer, cytokine expression and increased virus shedding in buccal and cloacal swabs in layers previously vaccinated against MS.

Czech republic: egg recall

24.08.2017

The Czech veterinary authorities have started destroying thousands of laying hens at a farm in Pohořelice, southern Moravia, following a salmonella outbreak. 35,000 of around 60,000 hens have so far been destroyed and the market chain Lidl has taken all egg deliveries from the farm off its shelves. People have been asked to return eggs already purchased at the market chain. This concerns eggs with an expiry date up to September 11th.

Philippines: avian influenza spreads

19.08.2017

The first avian influenza outbreak in the country has spread to two towns in Nueva Ecija, with over 300,000 poultry heads now being readied for culling. The confirmation was made after series of laboratory tests on specimens gathered from quail and layer chickens were conducted by the Animal Diseases Detection Laboratory. The farm in Jaen lost all its quail. The farm in San Isidro is a layer poultry facility of about 20,000 birds. Culling operations have begun for the 300,000 other fowl within the one-kilometer radius.

Michigan poultry farm issues recall of eggs because of Salmonella

15.08.2017

LaBar Poultry Farm, of Manistique, has issued a recall of eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Enteriditis. The eggs were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores and directly to consumers in Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee and Schoolcraft counties.

Philippines reports first avian influenza outbreak

11.08.2017

The Philippines plans to cull 400,000 chickens, quails and ducks after confirming the country's first outbreak of avian influenza. The outbreak was detected in a farm in a town in Pampanga province, north of the capital Manila, which later spread to neighboring farms. 400,000 birds will be culled within a 1-km (0.6 mile) area.

Report: Poultry meat recalls in EU at highest since 2002

11.08.2017

Recalls of chicken and other poultry meats are at their highest level since 2002, according to a new report. There were 223 recalls of poultry products in Europe last quarter, with bacterial contamination responsible for more than 93% of unsafe poultry meat withdrawals, revealed Stericycle’s second quarter 2017 Recall and Notification Index. A major factor behind the high level of recalls is the recent curtailing by the EU of meat imports from Brazil (184).

China: Baby infected with H9N2

10.08.2017

On 30 June 2017, one case of human infection with avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was reported to WHO from China in a 2-month old female child who lives in Guangdong Province, China. She had onset of influenza-like illness (ILI) on 28 April 2017. The patient was hospitalized on 9 June. A sample collected from the patient on 13 June as part of ILI surveillance was laboratory-confirmed as positive for A(H9N2) influenza virus on 16 June.

DEFRA: HPAI H5N8 in the UK and Europe

09.08.2017

H5N8 HPAI has been confirmed in the UK in a dead wild mute swan in Norfolk. In Europe, reports of H5N8 HPAI have continued in a number of countries. Since the 19th July, Italy has reported twelve outbreaks of H5N8 HPAI: three in the Verona region, seven in Mantova, one in Lombardy and one in Parma. All were in fattening turkeys except for one outbreak in Mantova that was in layer hens and one in Lombardy in geese, just 50 km from a recent wild bird finding. There have been 10 outbreaks in captive birds and 2 in poultry in Belgium. Luxembourg also reported disease for the first time this season, in four captive bird holdings, while France also reported a single outbreak in a holding just over the border from Belgium.

Report: a positive association between antimicrobial consumption and resistance in humans and food-producing animals

01.08.2017

The second ECDC/EFSA/EMA joint report on the integrated analysis of antimicrobial consumption (AMC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria from humans and food-producing animals addressed data obtained by the Agencies’ EU-wide surveillance networks for 2013–2015. AMC in both sectors, expressed in mg/kg of estimated biomass, were compared at country and European level. In 2014, the average AMC was higher in animals (152 mg/kg) than in humans (124 mg/kg), but the opposite applied to the median AMC (67 and 118 mg/kg, respectively). In 18 of 28 countries, AMC was lower in animals than in humans. There was a statistically-significant (p < 0.05) associations between AMC and AMR for fluoroquinolones and Escherichia coli in both sectors, for 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins and E. coli in humans, and tetracyclines and polymyxins and E. coli in animals.

Three more H5 outbreaks in Italy

28.07.2017

On 27 July, the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5 a fattening turkey farm in Verona province (Veneto region). At the moment of the epidemiological investigation, 12.200 turkeys (around 70 days-old) were present. The turkeys started to exhibit nervous symptoms last Sunday (23/07/2017), and the next day a slight increase in mortality was observed.

AI in Italy: new outbreaks

21.07.2017

On 20 July, the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease confirmed H5N8 in two farms located in Lombardy region: a rural holding and a fattening turkey industrial farm in Mantua province. An increase in mortality was reported in the previous days in one of the sheds of the industrial farm where about 18.900 fattening female turkeys (106 day-old) were present. Further information on virus characterization and on the cases will be provided as soon as available.

"Wooden Breast" or "Broiler Breast Myopathy (BBM)"

21.07.2017

New research indicates that the ‘Wooden Breast’ pathology has existed for decades and researchers have proposed a new name: Superficial Pectoral Myodegeneration and Sclerosis: Broiler Breast Myopathy (BBM). A research project at North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, N.C., concluded that wooden breast condition has existed in broiler chickens since the 1950s. While the lesions were discovered to be more severe in modern day broilers, the condition was evident in the 1950s line as well and the microscopic evidence of the lesions in the breast muscles were present in all lines of the broilers at two weeks of age. Scar tissue replaces damaged muscle, which contributes to muscle hardness (wooden breast). Additional space from lost muscle can fill with fat, which helps explain the relationship between BBM and ‘white striping’.

Human S. typhimurium infections linked to exposure to microbiology laboratories

19.07.2017

CDC and public health officials in several states have identified a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to various clinical, commercial, and teaching microbiology laboratories. Twenty-four people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium were reported from 16 states. Six ill people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. This strain of Salmonella Typhimurium has previously been associated with infections linked to microbiology laboratory exposure in 2011 and 2014.

Recalls and number of illnesses prevented

14.07.2017

Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 80, No. 8, 2017, Pages 1288–1292

Recalls associated with foodborne illnesses and recalls not involving illnesses suggested that more complete removal of contaminated product from commerce reduced the risk of illness to consumers. Data from the recalls of meat and poultry products from 2000 through 2012 due to Salmonella contamination were used to assess the factors associated with the recovery of the recalled product and to develop quantitative models to estimate the number of illnesses prevented by recalls. The percentage of product recovered following a recall action was not dependent on establishment size, recall expansions, complexity of the distribution chain, type of distribution, amount of time between the production and recall dates, or number of pounds of product recalled.

Tesco: recall on chicken products due to campylobacter contamination

13.07.2017

Tesco has issues an emergency warning not to eat two of its packaged chicken products after bacteria was found in them. Both pre-packed items were found to be contaminated with Campylobacter.

Loblaw recalls chicken nuggets over salmonella concern

13.07.2017

Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling President's Choice brand Pub Recipe Chicken Nuggets from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

Campylobacter infections in Germany, 2011–2014

13.07.2017

Scientific Reports | 7: 5139

Intestinal Campylobacter infections are the most frequently reported bacterial infections in Germany and in other European countries. Epidemiological studies conducted in several European and non-European countries have identified the consumption of poultry or chicken meat as an important risk factor for campylobacteriosis, and in source attribution studies outside of Germany about 50–90% of human infections were attributed to chicken. Researchers from Germany performed a large combined case-control and source attribution study (Nov 2011-Feb 2014) to identify risk factors for sporadic intestinal Campylobacter infections and to determine the relative importance of various animal sources for human infections in Germany. Consumption of chicken meat and eating out were the most important risk factors for Campylobacter infections.

South Africa: Avian Influenza confirmed on two more sites

11.07.2017

Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 has been confirmed on two new locations on farms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The new locations involved commercial layer chickens on farms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

Raw eggs suspected as source of Salmonella outbreak

08.07.2017

Marquette County has recently experienced a small Salmonella outbreak among residents. Marquette County, MI, health officials are investigating an egg producer in connection with a Salmonella enteritidis outbreak linked to Hollandaise sauce made with unpasteurized raw eggs and served at a restaurant. The outbreak includes four confirmed victims and at least four probable victims and is linked to raw, unpasteurized eggs served in Hollandaise sauce with eggs Benedict at a restaurant.

Campylobacter jejuni-associated perimyocarditis: two case reports

07.07.2017

Hessulf et al. BMC Infectious Diseases (2016) 16:289

A previously healthy 24-yo male (A) presented at the Emergency Department (ED) with recent onset of chest pain and a 3-day history of abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea. The symptoms began within a few hours of returning from a tourist visit to a central European capital. Vital signs were stable, stool cultures were positive for Campylobacter Jejuni and blood cultures were negative. Two days after patient A was admitted to the ED his travel companion (B), also a previously healthy male (23-yo), presented at the same ED with almost identical symptoms: chest pain precipitated by a few days of abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea. Patient B declared that he and patient A had ingested chicken prior to returning from their tourist trip.

France: H5N8 avian influenza near Belgium border

01.07.2017

France's agriculture ministry confirmed on Friday a new case of avian influenza on a poultry farm in the northern Brillon region, near French-Belgian border. The case was reported about 15 km (9 miles) from where another outbreak was confirmed in Tournai, Belgium, on June.

New cases of salmonella linked to Polish eggs

30.06.2017

Since the ECDC and EFSA joint rapid outbreak assessment was published on 7 March 2017, six EU Member States (Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom) have reported 50 confirmed and 12 probable new cases associated with the multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 8 infections (MLVA profiles 2-9-7-3-2 and 2-9-6-3-2) ongoing in the EU/EEA. In addition, twelve probable cases have been reclassified as confirmed. The UK has reported 47 of the 63 outbreak cases since March. From May 2016 to 26 June 2017, 14 EU countries had 280 confirmed and 257 probable cases. The outbreak peaked in the last week of September 2016 when around 60 cases were reported. From 2012 to 31 March 2016, 107 historical confirmed and 24 probable cases were also reported. Croatia recorded the death of a five year old child and Hungary also noted a fatal case.

Campylobacter to blame for most foodborne infections in Denmark

29.06.2017

Campylobacter continues to be the most common foodborne pathogen in Denmark with 4,677 cases in 2016. This is an increase compared to the previous year, but it is not possible to determine if the reason is due to the changes in the reporting system, changes in the diagnostic practice as changes in the analytical methods are being introduced or a true increase in number of cases. In 2016, there were three foodborne outbreaks caused by Campylobacter; two outbreaks with a few cases each and one outbreak due to imported duck meat caused 103 cases. A total of 1,074 human cases of salmonellosis were reported in 2016, which is an increase compared to 2015 with only 925 human cases, but still lower than the previous years.

Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products

27.06.2017

The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections in four provinces with cases of human illness linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products.Currently, there are seven cases of Salmonella illness in four provinces: British Columbia (1), Alberta (4), Ontario (1) and New Brunswick (1). Two people have been hospitalized.

New case of avian influenza confirmed on Standerton farm

26.06.2017

A second case of avian influenza has been confirmed at a farm in Standerton. The virus is the same strain, H5N8 as the initial case reported, but the two farms are not directly linked, meaning this is a separate introduction. The farm had been placed under quarantine and over 25,000 infected birds would be culled.

APHIS issues report on recent avian influenza outbreaks

23.06.2017

A combined outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) started in early March 2017. The outbreak was first suspected by an increase in mortality on a commercial breeder farm in Tennessee and was confirmed as H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of North American wild bird lineage (AM H7N9 HPAI) via laboratory testing. After initial efforts to control the disease, a series of epidemiologic, genetic,and wildlife investigations were started. This is a report of the findings available to-date, and these analyses are intended to assist in understanding disease introduction and transmission pathways. These studies were undertaken collaboratively with the poultry industry, State agriculture personnel, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.The outbreak area lies primarily in south central Tennessee and northern Alabama, but cases have occurred in southern Kentucky and western Georgia.

South Africa reports outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza in Mpumalanga

22.06.2017

South Africa reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza on a commercial broiler breeder farm in Mpumalanga province.

Survival of H5N1 HPAI virus in tissues derived from infected chickens

22.06.2017

Appl Environ Microbiol 2017

Eurasian lineage H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus has been a severe threat to the poultry industry since its emergence in 1996. The carcass or tissues derived from infected birds may have the risk of the virus spreading to humans, animals, and the surrounding environment. Researchers from Japan investigated the survival of the virus in feather, muscle, and liver tissues collected from chickens (Gallus gallus) experimentally infected with H5N1 HPAI virus.

France: mild H7 avian influenza virus at a duck farm

19.06.2017

France last month detected a case of low-pathogenic H7 avian influenza at a farm in the center of the country in the rural district of Saulnay. The farm contains 4,980 ducks and pheasants, All the birds on the farm were slaughtered.

China to vaccinate poultry against H7N9

16.06.2017

China has decided to vaccinate poultry against the H7N9 avian influenza virus, after it claimed hundreds of lives last winter and caused major damage to the industry. The vaccination program will start in Guangdong and Guangxi in southern China in early July. It targets all species including broiler chickens, ducks, geese and egg-laying hens. Farms in other provinces will be allowed to opt for vaccination if approved by local veterinary authorities. H7N9 first emerged in China in 2013 but human cases spiked up last winter, claiming at least 268 lives since October, and mostly during the first few months of this year.

Campylobacter on fresh shop-bought UK-produced chickens

15.06.2017

The figures show that on average, across the market, 6.5% of chickens tested positive for the highest level of Campylobacter contamination, carrying more than 1,000 colony forming units per gram (cfu/g). This is down from 9.3%, for the same period last year.

H5N8 in Zimbabwe

15.06.2017

Zimbabwe reported an outbreak of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza on a large commercial farm east of the capital Harare. Close to one million birds have either died or are being depleted nationwide.

Australia: Food poisoning link to eggs

07.06.2017

West Australians are being warned to avoid eating raw or partly cooked eggs because of a surge in cases of salmonella food poisoning. Reports of salmonella gastroenteritis are at records levels and have been linked to particular molecular types associated with eggs. The WA Health Department said yesterday there had been 713 reported infections from salmonella typhimurium by the end of April, which was more than four times the usual number. The infection was commonly associated with consumption of foods containing raw or under-cooked eggs. A number of egg brands had been implicated. The cases of the salmonella infection had been increasing in WA since 2015 but had accelerated since late last year.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in South Korea

04.06.2017

South Korea's Agricultural Ministry confirmed the detection of a new avian influenza case, which is highly pathogenic, at a poultry farm in the port city of Busan. The authorities conducted tests on 6,000 birds in the farm after some of the birds died after being brought from another part of the country.

Maryland law ends routine use of antibiotics in healthy farm animals

04.06.2017

The Keep Antibiotics Effective Act (SB422/HB602) has gone into law without a signature from Governor Larry Hogan, making Maryland the second state in the country after California to meaningfully address the widespread misuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry. The new law will prohibit the routine use of antibiotics on animals that are not sick. Approximately 70% of human use antibiotics distributed in the U.S. are sold for use on food animals. The laws in Maryland and California go much further than federal Food and Drug Administration guidelines, which seek to prohibit the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in animals but do nothing to stop the routine use of antibiotics for disease prevention purposes.

UK: Avian influenza confirmed at a farm near Diss, South Norfolk

03.06.2017

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza in a small flock of chickens and geese at a premises near Diss, South Norfolk. A 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Avian influenza in Luxemburg

02.06.2017

Avian influenza outbreak has been confirmed at three poultry farms in Luxembourg. The virus was detected at farms in Keispelt, Niederfeulen and Schrassig.To limit the spread of the disease to other farms, the transport of live poultry has been banned for a week.

Zimbabwe reports H5N8 in poultry

02.06.2017

Zimbabwe has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza at a commercial poultry farm in Mashonaland East province, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said. The virus was detected on a farm with 2 million birds in Lanark.

USA: Multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to chicks and ducklings

01.06.2017

CDC, many state departments of health and agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are investigating eight multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections linked to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks. These outbreaks are caused by several kinds of Salmonella bacteria: Salmonella Braenderup, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Hadar, Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i-, Salmonella Indiana, Salmonella Infantis, Salmonella Mbandaka, and Salmonella Typhimurium. As of May 25, 2017, 372 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 47 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 4, 2017 to May 13, 2017. 71 ill people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. 36% of ill people are children younger than 5 years. Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory findings link the eight outbreaks to contact with live poultry, such as chicks and ducklings, which come from several hatcheri

North Ireland: 50 people hit by salmonella outbreak

31.05.2017

More than 50 people, including four children, have been affected by a salmonella outbreak after eating food prepared in a pub in Portmarnock in north Dublin earlier this month.The Health Service Executive confirmed it was investigating the food poisoning, which had affected separate family parties who ate food prepared in the premises that was then delivered to their homes. Sixteen people have been confirmed as having contracted salmonella and five people were hospitalised. An outbreak control team had been formed and an investigation was ongoing. The FSAI confirmed last week that a closure order had been issued on Flanreil Food Services Ltd on May 19th in relation to the kitchens of O’Dwyer’s Bar & Grill in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, as part of an investigation into a salmonella outbreak.

Turkey: Infection in military barracks caused by uncooked turkey meat

31.05.2017

Poor meat could be the source of Salmonella infection in a Turkish barracks that killed a soldier (Hüsnü Özel) and infected more than one thousand soldiers. The outbreak was detected on May 23 at the First Infantry Training Brigade in Manisa, western Turkey.

Fecal shedding of S. enteritidis by laying hens housed in enriched colony cages at different stocking densities

20.05.2017

Human infections with Salmonella Enteritidis are often attributed to the consumption of contaminated eggs, so the prevalence of this pathogen in egg-laying poultry is an important public health risk factor. Numerous and complex environmental influences on Salmonella persistence and transmission are exerted by management practices and housing facilities used in commercial egg production. In recent years, the animal welfare implications of poultry housing systems have guided the development of alternatives to traditional cage-based housing, but their food safety consequences are not yet fully understood.

A suspected person‑to‑person transmission of avian influenza A (H7N9)

13.05.2017

Chin Med J (2017) May 20;130(10):1255-1256

Since throat swab specimens obtained from three adult Chinese patients were confirmed as an avian‑origin influenza A (H7N9) virus by local Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China in 2013, many confirmed cases have been reported in Mainland of China. Although family and hospital clusters with confirmed or suspected avian H7N9 virus infection were previously reported and person‑to‑person transmission was put forward, human infection of H7N9 appears to be associated with exposure to infected live poultry or contaminated environments and no clear evidence has proved that it could transmit from person to person. Now, a group of chinese researchers report a case confirmed with H7N9 after intimately contact with his H7N9 ward mate, it may be the first case infected between ward mates in a ward. The index case patient 66‑year‑old male with hypertension and type II diabetes for more than 10 years, had visited a live‑poultry market (LPM) to buy food every day within 10 days bef

Second H5N8 case in a backyard flock in Lancashire

09.05.2017

A second case of H5N8 avian influenza has been confirmed in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks near Thornton. It is understood that the flock contained nine birds, a number of which have since died and the rest will be humanely culled.

Israel: Salmonella in 30 children in Jerusalem daycare

08.05.2017

On April 30, a report was received from the mother of an infant enrolled in a daycare in Jerusalem claiming infants and toddlers in one of the daycare's classes were suffering stomachaches and intestinal disturbances. According to Ynet, an investigation by the Jerusalem District Health Office found the problems had begun several days earlier, in the daycare's 2-year-old class, when 15 of the class's 24 children became ill and one was hospitalized. In the infants' group, 15 out of 18 infants became ill, and one was hospitalized. The laboratory results indicated Salmonella enteritidis is involved in this outbreak.

UK: avian influenza detected at Lancashire farm

05.05.2017

Restrictions have been put in place around a Lancashire farm after H5N8 avian influenza virus was detected. The H5N8 strain of avian influenza was confirmed in a small backyard flock of chickens at the farm near Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. The flock is estimated to contain around 30 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises are being humanely culled.

Mexico: H7N3 outbreak on commercial farm

04.05.2017

Mexico has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N3 strain on a commercial farm in the state of Jalisco. Following active surveillance on-going in Altos de Jalisco area, H7N3 avian influenza virus was isolated in a commercial layer farm (150,000 layers). The flock had been vaccinated against the disease 18 weeks beforehand; birds did not show any clinical signs.

H9N2 infects baby in China

28.04.2017

One new laboratory-confirmed human case of A(H9N2) virus infection was reported to WHO fromChina in an eleven-month-old boy from Gansu province. The case developed mild illness on 6 February 2017, was hospitalized and has recovered. He had exposure to backyard poultry prior toillness onset. This is the first human case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection reported to WHO since December 2016 and the first human case reported from Gansu province.

Sweden: H5N8 in a laying flock

25.04.2017

H5N8 has been detected in a laying flock in Nyköping, Sweden.

CDC: Campylobacter, Salmonella led bacterial foodborne illnesses in 2016

22.04.2017

Campylobacter and Salmonella caused the most reported bacterial foodborne illnesses in 2016, according to preliminary data published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. FoodNet collects data on 15 percent of the U.S. population. FoodNet sites alone reported 24,029 foodborne infections, 5,512 hospitalizations, and 98 deaths in 2016. The numbers of reported illnesses by germ are: Campylobacter (8,547; 11.79/100,000 persons), Salmonella (8,172; 15.40/100,000 persons), Shigella (2,913), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (1,845), Cryptosporidium (1,816), Yersinia (302), Vibrio (252), Listeria (127) and Cyclospora (55). This is the first time the report also includes in the total number of infections those foodborne bacterial infections diagnosed only by rapid diagnostic tests in FoodNet sites. Previously, the report counted foodborne bacterial infections confirmed only by traditional culture-based methods in the total numbers.

Frozen chicken nugget meals recalled over Salmonella concern

22.04.2017

Nearly 110,000 pounds of Banquet frozen meals have been recalled because they contain a dessert which might have Salmonella. Produced by Conagra, the 7.4 ounce package is branded under the Banquet name and contains chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese and a chocolate brownie. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service warned of the health risk after a supplier notified Conagra that an ingredient used in the brownie mix might be tainted.

Niger: first report of H5N8

14.04.2017

Niger reported its first highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza outbreak in Tillaberi.

Kentucky: LPAI in second flock

04.04.2017

Low-pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza was confirmed at second site in Christian County, Kentucky on March 31. Approximately 2,700 birds were culled. The confirmation came during the investigation of the initial finding in March, when federal and state authorities confirmed the presence of low-pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza was confirmed in a commercial chicken flock of 22,000 hens.

Salmonella tainted poultry meat from Brazil found in Slovakia

02.04.2017

The Slovakia State Veterinary and Food Administration announced that veterinary inspectors discovered 21,000 kg of salmonella-tainted chicken breast imported from Brazil in Bratislava. The frozen chicken breast infected with Salmonella Heidelberg have been found in warehouses in Bratislava. Veterinary inspectors immediately ordered his removal, because it had distributed seven to 54 restaurants around the country. The Brazilian meat was imported into Slovakia via the Netherlands and Poland.

Australia: Eggs blamed for salmonella outbreak linked to 12 people

31.03.2017

Raw eggs have been identified as the source of a salmonella outbreak at a Victor Harbor bakery that led to four people being hospitalised last week.

Campylobacter in italian poultry meat

30.03.2017

Food Microbiology (2017) 62:232-238

The role of poultry as a reservoir for the transmission of Campylobacter to humans has already been recognized, with 20-30% of the human infections linked to handling, preparation, and consumption of broiler meat. Official Italian data concerning the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. on poultry meats at retail are lacking. Itlaian researchers collected qualitative and quantitative data concerning the contamination by thermophilic Campylobacters on a wide range of poultry meats marketed in Italy, evaluating the main factors influencing their prevalence and loads. 472 chicken and turkey meat samples (sectioned meats, offal, meat preparations and products) were taken from slaughterhouses, deboning plants and different retailers and submitted to detection/enumeration of Campylobacter spp. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 34.1% of the samples, with general low counts.

MCR-1 gene found in Salmonella

30.03.2017

Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017

A variant of the multidrug-resistant gene MCR-1 was detected in a Salmonella typhimurium serovar, in a healthy patient in China. The MCR-1 gene plays a key role in bacterial ability to resist colistin. Colistin is one of the last-resort antibacterial drugs and is increasingly used for treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The MCR-1 enzyme modifies the chemical structure of lipid A moiety on bacterial LPS by the addition of phosphoethanolamine, which in turn reduces the binding affinity to colistin (i.e., producing the colistin resistance).

USA: LPAI H7 in Georgia

28.03.2017

A flock of chickens at a commercial poultry breeding operation located in Chattooga County has tested positive for H7, presumptive low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). This is the first confirmation of avian influenza in domestic poultry in Georgia. The virus was identified during routine pre-sale screening for the commercial facility and was confirmed as H7 avian influenza by the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. As a precaution the affected flock has been depopulated.

HPAI H5N1 virus in Lebanon, 2016 - phylogenetic analysis

26.03.2017

Av Dis 2017

On 22nd April, 2016 a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus was detected for the first time in Lebanon. The virus had infected two chicken layers farms which were very close to each other and located less than 10km from the Syrian border, in one of Lebanon’s most important farming regions, the Bekaa valley. The first outbreak was detected in Nabichit in a poultry farm of 80,000 animals.

Japan: Two New HPAI H5 Outbreaks

25.03.2017

Local authorities in the eastern Japan prefectures of Miyagi and Chiba began culling nearly 300,000 chickens, after the highly pathogenic H5 strain of avian influenza was detected in some chickens that had died in local poultry farms.

Can a live MS vaccine reduce M. synoviae shedding?

25.03.2017

Av Path - Published online: 24 Mar 2017

Voluntary M. synoviae control and eradication programmes have been performed in some countries like the USA and the UK. Awareness of the increasing importance of M. synoviae prompted the Dutch poultry industry to implement a mandatory control and eradication programme for M. synoviae for all poultry categories except broilers. This programme, which was started in January 2013, is based on the successful control and eradication programme of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Although M. synoviae vaccination could serve as an additional control measure by reducing for instance the infection pressure at infected multiple-age layer farms.

China: HPAI H7N9 in Hunan

24.03.2017

China reported a highly pathogenic H7N9 outbreak at a poultry farm (layers) near the city of Yongzhou in Hunan province. The avian influenza virus strain involved is a highly pathogenic H7N9. The outbreak involving the highly pathogenic form of H7N9 is the first to be confirmed on a poultry farm.

Alabama: a new case oh LPAI H7N9

23.03.2017

A new H7N9 avian avian influenza outbreak, has been reported in Alabama. The outbreak is located in a commercial farm in Cullman County, located in the north central part of the state, not far from where earlier events occurred. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has now reported six low-path H7N9 outbreaks.

Low pathogenic avian influenza detected in western Kentucky

21.03.2017

Federal and state authorities say a case of low pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza has been detected in a commercial poultry flock in western Kentucky. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the presence of H7N9 low pathogenic avian influenza in samples taken from the Christian County premises. The virus exposure at the premises was initially detected by the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville while conducting a routine pre-slaughter test last week.

3rd case of Avian Influenza detected in Tennessee

17.03.2017

A third commercial poultry breeding operation in Tennessee has tested positive for avian influenza. The latest chicken breeding facility to be infected is in Lincoln County, close to a farm that was diagnosed with avian influenza less than two weeks ago. It is the same strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H7N9).

Croatia: outbreak of H5N5 among poultry

17.03.2017

Croatia reports 4 outbreaks of avian influenza H5N5. The virus was detected among poultry in farms and backyards in Spickovina in the Krapinsko-Zagorska region.

Update on avian influenza in in Alabama

16.03.2017

Results have been received from the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa on the sample collected from a guinea fowl at the TaCo-Bet Trade Day flea market in Scottsboro, located in Jackson County, Alabama. The sample tested positive for low pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza (LPAI). The premises of origin for the guinea fowl, also located in Jackson County, Ala., is under quarantine and continued surveillance. The guinea fowl in question have been depopulated. Testing is still ongoing of samples submitted to NVSL from the other two premises in north Alabama, the commercial breeder flock in Lauderdale County and the backyard flock in Madison County.

UK: 17% drop in human cases of campylobacter

15.03.2017

New figures from UK surveillance bodies show a 17% decline in the number of laboratory reports of human cases of campylobacter in 2016. Levels of campylobacter in chicken continue to decline, as demonstrated in the first set of results from the third year survey of campylobacter on fresh shop-bought whole chickens. The results for the first five months of the third retail survey, from August to December 2016, show: Overall, 7% of chickens tested positive for campylobacter within the highest band of contamination. Among the nine retailers with the highest market share, 5% of chickens tested positive for campylobacter within the highest band of contamination. The results show a decrease in the number of birds with the highest level of contamination compared to the same months in 2015 and 2014.

USA: avian influenza suspected at Alabama poultry farms

15.03.2017

Alabama officials said they suspected that poultry at three sites in the state, on three seperated permises, were infected with avian influenza. Aviagen, the world's leading poultry breeding company, has euthanized chickens at a farm in Alabama over concerns about avian influenza. Aviagen detected the presence of antibodies for AI in a flock in Alabama that showed no clinical signs.

HPAI H5N8 In Nepal

13.03.2017

Nepal first identified outbreak of HPAI H5N8, affecting a poultry operation in the southeast of the country (in the Koshi region).

Sweden: Don't eat fresh chicken

11.03.2017

"I urge the public to avoid fresh chicken to reduce the risk of contracting an infection from campylobacter" Signar Mäkitalo, the head physician in charge of infectious diseases in the Gävleborg region, wrote in a press statement.

USA: LPAI H7N9 in Giles County, Tennessee

10.03.2017

As part of routine, pre-slaughter testing and surveillance for H5/H7 Avian Influenza, low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H7N9 of North American wild bird lineage was detected in a commercial grandparent stock primary broiler breeder flock in Giles County. Slight increase in mortality and a slight decrease in egg production. This is the first detection of H7N9 LPAI poultry in TN and also the first detection of LPAI H7N9 in commercial poultry in the United States in 2017.

H5N1 in Malaysia

08.03.2017

Malaysia reports its first highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreak since 2007. The outbreak was reported in backyard chickens in in Kelantan state, located in the northeastern part of Malaysia's peninsular region.

USDA: LPAI H5N2 at A Wisconsin Turkey Farm

07.03.2017

A strain of low pathogenic H5N2 avian flu has been discovered in a flock of 84,000 turkeys in Barron County, Wisconsin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Samples were submitted for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for influenza A virus H5N2 LPAI North American wild bird origin. Both the HA and NA are distinct from the EA/AM H5N2 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses from 2015.

USDA: Highly pathogenic H7 Avian Influenza in a commercial flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee

05.03.2017

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza (HPAI) of North American wild bird lineage in a commercial chicken breeder flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee.

H5N6 in Greece

03.03.2017

Greece reports today a case of HPAI H5N6. The case is not a new one but a correction of a mistakenly reported case on 16/2/2017. The H5N6 was identified in backyard poultry flock (60 birds).

UK: Avian influenza near Redgrave, Suffolk

03.03.2017

Defra’s routine investigations following a confirmed case of H5N8 near Redgrave in Suffolk have led to the detection of the virus at a further separate premises.

H5N5 in Serbia and Slovenia

01.03.2017

Serbia reports an H5N5 case in a mute swan found dead on Jan 20 in a nature park near the city of Zrenjanin in the central part of the country. Slovenia also reported H5N5 in three mute swans found dead beginning on Jan 20 near three small villages on the Krka River in the southeast near the border with Croatia.

WHO: Human infection with HPAI H7N9

27.02.2017

On 18 February 2017, the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPC) reported to WHO the results of genetic sequencing on virus isolates from two previously reported cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus from Guangdong province. Changes at the cleavage site of the HA gene suggestive of being highly pathogenic to poultry was confirmed by the Chinese National Influenza Centre of the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). The two cases were reported through International Health Regulations (IHR) notification on 19 January 2017.

UK: AI confirmed near Haltwhistle, Northumberland

24.02.2017

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that Avian Influenza (AI) H5N8 has been identified in a backyard flock of chickens near Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

Spain: H5N8 at duck farm In Girona

23.02.2017

Spain reports a case of H5N8 avian influenza on a farm ducks in Girona. 17,000 birds will be culled.

China: high-path H7N9 in market poultry

22.02.2017

The highly pathogenic form of the H7N9 avian influenza strain has been detected at live-bird markets in Guangdong province for the first time. Since it was first detected in early 2013, the H7N9 virus has circulated in poultry as a low-pathogenic strain.

Avian Influenza: France to slaughter 600,000 more ducks

21.02.2017

The French government has ordered a cull of all 600,000 surviving ducks in the south-western Landes region, where 25 percent of France's foie gras is produced. Some 1.9 million ducks and geese have already been culled and a further 1.3 million have died in this year's outbreak of the H5N8 virus in France and Agriculture Minister Stéphane Le Foll announced Tuesday that the 600,000 surviving in the Landes will be slaughtered.

H5N6 spreads to Hsinchu County Taiwan

20.02.2017

Hsinchu County in northern Taiwan reported its first case of H5N6 this year, as 400 abandoned dead chickens tested positive for the pathogenic avian influenza virus. Police were notified about a large pile of rotting, lifeless chickens nearby an industrial road in Hukou area in Hsinchu on Feb. 16, 2017, maggots found in the carcass and the pungent odor emanating at the site suggested the chickens had been decaying for at least three to four days.

Two H7N9 `Variants' Isolated From Human Cases

20.02.2017

Guangdong's Provincial Center for Disease Control and Disease reports that two virus samples collected from human hosts last month suggest that the H7N9 virus variants became more pathogenic in birds.

Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from chicken farms in Egypt

18.02.2017

A recent study in Gut Pathogens found that Salmonella typhimurium and enteritidis are major contaminants of broiler flocks in Egypt. This study was conducted in 41 broiler flocks located in Kafr El-Sheikh Province in Delta Egypt. Twenty flocks of 1-week-old birds and 21 flocks of 5-week-old birds were investigated. In total 615 clinical samples were collected from broiler flocks from different organs (liver, intestinal content and gallbladder). Salmonella infection was identified in 17 (41%) broiler chicken flocks and 67 Salmonella isolates were collected.

Greece: Two new cases of H5N8

16.02.2017

Greece reports today two new cases of H5N8. One in backyard poultry in Nestani in Arkadia Prefecture and the second one in a Mute Swan in Alexandroupoli (Natural Park).

H5N8 In Cameroon

15.02.2017

Cameroon reported H5N8 in peacocks, ducks, and chickens in Makilingaye in the north of the country, close to the border with Nigeria.

Chicken meat as reservoir of E. Coli carrying MCR-1 genes in South America

15.02.2017

The detection and rapid spread of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae carrying the mcr-1 gene has created an urgent need to strengthen surveillance. As part of a local investigation into the presence of colistin-resistant bacteria, Brazilian researchers collected 41 chicken samples from markets in Sao Paulo and tested them for susceptibility to polymixin B and colistin and for the presence of the MCR-1 gene, which confers resistance to colistin. They found eight clonally unrelated colistin-resistant E coli isolates carrying MCR-1.

FLI (Germany): Risk estimation on HPAI H5

14.02.2017

The detection of HPAIV H5N8 in 26 European countries (listed chronologically by date of report: Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, France, Romania, Serbia, Great Britain, Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Italy, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Macedonia, and Belgium) and the rapid distribution of the virus indicate a further highly dynamic spatial spread of the infection. The number of cases reported from various parts of Europe increases daily; often also birds kept in zoological gardens and animal parks are affected. In Germany, the case numbers in wild birds and the number of outbreaks in bird holdings (69) have reached an unprecedented level.

Bosnia: first case of H5N8

13.02.2017

Bosnia reported its first case of avian influenza H5N8 at a hen farm in the northwestern town of Prijedor.

UK: New H5N8 Outbreak In Suffolk

13.02.2017

DEFRA

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has today (13 February) announced an initial 10km Temporary Control Zone around a poultry premises near Redgrave, in the district of mid-Suffolk, following investigation into a suspected case of Avian Influenza where laboratory analysis has identified the presence of H5N8.

Israel: a H5N8 outbreak in a Turkey farm

13.02.2017

The highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus has been confirmed in turkey farm in Beit Herut. 3,000 birds 8.5 weeks old will be culled.

Czech Republic: H5N5 in a Zoo

13.02.2017

H5N5 virus was confirmed in dead swans at Liberec Zoo, in the north central part of the county.

Taiwan: H5N6 in a turkey farm

12.02.2017

Taiwan reports an outbreak of H5N6 HPAI in a turkey farm in Tainan. Last week, a dead goose in Hualien County was found to be infected with the H5N6 virus, the first confirmed H5N6 infection in the country.

Australia: Raw egg warning after 70 contract Salmonella

06.02.2017

Salmonella outbreaks in five locations across the state has prompted a warning to Queenslanders to stop playing Russian roulette with uncooked eggs and meat. Health Minister Cameron Dick said more than 70 people were infected by the five outbreaks of the food-borne bacteria, which can lead to death in those with weakened immune systems. “While eggs are a great source of protein and are important for a healthy diet, if you eat them raw or undercooked, you really are playing Russian roulette with your health,” Mr Dick said. The Minister said three of the current outbreaks across the State have been linked to more than 30 confirmed cases from raw or undercooked egg in Brisbane, while a further 37 people were infected after consuming undercooked pork in Mount Isa. Around 5000 cases of Salmonella are reported in Queensland each year. Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young said the rate of Salmonella infection in Queensland is concerning.

Taiwan: H5N6 in dead goose

06.02.2017

One dead young goose was found on a country road in Hualien County by the Wild Bird Society of Taipei and was sent to the National Laboratory (Animal Health Research Institute, AHRI) on 2 February 2017. H5N6 subtype HPAI was detected and confirmed by the AHRI in the evening of 5 February 2017.

Italy: H5N8 in a turkey flock

06.02.2017

Italy reported one more outbreak, this time affecting a turkey farm in Emilia-Romagna region in the north. The outbreak started on Feb 1, and, of 22,800 birds, the virus sickened 4,000 and killed 400.

Israel: H5N8 in a turkey flock

05.02.2017

Israel reports an outbreak of avian influenza H5N8 in a turkey flock in Aviel. 60,000 birds will be culled.

Poland: H5N5 in mute swans

03.02.2017

Poland announced the discovery of H5N5 HPAI incarnation near the border with the Czech Republic.

Belgium: H5N8 In hobby farm

02.02.2017

The HPAI H5N8 strain was identified in a hobby farm in the town of Lebbeke (north of Brussels).

Israel: H5N8 in ducks

01.02.2017

Israel, which reported several outbreaks of H5N8 in wild birds, chickens and turkeys reported for the first time an outbreak in breeding ducks.

DEFRA: Update on H5N8

31.01.2017

Continuing investigations have confirmed the presence of H5N8 avian influenza at linked premises in Wyre, Lancashire.

Germany: HPAI H5N2 Detected In WIld Birds In Baden-Württemberg

30.01.2017

Source: Avian Flu Diary

One of the hallmarks of Clade 2.3.4.4 H5 viruses (which include both H5N8 and H5N6 subtypes) has been its enhanced ability to successfully reassort with other (mostly LPAI) viruses it encounters in its travels, and in doing so spinning off new genotypes, and occasionally, new subtypes as well. Although nearly all of the reports during the fall of 2016 were of H5N8, in December several nations (Italy, The Netherlands, and Montenegro) reported the discovery of a new HPAI H5N5 reassortant virus in a small number of wild birds. A week ago - and for the first time in Europe - HPAI H5N5 Was Detected In A German Poultry Operation. Three days later HPAI H5N5 Was Detected At Two More Poultry Farms.

Macedonia: H5N8 in backyard birds

30.01.2017

Macedonia reported an outbreal of H5N8 in backyard birds in Moroista, Struga.

Greece: H5N5 in a mute swan

30.01.2017

A mute swan in the Village of Sostis, was found positive for H5N5.

UK: Campylobacter data 2006 to 2015

27.01.2017

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that Campylobacter causes more than 100 deaths a year and costs the UK economy about £900m. The region that reported the highest number of Campylobacter cases was the South East with 9,489. 54% of Campylobacter cases were male. The 50-59 year age group had the highest number of cases. The peak month for Campylobacter reporting in 2015 was June.

Slovenia: H5N5 in dead swans

27.01.2017

The Slovenia's Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection reports that 3 swans found dead along the river Krka in the Brežice municipality have tested positive for H5N5.

UK: Avian influenza confirmed at a farm in Wyre, Lancashire

27.01.2017

DEFRA

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza in a flock of pheasants at a farm in Wyre, Lancashire. This case was proactively identified as part of a routine investigation of premises traced as a result of confirmation of the disease in Lancashire earlier this week. There is a business link between the two premises. The flock is estimated to contain approximately 1,000 birds.

Avian influenza confirmed at a farm near Boston, Lincolnshire

26.01.2017

DEFRA

H5N8 has been confirmed at a turkey rearing farm near Boston, Lincolnshire. The flock is estimated to contain approximately 19,500 birds. A number have died and the remaining live birds at the premises will be culled.

H9N2 in a Chinese baby

26.01.2017

One new laboratory-confirmed human case of A(H9N2) virus infection was reported to WHO from China in a seven-month-old girl from Guangdong province. The case developed mild illness on 11 December 2016, was not hospitalized and has recovered. She had exposure to a live poultry market prior to illness onset.

Germany: H5N5 is spreading

26.01.2017

H5N5 was detected in two turkey farms in the sites of Grevenkop and Elskop. Approximately 15,300 birds will be culled. Both farms are apparently owned by the same company as the first outbreak.

Italy: H5N8 in commercial laying hens

26.01.2017

On 25 January 2017 the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (NRL) confirmed as positive to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H5N8 an industrial laying hens farm in Rovigo province (Veneto region).

Israel: Avian influenza in a layer flock

25.01.2017

H5N8 was detected in Ometz-Israel, in a commercial laying flock. 40,000 birds will be culled.

Germany: H5N5 in commercial poultry

24.01.2017

Germany reports the first isolation in Europe of H5N5 HPAI strain in a commercial poultry production in in Schleswig-Holstein.

Avian influenza confirmed at a farm in Wyre, Lancashire

24.01.2017

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza in a flock of farmed breeding pheasants at a premises in Wyre, Lancashire.

Italy: a second outbreak of H5N8

24.01.2017

On 23 January 2017, a second outbreak of HPAI subtype H5N8 was confirmed in a fattening turkeys farm located near Venice lagoon in Venice province (Veneto region). At the time of the epidemiological inquiry (24/01/2017), 22.300 male turkeys of 113 days old were present in the farm. The birds showed neurological symptoms and increased mortality in two out of the 6 sheds present. This farm is part of a national poultry Company.

H5N8 in Kuwait

23.01.2017

Kuwait reported its first highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza outbreak.

Italy: the first H5N8 case detected in the commercial sector

23.01.2017

On 21 January 2017, the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (NRL) confirmed as positive to Avian Influenza virus subtype H5N8 samples collected from an industrial fattening turkeys farm in Venice province (Veneto region). On 23 January 2017, the NRL characterized the virus as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The birds were sampled after the farm veterinarian reported an increase in mortality rates. During epidemiological inquiry, 20,500 male turkeys were present in the farm and in one of the four sheds of the farm there was increased mortality (10%) and symptomatic animals. Further analysis of the virus are ongoing.

Bangladesh: H5N8 at poultry farm in Dhaka

23.01.2017

Bangladesh reported an outbreak of HPAI H5N1 at a poultry farm in Dhaka. Of 3,000 Sonali type poultry at risk from the outbreak, 732 died from the virus and the rest were slaughtered.

Chile: second case of LPAI H7

19.01.2017

A second case of low pathogenic H7 avian influenza was confirmed in a turkey farm in El Melon district of Nogales, in the region of Valparaiso - Chile.

Does H5N8 viruses have the potential to infect humans?

18.01.2017

Scientific Reports - 17 January 2017

A recent study in Scientific Reports found that H5N8 viruses can rapidly acquire virulence markers in mammalian hosts; thus, rapid spread as well as repeated viral introduction into the hosts may significantly increase the risk of human infection and elevate pandemic potential.

Greece: First case of H5N8 in domestic birds

18.01.2017

Greece reported an outbreak of avian influenza H5N8 in a commercial laying flock. The farm is located in Milia Area. 28,000 birds will be culled.

Israel: turkey farms continue to be affected by avian influenza

17.01.2017

Another turkey farm in Israel has been reported as H5N8 positive. The farm is located in Kibbutz Magal, 38,000 birds, 13 weeks old.

Israel reports another outbreak of H5

16.01.2017

Israel reports today another outbreak of H5 (probably H5N8) in a turkey flock. The flock is located in Kfar Monash 6 km south-est to the outbreak in Kfar-Vitkin.

Avian influenza confirmed at a farm in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire

16.01.2017

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza in a flock of turkeys at a farm in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire. This follows confirmation of the disease in a flock of turkeys on a nearby farm on 16 December 2016. There is unlikely to be a direct link to the previous case but a full investigation is under way to confirm this.

Uganda: H5N8 in wild and domestic birds

15.01.2017

Uganda announced Sunday it had detected avian influenza among migratory birds and domestic birds. The virus had been detected in two locationss, one near Entebbe, on the banks of Lake Victoria, and another in the Masaka distict about 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Kampala. Five domestic ducks and a hen in Masaka were also infected.

Egypt: H5N8 in backyard poultry

14.01.2017

H5N8 HPAI was responsible for an outbreak in backyard birds in Sharqia governorate in the north. Ducks and chickens were involved.

Bulgaria: avian influenza at over 50 farms

14.01.2017

A virulent avian influenza virus, H5N8 has spread to 55 poultry farms in Bulgaria prompting the veterinary authorities to announce a cull of some 430,000 birds since it was first detected in the middle of December. Bulgaria has imposed a nationwide ban on poultry markets and on the hunting of game birds, and has already spent over a million levs ($543,714) to cull birds in a bid to contain the outbreak.

UK: Avian influenza in Abbotsbury swannery, Dorset

13.01.2017

The H5N8 strain of avian influenza has been confirmed in nine mute swans but testing stops once the presence of the disease has been established so it is not known how many have been struck by the disease. Nine dead swans have tested positive for HPAI H5N8 strain of virus at site where about 80 birds have died so far this winter. Measures are being taken to stop the disease spreading to poultry flocks but the 1,000 free-flying swans at Abbotsbury are wild and it is not possible to completely confine them.

Spain: H5N8 HPAI

12.01.2017

Spain reported a case of the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza strain in wild geese in the northern part of the country.

Slovenia: first report of H5N8

12.01.2017

Slovenia reported three outbreaks, all involving wild mute swans found dead near ponds and the Drava River near Maribor, the country's second-largest city.

Italy: H5N8 & H5N5 HPAI

11.01.2017

30/12/2016 – On 28 December 2016 the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (NRL) confirmed as positive to High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza virus subtype H5N5 samples obtained from organs of a wild bird found dead in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. The positive bird was a Eurasian wigeon (Anas Penelope) collected along with other two ducks of the same species in Grado lagoon, a wetland in Gorizia province. Further analysis of the detected virus are ongoing.

Japan: H5N6 summary of avian influenza outbreaks

10.01.2017

7 outbreaks of H5N6 HPAI were confirmed in farm animals, situation as for 9 January 2017.

H5 Avian Influenza in a Wild Mallard Duck in Montana

09.01.2017

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detected the presence of Eurasian/North American reassortant H5N2 avian influenza in a wild mallard duck in Fergus County, Montana. No illness or mortalities in domestic poultry in the U.S. have been detected. The sample, taken from a hunter-harvested bird through routine surveillance, was tested at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and forwarded to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Characterization of the sample is ongoing.

A(H5N8) Clade 2.3.4.4 Viruses, Germany, 2016

06.01.2017

EID, Vol. 23, No. 4 - April 2017

In late May 2016, a group B clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 virus was detected in dead and hunted wild birds at Lake Uvs-Nuur, at the Russia–Mongolia border. On November 7, 2016, many dead tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) were found at Lake Plön in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany, and at Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany; most were positive for H5N8. The epidemic among wild birds continued and spread toward the center of the country. As of December 2016, several backyard holdings, 4 zoos, and a few large commercial operations were also affected. Direct or indirect contact with wild birds was the most likely route of virus introduction into the backyard holdings and zoos. Despite the generally high standards of commercial operations, possible biosecurity gaps were identified.

Avian influenza confirmed in backyard flock in Yorkshire

06.01.2017

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed H5N8 avian influenza in a small backyard flock near Settle in North Yorkshire.

Chile: avian influenza detected in a Turkey flock

05.01.2017

Chile has detected avian influenza H7 at a turkey production plant run by poultry producer Agrosuper in the country's central Valparaiso region. All affected birds (350,000) will be culled. No data regarding the N type were given. Avian influenza (AI) was diagnosed in May 2002 for the first time in Chile and South America.

Genetic characteristion of H5N6 viruses from South Korea

05.01.2017

Eurosurveillance, Volume 22, Issue 1, 05 January 2017

A novel genotype of H5N6 influenza viruses was isolated from migratory birds in South Korea during November 2016. Domestic outbreaks of this virus were associated with die-offs of wild birds near reported poultry cases in Chungbuk province, central South Korea.

Newcastle Disease: the titer needed to protect commercial layers

04.01.2017

Research in Veterinary Science 111 (2017) 63–66

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection causes serious problems in laying chickens, like reducing egg production, increasing rate of abnormal eggs in spite of strict vaccination in layer farms program. A new evaluation system is needed to show complete protection of the immunization in laying chickens based on the egg-laying performance, rather than clinical signs of the disease. In a study, by a group of Chinese researchers, laying chickens with different anti-NDV HI (hemagglutination-inhibition) antibody titer after vaccination were divided into different groups. These chickens were then challenged with field isolated highly virulent NDV strains.

Avian influenza in Wales

04.01.2017

A case of avian influenza H5N8 has been confirmed in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Carmanthenshire, Wales.

Czechs reports avian influenza cases

04.01.2017

Authorities in the Czech Republic have reported cases of the HPAI southeast of the country. The virus had been detected in dead swans in Moravia and in family farms in Moravsky Krumlov and Ivancice. This is the first case of avian influenza in the country this year. Infected premises in Ivancice and Moravsky Krumlov were quarantined.

Slovenia confirms first case of H5N8

04.01.2017

Slovenia confirmed its first case of H5N8 avian influenza, detected in a swan in the town of Pragersko some 120 km (75 miles) northeast of the capital Ljubljana.

Israel: H5N8 in Nahalal

02.01.2017

Israel reports a new case of H5N8 in fattening Turkeys in Nahalal. The flock size is 20,000 birds, and they are 8.5 weeks old - in 8 buidings.

Salmonellosis in Australia

02.01.2017

Risk Anal. 2016 36(3):561-70

Salmonellosis is a significant cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in Australia, and rates of illness have increased over recent years. A new research estimates the contribution of different animal reservoirs to illness due to Salmonella spp. in South Australia between 2000 and 2010. 35% (95% CrI: 20-49) of sporadic cases were attributed to chicken meat and 37% (95% CrI: 23-53) of sporadic cases to eggs. Of outbreak-related cases, 33% (95% CrI: 20-62) were attributed to chicken meat and 59% (95% CrI: 29-75) to eggs.

Avian Influenza A(H5N8), clade 2.3.4.4B in wild aquatic birds, Russia-2016

01.01.2017

EID, Vol. 23, No. 2 - February 2017

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 was first isolated from a goose in 1996 in Guangdong China (Gs/GD). This virus evolved into multiple hemagglutinin (HA) genetic clades and underwent reassortment with different neuraminidase and internal genes to generate subtype H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 Gs/GD HPAIV, which first appeared in an outbreak in poultry in China in 2013, followed closely by outbreaks in South Korea in January 2014. During these outbreaks, 2 distinct groups of H5N8 viruses were identified; group A (Buan-like) and group B (Gochang-like). There have been no further reports of group B virus since its original detection in China and South Korea during 2014. In contrast, in early 2014, group A viruses predominated in South Korea. On the basis of aquatic bird migration patterns, it is hypothesized that HPAIV (H5N8) reached Siberia during the 2014 spring bird migration.