05.08.2011

Routine surveillance has revealed H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at nine more commercial ostrich farms, all in the Western Cape.
All are commercial ostrich farms. Farms were tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found. Diagnosis only confirmed after several follow-up PCR tests. South Africa only reports outbreaks on confirmation on PCR tests. Initially no clinical signs or mortalities were seen.
Stamping out in positive farms is taking place. In total, 4,238 ostriches were affected, of which 1,706 showed symptoms; 14 were destroyed and 1,186 were slaughtered.
All the farms tested positive for H5 but some were reported HI positive for H5 and H6.
The farms tested positive on serology during routine surveillance but tested negative on PCR and no virus could be found. Diagnosis only confirmed