25.06.2012

Animal health officials in Mexico are investigating three high-pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza outbreaks at commercial layer farms in the country's central Jalisco state. Isolates are being tested by intravenous pathogenicity test to determine their pathogenicity and by gene sequencing. The birds showed clinical signs, including gasping, lethargy, drooping wings, and fever. The outbreaks began Jun 13, sickening 587,160 birds and killing 211,242 of more than 1 million susceptible poultry. In one of the outbreaks 60,000 birds were culled as a control measure. Jalisco state, in western Mexico, is the country's top egg producer.