# 2567
Cloppenburg, lower Saxony, Germany
Skimming below the radar the past few days has been an outbreak of LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza) of the subtype H5N3 in Germany.
Low path H5 and H7 viruses are reportable animal diseases, even though they pose little health hazards to humans. Low pathogenic viruses have the potential to mutate into highly pathogenic viruses, therefore their appearance is taken seriously.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has this notice (Hat tip Ironorehopper on Flutrackers) regarding the outbreak. Since this report was filed 5 days ago, local media is now reporting that 15 farms have been affected.
LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA TYPE A (H5) – ANIMAL HEALTH - GERMANY
OIE Report 12th December 2008
Three outbreaks of low pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) of the subtype a(H5) (more specifically A(H5N3)) have been reported to the OIE by the German authorities in turkey fattening holdings in the region of Lower Saxony, after being detected during routine testing. The control measures already applied to contain the outbreaks include the control of wildlife reservoirs, screening, zoning, disinfection of infected premises and destruction and disposal of carcases. Further epidemiological and laboratory investigations are ongoing.
OIE Report
http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=7610
ECDC comment: The strain of avian influenza identified in these outbreaks is of the H5 type but it is classed as low pathogenic in birds. Low pathogenic avian influenza can occasionally convert to a highly pathogenic form but that cannot happen here and produce an A(H5N1) type as the N1 subtype has been specifically excluded. The risk to human health are therefore very low.
The conclusions from ECDC risk assessments is that most A(H5) avian influenza viruses to date are poorly adapted to humans and hence have limited ability to transmit from birds to humans. However past incidents and have demonstrated the zoonotic potential that some low pathogenic viruses can present to humans (1, 2), and hence it is prudent that those that may have been exposed to the virus take precautions to limit the potential risk of infection which are essentially the same as for highly pathogenic avian influenza.(3, 4)
Dutchy from Flutrackers has this translation of a German press report, updating the situation. This report from NWZ online.
For the first time duck flock affected by bird flu
CLOPPENBURG - Following the outbreak of bird flu in Lower Saxony are the first turkey Ducks also positive for the H5N3 virus have been tested.
"The fact that it is now also in ducks was discovered, makes an investigation of all animals necessary, "said the head of the Veterinary Office District of Cloppenburg, Karl-Wilhelm Paschertz, on Wednesday. According to County Commissioner Hans Eveslage (CDU) To date there are 15 of the 200 farms in the affected zone. 270,000 animals were already been killed.
Apart from 210,000 animals in outbreaks and suspected farms were, according to Eveslage further 60,000 birds on farms killed by the same staff as in infected flocks managed.
The risk of a mutation of the mild and harmless to human form of bird flu to an aggressive type guess he is currently a minor. "We have until now no evidence that it has come to mutations, "said Paschertz. So far the virus from only farms in the district of Cloppenburg affected. There were restricted areas, and all poultry flocks investigated.
The removal of dead animals had been assured, Eveslage said. "Disposal bottlenecks there are up just yet. "If the virus does not spread rapidly, either the elimination animal carcasses guaranteed. Otherwise you will the farmers to compost the dead animals in the stables propose.
