Credit Rijksoverheid.nl.
# 9394
From the Netherland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs we get confirmation that at least two wild ducks recently sampled in Utrecht province tested positive for HPAI H5 , although the N-type has not yet been established.
It is likely, given the recent outbreaks in the region, that they will test positive for H5N8.
This follows similar reports from Germany, Korea, and Japan and adds weight to the notion that the recently emerged H5N8 virus is being transported across long distances by wild and migratory birds.
First the announcement, then some excerpts from a letter from the Ministry on the state of play and the investigation into the possible cause bird flu outbreak.
Bird flu found in wild ducks
News item | 01-12-2014
In two samples from wild ducks (wigeon) around Kamerik in Woerden avian influenza of the H5 type (highly pathogenic) encountered. The sampling is part of the investigation into the possible role of wild birds in the spread of bird flu in the Netherlands.
In addition, an analysis of the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) that the three highly pathogenic bird flu cases in Hekendorp, Ter Aar and Kamperveen occurred independently. Writes Dijksma Secretary of Economic Affairs in a letter to parliament.
Next Step
Based on results from the research of wild birds and the analysis of the CVI will Dijksma Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014 during the consultation with the industry to disclose what the next steps regarding the measures taken to combat avian influenza.
State of bird flu (1 December 2014)
Dear President,
Yesterday, 30 November last. I have informed you about the outbreak of bird flu oeterwoude. I hereby inform you about the state of affairs, as well as the research into the possible cause.
State of bird flu Zoeterwoude
On 30 November. Was established on avian flu in a legpluimveebedrijf Zoeterwoude. This company is therefore eliminated. Research has now determined that the bird flu concerns highly pathogenic H5N8 type.
In the area with a radius of 1 km around the infected holding is still one other poultry. As a precaution, it was decided to eliminate this business preventively.
This involves a company with about 50,000 broilers. Between 1 km and 10 km area are 3 other poultry farms. Two companies is currently no poultry. The other company has been inspected and samples taken to be examined.Investigate possible cause
In my letter of 24 November. I informed you about the investigation the possible role of wild birds in the spread of bird flu. In the previously surveyed 1,500 wild birds was the highly pathogenic virus type H5N8 not found.
Today it was announced that in two samples of feces wigeon (wild duck species) near Kamerik (province of Utrecht) the bird flu virus has been detected by the highly pathogenic H5 type. The type of N this virus is not yet known, it is still under investigation.
The investigation is continuing.
In addition, research has been done on the introduction of the virus on the different companies. It is based on all available information, the most likely that there are three separate introductions of the bird flu virus occurred in the areas Hekendorp, Ter Aar and Kamperveen. this is shown include analysis of the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI), part Wageningen UR, how the viruses that are found on the infected companies genetically similar.Information about the virus in Zoeterwoude is expected at the end of this week.
Based on the above information, I deliberation me the continuation of the measures established to combat the outbreak of bird flu. In the government meeting that tomorrow I enter the sector, I will make my proposal present. Obviously, I will inform you of developments.
Sharon A.M. Dijksma
State Secretary for Economic Affairs
