#11,615
For the second time in less than 2 weeks we are informed (h/t @fjerkrae) by Denmark's DVFA (The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration) of a Low Pathogenic Avian flu (LPAI) outbreak in mallards being raised for release and hunting.
The first outbreak was LPAI H7N7 on the island of Funem in late July.
Today's report comes from North Jutland county, and this time the virus has been preliminarily identified as LPAI H5.
There are two broad categories of avian influenza; LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza) and HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza).
- LPAI viruses are quite common in wild birds, cause little illness, and only rarely death. They are not considered to be a serious health to public health. The concern is (particularly with H5 & H7 strains) that LPAI viruses have the potential to mutate into HPAI strains.
- HPAI viruses are more dangerous, can produce high morbidity and mortality in wild birds and poultry, and can sometimes infect humans with serious result.
Avian flu in North Jutland mallard crew
A herd of mallards in North Jutland near Nibe affected by the less severe avian influenza H5. The crew consists of 1,200 ducklings. To prevent infection and to prevent the virus evolves, the infected ducklings be killed. DVFA create a 1km restricted zone around the farm.
Press release , Published: August 7, 2016
The movement of birds within and to and from the restricted zone are done with DVFA permission. Backyard poultry within the zone must be registered with the Food Authority. See zone here . The killing is carried out in collaboration between the Food Authority and the Emergency Management Agency. There will be a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the property. Discovered by routine surveillance samples Smitten crew members are discovered during routine surveillance samples are being taken as part of the Danish action plan against bird flu. -
We consider always low pathogenic bird flu seriously because it can evolve into a highly pathogenic type. I can reassure that the low pathogenic avian influenza can not be human infection. Killing and security is done to prevent further problems, says deputy head of the Food Administration, veterinarian Stig Mellergaard. Backyard poultry within 1km zone must be registered owners of hobby poultry flocks in the restricted zone must let their herd register with the Food Agency to the Board by the crews, located in zone. the registration of the name, address, poultry type and number must be registered with the Food Authority's customer advice on 7227 6900 on weekdays or via mail 10@fvst.dk . Contact DVFA press guard, tel. 22 84 48 34
