Monday, March 06, 2017

Rosselkhoznadzor: Avian Flu Outbreak In Moscow Region

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#12,284


Late yesterday Russian language media began talking about an outbreak of avian flu at a large poultry production facility near Moscow.  This morning we have two official reports confirming the outbreak, along with some less-than-official media reports suggesting some number of  exposed workers have been hospitalized with `flu-like' symptoms.

This being flu season, the finding of some workers with flu symptoms is hardly unexpected, and they may be completely unrelated to the outbreak. But when there has been history of exposure to infected birds, all cases must be checked out.

First stop, a report from Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor).

On detection of avian influenza virus in Sergiev Posad municipal district of Moscow region

March 6, 2017


© Central body
 
As a result of laboratory tests of samples of pathological material taken from dead birds contained in the territory of FSUE HAG SGC "Change" Sergiev Posad municipal district of Moscow region, identified the genetic material of bird flu. The preliminary diagnosis established March 1, 2017 BS MO "Moscow Regional Veterinary Laboratory". For the typing of the virus samples of pathological material sent to FGBU "ARRIAH".

Currently on FGBU "ARRIAH" give its conclusion on the studies undertaken. As a result of studies conducted by RT-PCR in a sample of poultry viscera identified genetic material of the virus, and avian influenza A subtype identified H5. Conduct further molecular genetic and virological studies.

At the time of onset of the disease is contained in the company 200 thousand. Birds, including 150 thous. Heads of adult birds, fell 6 thousand. Bare calves and 500 head of adult birds.

According to the provided FSUE HAG SGC "Change" the register of veterinary certificates issued in the period from 06.02.2017 on 01.03.2017, with the company shipping products carried in the Vladimir, Tambov and Moscow regions, in Magadan and Moscow. The adoption of measures to prevent the spread of infection information is directed to the appropriate territorial administrations of the Rosselkhoznadzor, subektovye veterinary control and Rospotrebnadzor.

Currently, the State Veterinary Service of the Moscow region the complex of organizational, economic and animal health measures in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation of 27.03.2006 number 90 "On approval of rules for combating avian influenza."

This statement from the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) for the Moscow Region, deals more with the prevention of human infection with the virus:


preventive measures

Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare in the Moscow region informs about the registration of epizootic outbreak of influenza in birds FGBU SGC "Change" Sergiev Posad municipal district of Moscow region since the beginning of March this year.


Specialists of Rospotrebnadzor in the Moscow region organized complex of anti-epidemic and preventive measures aimed at preventing the spread of infection among humans, including organized homestead detours and daily medical observation of contact persons, carried out explanatory work with the population on the rules of the content of poultry, distributed leaflets about prevention avian influenza; established control over implementation of agricultural products (poultry, poultry eggs) and the destruction of all dead birds.


When the Administration of the Sergiev Posad municipal district created operational headquarters for the elimination of the arisen fire.


In connection with the above, the Office of Rospotrebnadzor in the Moscow region recommends the following preventive measures:
  • Need to avoid contact with poultry and wild birds in households, markets and places of mass gathering of birds on the open water, paddock poultry should be carried out only on private farmsteads citizens;
  • It is not recommended to buy food for poultry and eggs in places unauthorized trade in areas where avian influenza epizootic recorded;
  • Handling of eggs should be carried out with the utmost care, the eggs should be washed with warm 0.5% solution of soda ash, disinfected with 0.5% solution of chloramine or 2% solution of bleach (or others authorized for this purpose detergents and disinfectants), rinsed with cold running water for at least 5 minutes, followed by putting some in a clean container;
  • Exposing poultry recommended heat treatment at a temperature not lower than + 70 ° C, cooking eggs at least 6 minutes.
(SNIP)


Symptoms of bird flu in humans.


The incubation period of avian influenza may be longer than the normal seasonal flu and lasts an average of 5 days (from 2 to 8 days, maybe even up to 17 days).


The disease begins acutely with chills, fever up to 38 ° C and above, muscle and headaches, pain in the throat. Chance of watery stools, repeated vomiting. Condition is rapidly deteriorating. After 2-3 days appears cough, often mixed with blood, shortness of breath. Then it may be difficulty in breathing. Perhaps the liver, kidneys and brain.

At the first signs of the disease an urgent need to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appointment of adequate and timely treatment, as the late start of treatment inevitably leads to the development of complications.

While I've yet to locate an official statement, Russian media also reports as many as 14 people have been hospitalized or placed in quarantine due to possible exposure and/or symptoms.

Although human infection is possible - even with H5N8 - all of this may prove  nothing more than the prudent exercise of an abundance of caution.

This from the  Interfax News Agency:



Any update from 07:57 →
Part of the isolated human health, while others showed SARS symptoms

Moscow. 5th of March. INTERFAX.RU - About 14 people in the suburbs are under medical supervision because of the outbreak of avian influenza, told "Interfax" on Sunday, a source familiar with the situation.

"In Pushkin and Sergiev Posadaskom district, seven people are in the observatory", - said the official, noting that these are the people who are healthy, but are isolated from society and are under surveillance. In Shchelkovo district in quarantine are still seven people. "All seven clinical signs of SARS," - a spokesman said.

Earlier it was reported that in the Moscow region recorded outbreak of avian influenza. 

According to a source familiar with the situation, lesions detected in two poultry farms near Moscow: in Shchelkovo and Sergiev Posad districts. According to preliminary information, "slaughter, according to various estimates, to be between 400 thousand to 4 million birds."
Information on cases of bird flu on poultry farms "Change" supported by the administration of the Sergiev Posad municipal district. "The other day deaths of birds began in poultry farms Experts identified -. Of the population is infected with avian influenza A careful analysis has identified as a result of H5N8 strain According to virologists, it is not dangerous to humans, but highly Poultry Health and Safety in the workplace and in the quarantine zone... which is a few kilometers, strengthened ", - said in a statement on the official site of administration.

"Now experts monitor all bird farms in the area, including a small private work goes around the clock in case of an epidemic would threaten the unique gene pool of poultry farms.." Change ", which was formed over decades are also likely to huge losses in the agricultural sector.", - Said in a statement on Online administration of the Sergiev Posad district.
Official comments on the situation in Shchelkovo area yet.

This media story, as well as others, already peg the virus as H5N8, while Rosselkhoznadzor states genetic analysis is still ongoing.  Hopefully we'll get clarification on all of these issues in the next day or two.