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| HPAI H5 Outbreaks Since July 1st, 2017 |
#12,782
It's been two weeks since the last report of HPAI H5N8 from Italy's IZSV (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie), but today we learn of 3 more outbreaks - 2 already identified as H5N8 - and one HPAI H5 still awaiting further lab analysis.
Today's report brings to 24 the number of outbreaks reported since July 1st, and the 40th of 2017.The unusual persistence of H5N8 this the summer in Italy, and to a far lesser extent in Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK (see DEFRA: Outbreak Assessment On H5N8 In Europe - Summer 2017) has raised concerns that avian flu may be becoming more of a year-round threat (see DEFRA Warns Of `Constant Risk' From Avian Flu).
Details on the latest outbreaks follow:
Posted: 16 September 2015 Last update: 27 September 2017
2016/2017 – H5N5, H5N8
September 2017
27/09/2017 – On 26 September, the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (NRL) confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5N8 a fattening turkey farm in Vicenza province (Veneto region). At the moment of the epidemiological investigation, there were 30,076 53 day-old male turkeys present at the farm. On 20 September, respiratory symptoms were detected and, in the following days, neurologic symptoms and increased mortality rates were observed.
On the same day, the NRL confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5N8 a duck farm in Vicenza province (Veneto region). Around 8.200 female ducks were present at the farm. On 24 September, an increase in mortality was observed, along with neurological symptoms. The epidemiological unit also includes an adjacent grower farm rearing various species (for a total of 3,950 birds). Control and eradication measures were applied to the whole epidemiological unit.
Still on 26 September, the NRL confirmed as positive for Avian Influenza A virus subtype H5 a fattening turkey farm in Verona province (Veneto region). At the moment of the epidemiological investigation, 8,378 female turkey with 100 days-old were present at the farm. A marked increase in mortality was observed on 25 September.
Protection and surveillance zones (3 and 10 km) around all the infected holdings were defined, and control measures were implemented as provided by the Council Directive 2005/94/EC.
(Continue . . .)
As Italy and the rest of Europe continue to deal with what are presumably remnants from last winter's epizootic, we are rapidly approaching the start to this year's fall migration (see 2016's Sci Repts.: Southward Autumn Migration Of Waterfowl Facilitates Transmission Of HPAI H5N1).
Exactly what that will bring to Europe, North America and Asia this fall is unknowable, but given last year's impact, poultry interests throughout the Northern Hemisphere should be taking steps to enhance their biosecurity before their arrival.
