Switzerland: Two Dead Swans Test Positive For H5N8

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More evidence - as if we needed it - that the H5N8 virus continues to circulate at low levels this summer in Europe, as Swiss officials announced today the discovery of two dead swans retrieved 5 days ago from the southern shores of Lake Neuchatel, near Yverdon-les-Bains (VD).

This (translated) press releaset from the Swiss Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterninary Affairs (LFV).

Two new cases of bird flu near Yverdon-les-Bains

Berne, 08.15.2017 - Two swans were found dead, Thursday, August 10, 2017, on the shores of Lake Neuchatel, near Yverdon-les-Bains (VD). Laboratory tests have shown that the avian influenza H5N8 has killed two birds. Investigations are conducted by LFV in collaboration with cantonal authorities to determine whether these cases are isolated or not.

Birds affected for now are two young mute swans. They were discovered thanks to the regular program of wild bird surveillance analysis. The LFV is working closely with the cantonal authorities to determine if other birds are affected by the virus. If necessary, it will decide if preventive action is required.

Cases of bird flu due to H5N8 viruses have continued to occur in the last month in Europe, most recently in Italy. If the cases are more frequent during the season of the great migrations of wild birds, sometimes birds are also affected in other times of the year. so vigilance is required. domestic fowl holders must notify the veterinarian all cases of suspicious death. People who find dead birds are asked not to touch them and to inform the police station or the nearest guard wildlife.

As for the virus, subtype H5N8, it is the same as that appeared last winter in Switzerland. There is no evidence to date that avian influenza of H5N8 subtype is transmissible to humans.

The Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary (LFV) will give more information as soon as it will have new elements.

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Since June Italy has reported 13 outbreaks of H5N8 in poultry, Belgium reported a dozen outbreaks, and the UK, Luxembourg, Northern France, and the Netherlands have reported sporadic cases in either poultry or wild birds (see DEFRA: Outbreak Assessment On H5N8 In Europe - Summer 2017).

Just last week Russia Notified OIE Of A New H5N8 Outbreak In Moscow Oblast.

With the HPAI H5N8 virus never fully leaving this summer, and the fall migratory bird season expected to kick off again in less than 2 months, biosecurity for poultry farms and backyard flocks across Europe remains a high priority.