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| Location of Bulgaria In Europe |
#13,524
While we've enjoyed a relatively quiet summer of bird flu, with the autumnal equinox just two days away, we shouldn't be surprised to see an uptick in outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere in the months to come.
Migratory birds are southbound once more from their high latitude summer roosting areas, and with them they can sometimes bring new reassorted viruses (see Sci Repts.: Southward Autumn Migration Of Waterfowl Facilitates Transmission Of HPAI H5N1).Over the summer, Russia has been the primary hotbed of avian flu, with roughly 80 outbreaks of HPAI H5N2 and HPAI H5Nx reported (see Aug. 20th Brief ESA Report On HPAI H5N2 & H5Nx In Russia).
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| Credit OIE |
Russia first reported HPAI H5N2 in December of last year, but it was only last month that we finally saw confirmation that these recent outbreaks were caused by reassorted clade 2.3.4.4. H5 virus (presumably from H5N8 or H5N6).
The short history of clade 2.3.4.4. H5 viruses has been one of continual evolution, frequent successful reassortment (into H5N6, H5N2, H5N5, etc.), and rapid geographic expansion - primarily via wild and migratory birds.Two years ago, Europe's poultry industry and wild bird population were devastated by the arrival of a newly reassorted H5N8 virus. Last year, they took a considerably milder hit from a reassorted H5N6 virus.
The concern this fall is that yet another reassorted virus could make an appearance, particularly with recent reports of a newly reassorted HPAI H5N2 in Western Russia.Today, Bulgaria - which has reported a smattering of outbreaks over the summer - is reporting a (thus far) unidentified strain of avian flu at an industrial poultry farm in Trilistnik, Plovdiv.
At this time, we don't even know if it is an LPAI or HPAI virus, but from the steps outlined below, authorities are obviously treating this outbreak seriously. This from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.
BCSA found a primary outbreak of the bird flu vaccine in the village of Trilistnik, Plovdiv
19.09.2018
Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety found primary outbreak of avian influenza (flu) in an industrial holding of rearing laying hens, located in. Trilistnik, Maritsa municipality, Plovdiv region. The disease was confirmed by a laboratory test report.
For the control and eradication of the disease, BSAF implemented all measures in accordance with current legislation. Humane killing and destruction of all birds kept on the affected holding is undertaken, followed by cleansing and disinfection. A 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the outbreak of the disease have been identified. The movement of birds and their products into and out of the protection and surveillance zones is prohibited. In both zones prohibiting trade and the movement of poultry and other wild birds and eggs for breeding and dispersal of birds renewal of game reserves. Daily clinical examinations of birds kept in other settlements in the protection zone are performed.
Enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures in poultry farms as well as in water basins where the wild bird population is heavily concentrated.
NVS reminded that feed should be stored indoors, as well as raw materials for animal feed - thus avoiding the possibility of wild birds contaminate feed and thus tame to be infected with the virus.
At this stage there are no people affected and there is no danger to consumers. Influenza virus can cause mild respiratory disease. Possible infection can occur when inhaled contaminated farm dust or in direct contact with people with infected birds.
Hopefully we'll see an OIE notification with more details in the next day or so.
With this fall's bird migration already underway in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, now would be a good time for all poultry stakeholders to review and improve their biosecurity.
