#13,719
One of the hallmarks of influenza season - whether it be avian or seasonal human flu - is its variability and unpredictability. Influenza often zigs when we expect it to zag, and can roar one year and whimper the next.
Somewhat surprisingly - South Korea - which has had to battle HPAI H5 epizootics each of the last 4 years, has yet to report a single outbreak of HPAI in poultry this fall.Instead, we've seen them report a steady stream of (mostly) Low Pathogenic (LPAI) detections in bird droppings collected around the country (see South Korea Finds More Environmental AI - Clarifies H5N2 As LPAI).
While far preferable to HPAI detections, LPAI viruses - which are not uncommon in wild birds - can be precursors to the development of highly pathogenic AI viruses, and bear watching.
Today South Korea's Agricultural Ministry (MAFRA) has warned of increased detections of LPAI H5 and H7 viruses across the country, and warns of increased risks in the months ahead.While Korean-to-English translation software often doesn't produce the clearest syntax in the world, by looking at a couple sources we begin to get an idea of the scope and depth of their concern.
Wild bird AI (H5.H7 type) Accelerating AI detection
12.06.2018 18:00:00 Defense Policy Bureau
◈ agri-food section at the recent major migratory wild birds doraeji H5 . H7 type AI antigen detection is soaring , strengthen quarantine measures for such detection area
* Since October, there have been 27 cases of wild bird AI disease (H5.H7) detection, and 15 cases
❍ in wild birds Final highly pathogenic AI when confirmed by an antigen has
① nationwide emphasis on hygiene management districts based disinfection facilities installed expansion ,② traditional markets in the 70 days of age than poultry and Anseriformes ( ducks , geese , geese, etc. ), distribution prohibited ,
③ detection area poultry Upright . Shipping Limited , livestock vehicles when driving authorization system , farmers chulipja limited ( egg collection vehicles . Artificial Correction . Vaccine Inoculation teams 1 days 1 Farm visits ) will strengthen defenses such as Lim❍ In addition wild birds H5 . H7 type AI antigen even when the check jeobyeongwonseong (LPAI) not detect the center radius of 10km area is 7 days maintaining the disinfection and surveillance measures
- If , poultry farm in H5 . H7 type jeobyeongwonseong (LPAI) AI occurrence has caused the farm and neighboring farms - the AI Urgent Action (SOP) depending on the performed both live disposal* Occurred only in farm and neighboring farms with no fence or partition
❍ Central jeomgeomban organizing the migratory doraeji nearby farms , local hygiene promotion compartment status and the hens crowded breeding complex (11 points ) for the Japanese inspection is also being carried out
A bit unusually, in a part of the world where H5 subtype have long dominated, is the high detection rate of H7 viruses in South Korea this fall.
From KBS World News we get this summary:
Avian influenza antigen detection after another ... Strengthening Government Defense
Write: 2018-12-06 11:02:40 / Update: 2018-12-06 11:24:02The government has decided to strengthen its anti-influenza pandemic (H1N1) influenza antigens in major migratory birds.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Livestock Food and Beverage has recently announced that it will start precautionary measures such as disinfection and monitoring, as the frequency of detection of H5 and H7 type AI antigens is increasing in the feces of wild birds.
Since October when migratory birds began searching for the Korean peninsula, 27 cases of AI have been detected in wild bird feces, 15 of which, 56 percent, have been concentrated between November 20 and November 20.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries plans to expand the disinfection facilities in 80 cities nationwide if the highly pathogenic AI antigen is confirmed.
It prohibits distribution of poultry less than 70 days old in the traditional market and restricts the movement of poultry in AI area.
Limit access to farm households at the site, while prohibiting the removal of feed for farms within 3 km.
Disinfection and inspections are conducted for 7 days within a 10km radius of the detection area, even if it is not fatal.
If a low-pathogenic AI occurs on the farm, the poultry on the adjacent farm as well as the emerging farm will also be disposed of according to the guidelines.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has put in a central check-up panel to inspect the farms near the migratory birds' habitats and the farms that are in close contact with the laying hens, and urged farmers to do their best to protect the farm facilities and strengthen disinfection.
