UPDATE: Late yesterday the OIE published a notification, which identifies the subtype as H5N8 and puts the number of birds (of various species) culled at 1997. The Epi notes read:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N8 was detected by the National Veterinary Laboratory of Kuwait. All in-contact birds in the affected live birds market were humanly killed and disposed of with appropriate disinfection procedures. The market was closed and movement restriction implemented, including export trade ban of live birds. There are no commercial poultry farms in a 10-km radius around the affected establishment. Intensive active surveillance is in place for poultry farms, backyards and other bird markets area including migratory birds.
#13,841
While details remain typically vague (no subtype mentioned), yesterday the Kuwait media reported on the shutting down of several bird stalls, and the culling of `scores' of birds in Rai.
Some Arabic language media reports put the number of birds culled in excess of 2,000. While not exactly a hotbed of activity, in the past Kuwait has reported both H5N1 and H5N8.This from the Kuwait times.
All birds at Rai pet market culled over bird flu fears
05/02/2019(Continue . . . )
Kuwait bans Indian poultry and eggs, lifts ban on Mexican chicken products
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti authorities destroyed scores of birds yesterday at the pet market (also known as the bird market) in Rai to prevent the spread of bird flu. The birds were culled and placed in black garbage bags, which were then taken to an undisclosed location to be incinerated. “All the birds here were slaughtered because of bird flu – we won’t take any chances,” said a vet, who did not give his identity pending an official announcement.
Asked if bird flu is dangerous and contagious to humans, he said so far there have been no transmissions of the virus to humans. “The ministry of health will come up with a bulletin on the matter,” the vet told Kuwait Times.
It isn't clear whether full laboratory confirmation has been completed, and the OIE and FAO haven't published any notifications. Although I get an error trying to access the MOH's Media Center, the bulletin mentioned above was summarized today by KUNA, the Kuwait New Agency.
MoH allays public concern over bird disease
KUNA
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
The Ministry of Health reported no cases of human infection with the virus that led to the death of bird pets at the bird market in Al-Rai area in the recent days, a senior official said Tuesday.
"There is no evidence that the mysterious bird-killing virus could communicate to humans," Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry Dr. Majedah Al-Gattan told KUNA shortly after an interagency campaign to annihilate the birds at the market.
"As a precaution, the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Interior, the Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, and Kuwait Municipality to get rid of the birds at Al-Rai marketplace," she affirmed.
"Though there is no evidence linking the virus to humans, the Ministry of Health alerted all hospitals and the relevant departments to keep watch and brace for any emergency in the future," Al-Gattan added.
She asked everybody to keep away from birds or animals, particularly the dead ones, and report to the health departments on any cases of mass deaths among birds, adding that the Ministry was in contact with relevant international organization to follow up the situation.
