#14,177
Conventional wisdom has long held that LPAI H3 viruses aren't supposed to produce serious illness in poultry, but for almost 3 months we've been following the emergence and spread of an LPAI H3N1 virus in Belgium which has produced significant losses (see Belgium: Non-Reportable LPAI H3N1 In Poultry).
Only H5 and H7 LPAI viruses are considered serious avian flu threats (see OIE Terrestrial Animal Code Article 10.4.1.), so these outbreaks have fallen into a regulatory grey area, and a coordinated response has been slow in coming.The idea has been floated that this virus's toll could be due to some sort of co-infection, but three weeks ago - in NL AVINED: LPAI H3N1 - Major Damage And Loss Without Co-infections - Dutch researchers showed this particular LPAI H3N1 virus is fully capable of producing elevated morbidity and mortality in poultry without any help.
Despite its heavy impact on the poultry industry, officially LPAI H3N1 remains a `non-regulated' avian virus, and governments are loath to set a precedent by treating as anything else.Last week the Boerenbond (Farmer's Union) updated the situation in Belgium, and once again criticized the slow government response.
Current situation of low pathogenic avian influenza
The damage on the affected companies is enormous and the lack of a coordinated fight with compensation for the damage suffered, the number of infected farms has increased to 83.
4 July 2019
Wouter Wytynck, advisor Animal Breeding Research Center Farmers Union
(Continue . . . )Yesterday the Netherlands AVINED published the following (translated) update, which describes the situation in neighboring Belgium, discusses ongoing research, and criticizes the Dutch Ministry's recent decision not to treat the (potential) introduction of LPAI H3N1 the Netherlands as a `regulated' avian flu (hence, no compensation).
H3N1 Update (July 9): compulsory withdrawal in Belgium
Update H3N1 (July 9): compulsory culling in Belgium
Mandatory clearance in Belgium
Various news reports from Belgium state that poultry farms that are positive for H3 will be forced to cull. This week the Royal Decree is expected, in which the compulsory culling is arranged.
Regarding the culling fees, it is stated that these are not retroactive and that culling only reimburses non-dead animals. More information will follow when the Royal Decrees on compulsory culling and on fees are published.
Dutch research
The advisory committee for poultry health care of AVINED has approved a follow-up investigation in the field of H3N1. The research carried out in laying hens is being continued in young laying hens around 4 weeks old. After all, it is still unclear what the pathogenic potential of H3N1 in young animals is.
This information provides more insight into the pathogenic capacity of the virus and thus the risks of spreading. For example, it is important to know whether companies with young animals may be infected with H3N1 unnoticed. If this is the case, the problem may be greater than is currently visible.
Actions at H3N1 in the Netherlands
AVINED has previously asked the Ministry of LNV by letter, when introducing H3N1 in the Netherlands, to act in accordance with a bird flu variant subject to control. That is, a culling of the infected couple. The clearance costs and reimbursements - based on appraisal - are then funded by the Animal Health Fund (DGF). If the government does not proceed with the culling, the sector wants to take care of the culling by financing the costs from the DGF.
The Ministry of LNV and AVINED met on 4 July 2019. The Ministry of LNV cannot respond to the requests from AVINED. H3N1 is not an animal disease subject to control. There can also be rapid precedent operation and introduction of H3N1 in the Netherlands need not lead to the same development and distribution as in Belgium. The Ministry of LNV has reported that if H3N1 has been established at a Dutch company, the company will receive a decision from the NVWA. Only 1 to 1 transport with this company is allowed. If the company has a run-out, it must herd the animals. A stricter hygiene protocol will then come into effect in consultation with the sector.
AVINED has reported that the measures are insufficient. AVINED follows developments in Belgium and will ask the Ministry of LNV to reconsider its decision if compulsory culling is carried out in Belgium.
While LPAI H3N1 may not be the biggest avian flu threat on our radar, its unusual impact and continued spread are a genuine concern for poultry owners in Europe.
Regardless of how it is viewed by the OIE and local governments.
