Credit OIE-WAHIS Report IN_153046
#16,443
Europe is in the throws of its third major avian HPAI H5 epizootic of the past 6 years (see chart below), with the UK reporting a record number of outbreaks in poultry, along with many other hard-hit European nations. HPAI H5 is also affecting wild birds and poultry (albeit to a lesser extent), in East Asia.
Credit ECDC
North America has been spared any large avian epizootics since the spring of 2015, when HPAI H5N8 crossed the Bering Straits into Alaska and Canada, and sparked the biggest avian flu outbreak in American and Canadian history.
But just as in Europe and Asia, there is a need to bolster biosecurity here in the United States and Canada (see H5Nx: Why North America Must Remain Alert). Over the years we've looked at numerous studies and scenarios showing how wild birds could carry HPAI across oceans to North America.
Which is why an obscure report from Canada, regarding the detection of HPAI H5 in the remote Avalon Peninsula on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador is worthy our attention this morning.
First, a statement from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) (h/t to Pathfinder & Shiloh On FluTrackers), followed by an OIE report.
Statement: Detection of high pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Newfoundland and Labrador 2021
December 22, 2022
On December 20, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of high pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI), subtype H5N1, at a multi-species exhibition farm in the Avalon Peninsula on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. This exhibition farm does not produce birds for sale.
As the infected birds were located on an exhibition farm, and no other cases resembling Avian Influenza have been reported in the vicinity of the farm, Canada's status as 'free from AI' remains in place in accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidance.
Avian Influenza circulates naturally in avian fauna and recent detections of high pathogenic AI in Europe indicate an even higher risk of the disease in North American poultry flocks this year. This makes it more important than ever for anyone raising poultry to remain vigilant against AI and ensure they have effective biosecurity measures in place. Biosecurity is a key tool for preventing the transmission of this disease to North American farm birds.
While this detection should have no impact on trade, it does serve as a strong reminder that Avian Influenza is spreading across the globe, and that anyone with farm animals must practice good biosecurity habits. Meanwhile, officials from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the CFIA, and the owner of the infected birds are working closely together to manage this particular situation.
Resources are available for producers and owners of backyard flocks and pet birds:
National avian on-farm biosecurity standard
Quick Facts
- Initial tests for the disease were conducted on December 16, 2021 by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, after the farm experienced sudden deaths of birds over several days.
- In an abundance of caution, the CFIA has placed the farm under quarantine and established a 10 km zone with movement control measures and enhanced biosecurity to limit any potential spread of the disease.
- The CFIA has advised the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of the outbreak. As the infected birds were located on an exhibition farm, the detection is considered a non-poultry detection according to the OIE definition. Canada's animal health status as 'free from AI' remains in place. No trade restrictions are anticipated as a result of this detection.
- The CFIA reminds poultry producers to remain vigilant and to apply biosecurity measures at all times. For more information on avian influenza and measures poultry farms can take to protect their flocks, please visit the Avian Influenza page on the CFIA website.
Epidemiology
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
- Unknown or inconclusive
- Contact with wild species
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
The infected premises is an exhibition farm located on an island off the Atlantic Coast of Canada. A protection zone (3km) and a surveillance zone (10 km) have been put in place around the infected premises. The virus has HA cleavage site motif “PLREKRRK/GLF” consistent with highly pathogenic avian influenza strains of H5 subtype.
The HA gene segment is A/goose/Guangdong/1996 (Gs/GD) lineage belonging to 2.3.4.4B clade. Phylogenic analysis indicates this virus corresponds to the Eurasian lineage circulating in 2021. Wildlife surveillance as well as the Canadian Avian Influenza Surveillance System (CanNAISS) activities for poultry are ongoing in Canada.
According to article 10.4.1.4 of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, Member Country should not impose bans on the international trade of poultry commodities in response to notification of infection with any Influenza A viruses in birds other than poultry.
While one outbreak does not an epizootic make, this should remind poultry producers that we are not immune to HPAI - that migratory birds can cross oceans - and that now is a good time to review their biosecurity.
