OIE: Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), United States of America

Information received on 03/04/2007 from Mr Peter Fernandez, Head, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Summary

Report type Immediate notification
Start date 30/03/2007
Date of confirmation of event 31/03/2007
Report date 03/04/2007
Date submitted to OIE 03/04/2007
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 2002
Manifestation of disease Sub-clinical infection
Causal agent Low pathogenic avian influenza virus
Serotype H5N2
Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced)
Report pertains to Defined zone within the country

New outbreaks

Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak Location
  • WEST VIRGINIA (Pendleton county, Pendleton)
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 25600 0 25600 0
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible removed*
Birds 0.00% 0.00% - 100.00%
* Removed from the susceptible population either through death, destruction or slaughter

Epidemiology

Source of infection
  • Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments -The samples were collected from a commercial turkey flock as part of routine, pre-slaughter surveillance.
-There were no signs of illness or increased mortality in the flock.
-These turkeys were scheduled to be slaughtered the week of 3-5 April 2007.
-The virus isolated has been typed as an H5N2 subtype, and evidence to date shows it to be a low pathogenic strain. Real-time PCR results pending.
-State animal health officials have quarantined the affected premises (on 1 April 2007).
-Enhanced biosecurity measures have been implemented and include movement control of vehicles, equipment and personnel, and prohibiting all bird movement.
-Increased surveillance on all flocks within a 6 mile (about 10 Km) radius will be conducted.
-Additional testing at National Veterinary Services Laboratories is currently being conducted and results are pending.

The last occurrence of low pathogenic notifiable avian influenza in this zone was in 2002. At that time, a H7N2 virus subtype was detected.

Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: H5 and H7 avian influenza in its low pathogenic form in poultry is a notifiable disease as per Chapter 2.7.12. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Control measures

Measures already applied
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Quarantine
  • Stamping out
  • Vaccination prohibited
  • No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
  • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)

Diagnostic test results

Laboratory name and type Moorefield West Virginia Laboratory (Local laboratory)
Tests and results
Species Test Test date Result
Birds agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) 30/03/2007 Positive
Laboratory name and type National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory)
Tests and results
Species Test Test date Result
Birds haemagglutination inhibition test (HIT) 31/03/2007 Positive
Birds neuraminidase inhibition assay 31/03/2007 Positive
Laboratory name and type Harrisonburg Virginia Laboratory (Private Laboratory)
Tests and results
Species Test Test date Result
Birds agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) 30/03/2007 Positive
Birds real-time PCR 30/03/2007 Positive