OIE: Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), Canada

Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), Canada

Information received on 24/01/2009 from Dr Brian Evans, Chief Veterinary Officer, 59 Camelot Drive, Room 146 W, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, OTTAWA, Canada

Summary

Report type Immediate notification
Start date 20/01/2009
Date of first confirmation of the event 23/01/2009
Report date 24/01/2009
Date submitted to OIE 24/01/2009
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 2005
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5)
Serotype Pending
Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country

New outbreaks

Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak Location and Affected population
  • BRITISH COLUMBIA (Abbotsford) : A turkey meat type production unit. Turkeys are all kept in the same barn. There are 3 distinct groups of birds. The affected flock is ~12 weeks old (~9,000 birds), and the other groups are 18 days (~9,453 birds) and 52 days (~10,000 birds). No significant mortality was observed.
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 28000 **
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Birds ** ** ** **

* Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
** Not calculated because of missing information

Epidemiology

Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
  • Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments The premises where the disease was diagnosed is in the Fraser Valley in the province of British Columbia, where an important event of highly pathogenic avian influenza also occurred in 2004. British Columbia is located at the westernmost limit of Canada.
Birds from this farm were submitted by the veterinary private practitioner to the Animal Health Centre (AHC - British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries) as a routine submission for a respiratory related problem with no significant mortality. The AHC is a member of the Canadian Avian Influenza Laboratory Network. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases confirmed the diagnosis (conventional PCR H5 positive) on samples initially processed by the AHC.
Results of gene sequencing indicate a low path cleavage site (NVPQRETR/GLFGAIA). The sequence is 99% related to another H5 virus (H5N2) from California in 2007. Closest match in Genbank is A/American green-winged teal/California/HKWF609/2007(H5N2), accession number: CY033444
Additional tests are underway.
The index premises and all premises within 3 km of this premises have been placed under quarantine. Trace out investigations are underway and all significant contacts will also be quarantined. Surveillance and control activities have started in accordance with the CFIA Notifiable Avian Influenza Hazard Specific Plan.

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 10.4. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2008).

Control measures

Measures applied
  • Quarantine
  • Screening
  • Vaccination prohibited
  • No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
  • Stamping out
  • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)

Diagnostic test results

Laboratory name and type CFIA National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases - Winnipeg (National laboratory)
Tests and results
Species Test Test date Result
Birds polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 23/01/2009 Positive

Future Reporting

The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.