OIE: Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), France

Information received on 16/11/2009 from Dr Jean Luc Angot, Directeur Général Adjoint, Direction Générale de l´Alimentation, Ministère de l´Agriculture et de la Pêche, PARIS, France

Summary

Report type Immediate notification
Start date 13/11/2009
Date of first confirmation of the event 13/11/2009
Report date 16/11/2009
Date submitted to OIE 16/11/2009
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 17/04/2009
Manifestation of disease Sub-clinical infection
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
Location(s)
  • DEUX-SèVRES (Saint Aubin du Plain, Saint Aubin du Plain)
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 9000 ** 0 0 0
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Birds ** 0.00% ** 0.00%

* 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 This outbreak was identified through active surveillance for avian influenza in breeding farms.
Poultry in the farm do not show clinical signs.
The farm includes 9,000 ducks ready to be force-fed divided into three batches of 3,000 ducks introduced respectively on 15 July 2009, 22 September 2009 and 22 October 2009. All 9,000 ducks will be euthanized and destroyed. Cleaning and disinfection measures and then a 21-day sanitation process will be applied. The newly introduced birds will be monitored during 21 days following their introduction into the farm.
The epidemiological investigation showed that the virus has not circulated from the farm (no epidemiological related farm nor other farms in a 1-km-radius area).

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 (2009).

Control measures

Measures applied
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Zoning
  • 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 AFSSA (French Agency for Food Safety), Ploufragan (National laboratory)
Tests and results
Species Test Test date Result
Birds gene sequencing 13/11/2009 Positive
Birds real-time reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) 13/11/2009 Positive

Future Reporting

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