OIE: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8), Sweden

Information received on 3 Mar 2021 from Dr. Emeli Torsson, Senior
Veterinary Advisor, Sweden

Summary
Report type: Immediate notification
Date of start of the event: 28 Feb 2021
Date of confirmation of the event: 1 Mar 2021
Reason for notification: Recurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 19 Nov 2020
Manifestation of disease: Clinical disease
Causal agent: Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
Serotype: H5N8
Nature of diagnosis: Laboratory (basic and advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country.

New outbreaks (1)
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak location: Kungsbacka [Halland County]
Date of start of the outbreak: 28 Feb 2021
Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: Farm
Total animals affected:
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Killed and disposed of /
Slaughtered
Birds / 263 / 29 / 29 / 234 / 0
Affected population: A farm that breeds poultry for show and breeding,
housing 200 chickens, 90 ducks, and 17 pigeons. The birds started
showing clinical signs of increased mortality on 28 Feb 2021 and were
euthanized on 2 Mar 2021.

Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Unknown or
inconclusive
Epidemiological comments: A protection zone (3 km [2 mi]) and a
surveillance zone (10 km [6 mi]) have been put in place around the
infected farm, and all other restrictions and necessary measures
according to Directive 2005/94/EC are applied. Disinfection of the
holding was completed on 3 Mar 2021.

Control measures
Measures applied: Movement control inside the country; surveillance
outside containment and/or protection zone; surveillance within
containment and/or protection zone; zoning; stamping out; official
destruction of animal products; official disposal of carcasses,
by-products, and waste; disinfection

Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type / Species / Test / Test date / Result
National Veterinary Institute (national laboratory) / Birds /
Real-time PCR / 1 Mar 2021 / Positive
National Veterinary Institute (national laboratory) / Birds / Virus
sequencing / 2 Mar 2021 / Positive

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