AVIAN INFLUENZA IN SWEDEN
(Disease never reported before in Sweden).
Information received on 20 March 2006 from Dr Leif Denneberg, Chief Veterinary Officer, Swedish Board of Agriculture, J?nk?ping:
Report date: 20 March 2006.
Reason for immediate notification: first occurrence of a listed disease or infection in a country or zone/compartment.
Identification of agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5.
Date of first confirmation of the event: 17 March 2006.
Date of start of the event: 24 February 2006.
Clinical disease: no.
Nature of diagnosis: laboratory.
Location of outbreak: G?sshult, Oskarshamn municipality, Kalmar County (County No. 8).
Number of animals in the outbreak
susceptible : 692.
cases: 1.
destroyed: 692.
Description of affected population: in a holding (fenced area) which included game birds (500 farmed mallards [Anas platyrhynchos]), 150 pheasants, 30 pigeons, 10 backyard hens and 2 peafowls, 50 samples were taken from mallards and pheasants. HPAI virus subtype H5 was found in one mallard.
Laboratory where diagnostic tests were performed: National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala.
Diagnostic tests used: PCR(1) and molecular sequencing.
Source of outbreak or origin of infection: contact with wild birds.
Control measures undertaken:
- control of wildlife reservoirs;
- stamping out;
- movement control inside the country;
- screening;
- zoning;
- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s).
Other details/comments:
- There is no commercial poultry in the area.
- The holding was placed under supervision on 24 March 2006, since it is located within the surveillance zone already implemented due to findings in wild birds.
- All birds were clinically healthy at the time of sampling and there is no high mortality among wild birds noted in the area either.
- Samples were sent to OIE Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge, United Kingdom, for confirmation.
(1) PCR: polymerase chain reaction
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