Highly pathogenic avian influenza has never been reported before in Jordan).
Information received on 24 March 2006 from Dr Fares Bakhit Naser, Director of Veterinary Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Amman:
Report date: 23 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 H5N1.
Date of first confirmation of the event: 23 March 2006.
Clinical disease: yes.
Nature of diagnosis: clinical and laboratory.
Location of outbreak: Kofranja, Ajloun governorate.
Number of animals in the outbreak:
susceptible : 8,000.
cases: 21.
deaths: 20.
destroyed: 1,500.
Description of affected population: backyard poultry (turkey and chicken).
Laboratory where diagnostic tests were performed: Animal Wealth Laboratory Department, Ministry of Agriculture.
Diagnostic tests used:
- Rapid test.
- Capture ELISA(1);
- Real time PCR(2) for genes A, H5 and N1.
Samples will be sent to an OIE reference laboratory for confirmation.
Source of outbreak or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive.
Control measures:
A. Undertaken:
- stamping out;
- quarantine;
- movement control inside the country;
- screening;
- zoning;
- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s).
B. To be undertaken:
- vaccination of breeders and layers using an inactivated monovalent vaccine H5N2;
- dipping/spraying.
Other details/comments: A survey is conducted within the 10-km radius around the outbreak.
(1) ELISA
(2) PCR: polymerase chain reaction