AVIAN INFLUENZA IN GERMANY
(Date of previous outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Germany reported to the OIE: May 2003).
Information received on 6 April 2006 from Prof. Dr. Werner Zwingmann, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, Bonn:
Report date: 6 avril 2006.
Identification of agent: highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1.
Date of first confirmation of the event: 5 April 2006.
Date of start of the event: 5 April 2006.
Nature of diagnosis: clinical and laboratory.
Location of outbreak: Mutzschen, Muldentalkreis, Sachen land.
Number of animals in the outbreak
susceptible: 14,300
cases: 801
deaths: 800
destroyed: 13,500
Description of affected population: turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).
Laboratory where diagnostic tests were performed: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, OIE Reference Laboratory, Insel Riems.
Diagnostic tests used: PCR(1) (M, H5, N1 genes).
Source of outbreak or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive. Contact with wild birds is suspected.
Control measures undertaken:
- control of wildlife reservoirs;
- stamping out;
- movement control inside the country;
- screening;
- zoning.
(1) PCR: polymerase chain reaction
*********************