5 October 2006

 

Avian influenza in birds - China, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Egypt

 

It is the policy of NaTHNaC to post reports of avian influenza A/H5N1 outbreaks in animals once they have been officially reported to the Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Because of the number of outbreaks that are occurring globally we are currently reporting when a country becomes newly infected, when new outbreaks occur following a long period with no cases, and when countries declare an avian influenza disease-free status.

The WHO has posted maps of the current epidemiology of avian influenza based on information from OIE and national governments.  A map delineating avian outbreaks between 1 January 2006 and 2 August 2006 can be viewed at: http://gamapserver.who.int/mapLibrary/Files/Maps/Global_SubN

at_H5N1inAnimalConfirmedSince2006_20060802.png   

Asia

 

China - As of 15 August 2006, an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry has been reported in the Changsha region of Hunan. Although Hunan has previously reported outbreaks of H5N1 in birds, this is the first outbreak reported in this region in 2006 [1].

 

Indonesia - On 14 September 2006 the OIE received notification of an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in chickens in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Movement controls are now in place and vaccination of domestic birds is to be undertaken [2].

 

Viet Nam - As of 15 September 2006, the OIE have confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian influenza in broiler ducks being sold at a market in Thanh Tri, Hanoi. The cases were identified during sampling for a surveillance campaign and no signs of clinical disease were observed [3].

 

Africa

 

Egypt - On 10 August 2006 the OIE received a report that no outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza had been identified in Egypt since 30 June 2006 [4]. On 20 September 2006 the OIE received notification that H5N1 has reemerged. Multiple outbreaks in Cairo, Damietta, and Giza and one outbreak in Sohag have been reported and are thought to have started between 29 August and 6 September 2006 [5].

 

Disease-free countries

The following countries have issued their final report to the OIE after a gap of three or more months since the last registered case:

Myanmar, as of 4 September 2006 [6]

Denmark, as of 14 September 2006 [7]

Italy, as of 21 September 2006 [8]

 

References

1. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 19 - China, 15 August 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_05.HTM#Sec8

2. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 14 - Indonesia, 25 September 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at:  http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/A_CURRENT.HTM#Sec9

3. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 19 - Viet Nam, 15 September 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at:  http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_78.HTM#Sec3

4. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 3 - Egypt, 16 August 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_05.HTM#Sec9

5. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 4 - Egypt, 20 September 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at:

http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_78.HTM#Sec11

6. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 3 - Myanmar, 4 September 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_02.HTM#Sec4

7. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 3 - Denmark, 14 September 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_01.HTM#Sec5

8. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow-up report 3 - Italy, 21 September 2006, [cited 5 October 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/A_CURRENT.HTM#Sec11

 

Links:

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Update on avian influenza in animals. Available at: http://www.oie.int/downld/AVIAN%20INFLUENZA/A_AI-Asia.htm

Health Protection Agency. Avian Influenza. Available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/default

.htm

World Health Organization. Avian Influenza. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

NaTHNaC. Avian influenza - advice for travellers to affected areas. 4 July 2006. Available at: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/travel/news/avianinfluenza_advi

ce.htm