19 March 2007

Avian influenza in birds - Afghanistan, China (Tibet), Kuwait, Laos, Myanmar, Viet Nam

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).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has posted maps of the current epidemiology of avian influenza based on information from OIE and national governments.  Maps delineating avian outbreaks by time period and geographic region can be viewed at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

Afghanistan

As of 14 March 2007, further outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported in Nangarhar and Kunar [1] following previous outbreaks in these provinces [2]. In Nangarhar avian influenza was reported in backyard poultry in four districts (Batikot, Jalalabad, Khojiani, and Rodat) and in Kunar, disease was reported in two districts (Chowki and Khaskunar). All of these districts were previously disease-free. An outbreak of H5N1 in chickens in Kabul was also reported [1]. Vaccination and culling of birds is ongoing in the affected areas and quarantines are now in place, although these are difficult to maintain due to security problems.

China (Tibet)

On 6 March 2007, the OIE received confirmation of an outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in chickens in a village in Lhasa [3]. This is the first outbreak of H5N1 in Tibet in 2007. Movement controls are now in place, flocks are being vaccinated and 6,990 chickens have been culled.

Kuwait

Following the outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in Al Farwaniya and Al Ahmadi provinces reported in the last NaTHNaC avian influenza update [2], outbreaks have now been reported in backyard poultry in the provinces of Al Jahrah, Al Kuwayt, Hawalli and Moubarak Al Kabeer. In addition a further six outbreaks, three in Al Farwaniya and three in Al Ahmadi, have been reported [4].  The affected premises are being disinfected and poultry is being culled. Movement controls are in place and flocks of poultry are being vaccinated. 

Laos

On 25 February 2007 the OIE received a report of H5N1 avian influenza in birds in Vientiane Province[2]. Since then, outbreaks have been reported in birds in two provinces, Champasak and Savannahkhet [5]. Both outbreaks occurred in backyard chickens and ducks and were reported on 14 March 2007. Movement controls are in place and affected areas have been disinfected.

Myanmar

On 28 February 2007 the OIE received notification of the first outbreak of H5N1 in Myanmar in 2007 [6]. As of 13 March 2007, two outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported in birds on farms in Yangon province. Another three farms in the province have reported H5 infection in birds, and confirmation as to whether this is the H5N1 strain is awaited [7]. Movement controls and heightened surveillance measures are in place and birds in affected areas have been culled.

Viet Nam

As of 27 February 2007, H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in broiler chickens on a farm in Hai Duong [8]. This is the eighth province to be affected since December 2006. Movement controls are in place and vaccination of flocks of birds is being carried out in response to the outbreak. 

Disease-free countries

Since the last NaTHNaC update [2], the following country has issued its final report to the OIE after a gap of three or more months since the last registered case:

Djibouti, as of 3 February 2007 [9].

References

1. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Afghanistan Follow-up Report 1, 14 March 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000005030_20070315_174516.pdf

2. National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). Clinical update - Avian influenza in birds - Afghanistan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, 28 February 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/flu_280207.htm  

3.  World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), China, Follow-up Report 5, 6 March 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000004997_20070306_172454.pdf

4. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Kuwait, Follow-up Report 1, 13 March 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000005024_20070314_181412.pdf   

5. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Laos, Follow-up Report 2, 13 March 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000005029_20070315_155657.pdf   

6. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Myanmar, Immediate Report, 13 March 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at:

http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_imm_0000004951_20070228_150027.pdf  

7. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Myanmar, Follow-up Report 2, 13 March 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000005023_20070314_144145.pdf   

8. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Viet Nam, Follow-up Report 3, 27 February 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000004936_20070227_114828.pdf

9. World Organisation for Animal Health. Influenza A (H5N1), Djibouti, Final Report, 27 February 2007. [Cited 16 March 2007]. Available at: http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/reports/en_fup_0000004965_20070203_151414.pdf