19 May 2006

 

Avian influenza - Denmark, Djibouti, Romania, Sudan

 

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). At present there are unconfirmed outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in several countries and reports on these outbreaks will be listed on the NaTHNaC Website as and when they are confirmed by the OIE.

Denmark

On 18 May 2006 the OIE reported the first outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in backyard poultry in Denmark [1]. Forty-seven chickens have tested positive for H5N1 in Kerteminde in Funen County. Outbreaks of H5N1 have previously been reported in wild birds in Funen County [2].

Djibouti

Although this has not yet been confirmed by OIE, the WHO has reported that samples from three chickens have tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza [3]. This report occurred in conjunction with WHO confirmation of the first human case of avian influenza in Djibouti [3].  

Romania

On 16 May 2006 the OIE reported the re-emergence of H5N1 in Romania [4] after the outbreak was declared over on 27 April 2006 [5]. The latest outbreaks occurred in the previously unaffected area of Brasov county. The outbreaks occurred in poultry from a commercial farm in Codlea and in backyard poultry bought from the farm and transported to four villages in the county. This is the first recorded outbreak on a commercial farm in Romania. Movement controls on poultry are in place in the area and culling of poultry has begun. Protection and surveillance zones have been established and the affected premises are being disinfected [4].  Since the first outbreak of H5N1 in Romania was reported on 7 October 2005, outbreaks have been reported in the counties of Tulcea, Braila, Buzau, Calarasi, Constanta, Dambovita, Dolj, Ialomita, Ilfov and Brasov. The outbreaks have been declared over in all counties except Brasov [5].

Sudan

 

On 8 May 2006 the OIE reported the presence of H5N1 avian influenza in Sudan. Outbreaks have been reported in Atbara in River Nile State and in four poultry farms in Gezira State. Further information about the outbreaks has been requested by the OIE [6]. This is the first confirmation of H5N1 infection in Sudan, although the presence of the H5 subtype of avian influenza in Khartoum and Gezira States was reported by the OIE on 20 April 2006 [7].

References

1. Organisation for Animal Health. Immediate notification - Denmark, 18 May 2006 [cited 19 May 2006].

2. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow up report No.3 - Denmark, 12 April 2006 [cited 19 May 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_23.HTM#Sec12

3. World Health Organization. Avian influenza - situation in Djibouti, 12 May 2006 [cited 19 May 2006]. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2006_05_12/en/index.html

4. Organisation for Animal Health. Immediate notification - Romania, 16 May 2006 [cited 19 May 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/downld/AVIAN%20INFLUENZA/Romania_AI_1

6_05_2006.pdf

5. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow up report No. 24 (Finalreport) - Romania, 26 April 2006 [cited 19 May 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/aIS_20.htm#Sec0

6. Organisation for Animal Health. Follow up report No. 1 - Sudan, 11 May 2006 [cited 19 May 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_19.HTM#Sec10

7. Organisation for Animal Health. Immediate notification of H5N1 - Sudan, 20 April 2006 [cited 19 May 2006] Available at: http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_22.HTM#Sec6

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. 7 April 2006. Available at: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/travel/news/avianinfluenza_trav eladvice_070406.htm