28 000 birds to be culled after first outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8

A single outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N8 type has been isolated on a farm near Villiers.

According to the South African Poultry Association, this strain of the virus has its origins in Europe and has been infecting European poultry for more than a year, Kempton Express reported.

In May, it was isolated in Zimbabwe. The disease is spread primarily by water fowl that carry the disease in the highly pathogenic form, the association said.

The affected farm is near the Vaal River and it is likely that the disease is present in other parts of South Africa in wild water birds, especially ducks.

The public is requested to report any sightings of high levels of large wild bird or backyard chicken mortalities, the association urged.

The farm has been isolated and culling of the birds on the affected site has commenced. Some 28 000 birds are to be culled. The Mpumalanga Veterinary Authority is on the farm, assisting with quarantine implementation, culling and disinfection of the farm.

This strain has been found not to be dangerous to humans and the birds affected are a very small percentage of the total South African chicken flock. At this stage there is a very limited impact on chicken supply.

As this is the first time the disease has been found in South African poultry, the association is monitoring the situation very closely.

According to Agri SA, Avian influenza is a notifiable disease in terms of the Animal Disease Act, 35 of 1984.

The H5N8 strain of avian influenza, which is believed to be transmitted by wild migratory birds, has already wreaked havoc in the poultry industry in Zimbabwe where hundreds of thousands of commercial birds have already had to be culled, Agri SA said.

“Avian Influenza is a respiratory disease of birds caused by a virus which occurs in low pathogenic and high pathogenic varieties. Outbreaks of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) are common around the world and are generally easily controlled, whereas the highly pathogenic versions of avian influenza (HPAI) are more serious due to the very high mortality rate in affected birds.

“Avian influenza is primarily spread by direct contact between healthy and infected birds, or through indirect contact with contaminated equipment or other materials. The virus is present in the faeces of infected birds and in secretions from their noses, mouth and eyes,” Agri SA said in a statement.

The virus can spread into domestic flocks kept outdoors through faecal contamination from wild birds, whereas infection among indoor flocks is spread via airborne secretions and faeces. The spreading of the virus through faeces and secretions is often referred to as the “shedding” of the virus.

“There is currently no cure for HPAI H5N8. Current practice in most regions of the world requires the culling of infected birds.”

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) recommends intensified surveillance and awareness raising by national authorities.

General recommendations

• It is important to report sick or dead birds – both wild birds and poultry – to local authorities (veterinary services, public health officials, community leaders etc). These should be tested for avian influenza viruses.

• Wash hands properly and often. You should always do so after handling birds or other animals, when cooking or preparing animal products, and before eating.

• Eat only well-cooked meat products, and refrain from collecting, consuming or selling animals found sick or dead.

• Seek immediate advice from your physician if you show signs of fever after being in contact with poultry, farmed birds, wild birds or other animals.

Recommendations to poultry producers

• Farmers and poultry producers should step up their bio-security measures in order to prevent potential virus introduction from wild birds or their faeces.

• It is important to keep poultry and other animals away from wild birds and their sub-products or droppings through screens, fencing or nets.

• Commercial poultry operations and backyard poultry owners should avoid the introduction of pathogens through contaminated clothes, footwear, vehicles or equipment used in waterfowl hunting.

Potential human infections

According to the World Health Organisation, human infection with the H5N8 virus cannot be excluded, although the likelihood is low, based on the limited information obtained to date.

– Caxton News Service

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