Announcement

**Pathfinder** · June 28, 2023, 09:39 AM

27 Jun

Bird flu: Super-infectious SA strain emerges in Mpumalanga

Nick Wilson

SA's top poultry body has confirmed two Mpumalanga farms experienced an outbreak of the highly infectious H7 avian flu strain, which is different from the H5N1 one that wiped out more than a million birds in the Western Cape the past few months.
...
The latest outbreak began on a small farm in Delmas about two weeks ago before spreading to a larger commercial farm in that area.
...
According to Breitenbach, the poultry that died would have either been deliberately culled or perished from the virus, adding that SA had a "stamp-out policy" that would see poultry culled within a 3km radius of the infections.

Breitenbach, who added he had been told that as many as 3 000 birds had died on the smaller farm, said the H7 strain was also a uniquely South African one that is "not found anywhere else in the world".
...
Department of Agriculture spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo said the H7 strain was detected in samples collected at the beginning of June "from a commercial layer facility and a nearby emerging farmer" in "both layers and multi-age broiler chickens".

Ngcobo said apart from the two incidents on these farms, a "third suspected outbreak is being investigated".

Just a moment...

https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/bird-flu-super-infectious-sa-strain-emerges-in-mpumalanga-20230627

**Pathfinder** · July 12, 2023, 10:38 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 1

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
Pending

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 1

REPORT ID
FUR_161699

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU1

REPORT DATE
2023/07/12

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
NEW 215043 2139 2139 212904 0 0
TOTAL 224543 4799 4799 218944 0 0

...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OUTBREAK REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_003

START DATE
2023/06/12

END DATE
-

DETAILED CHARACTERISATION
-

FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Gauteng

SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Ekurhuleni

THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Ekurhuleni

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
Farm

LOCATION
HPAI_H7_2023_003

Latitude, Longitude
-26.2 , 28.5

(Approximate location)
OUTBREAKS IN CLUSTER
-

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
-

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
Poultry
NEW 215043 2139 2139 212904 0 0
TOTAL 215043 2139 2139 212904 0 0
...

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS

OB_120706 - HPAI_H7_2023_002 - HPAI_H7_2023_002
OB_120704 - HPAI_H7_2023_001 - HPAI_H7_2023_001
...

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · July 24, 2023, 08:38 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 2

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
Pending

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 2

REPORT ID
FUR_161897

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU2

REPORT DATE
2023/07/24

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.
...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_122005 - HPAI_H7_2023_004 - HPAI_H7_2023_004
OUTBREAK REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_004

START DATE
2023/06/14

END DATE
-

DETAILED CHARACTERISATION
-

FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Mpumalanga

SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Nkangala

THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Victor Khanye

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
Farm

LOCATION
HPAI_H7_2023_004

Latitude, Longitude
-26.2 , 28.6

(Approximate location)
OUTBREAKS IN CLUSTER
-

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
-

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
Poultry
NEW 180000 1470 1470 0 0 0
TOTAL 180000 1470 1470 0 0 0

...

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · August 18, 2023, 10:47 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 3

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
Pending

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 3

REPORT ID
FUR_162167

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU3

REPORT DATE
2023/08/18

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
NEW 688991 33553 33553 25081 0 0
TOTAL 1093534 39822 39822 244025 0 0
...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_123136 - HPAI_H7_2023_010 - HPAI_H7_2023_010
OB_123135 - HPAI_H7_2023_009 - HPAI_H7_2023_009
OB_123134 - HPAI_H7_2023_008 - HPAI_H7_2023_008
OB_123133 - HPAI_H7_2023_007 - HPAI_H7_2023_007
OB_123132 - HPAI_H7_2023_006 - HPAI_H7_2023_006
OB_123131 - HPAI_H7_2023_005 - HPAI_H7_2023_005

...

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · August 22, 2023, 10:31 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 4

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
Pending

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 4

REPORT ID
FUR_162394

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU4

REPORT DATE
2023/08/22

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
NEW 945100 36137 36137 110085 0 0
TOTAL 2038634 75959 75959 354110 0 0

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_124205 - HPAI_H7_2023_023 - HPAI_H7_2023_023
OB_124191 - HPAI_H7_2023_012 - HPAI_H7_2023_012
OB_124204 - HPAI_H7_2023_022 - HPAI_H7_2023_022
OB_124203 - HPAI_H7_2023_021 - HPAI_H7_2023_021
OB_124202 - HPAI_H7_2023_020 - HPAI_H7_2023_020
OB_124201 - HPAI_H7_2023_019 - HPAI_H7_2023_019
OB_124200 - HPAI_H7_2023_018 - HPAI_H7_2023_018
OB_124198 - HPAI_H7_2023_017 - HPAI_H7_2023_017
OB_124197 - HPAI_H7_2023_016 - HPAI_H7_2023_016
OB_124196 - HPAI_H7_2023_015 - HPAI_H7_2023_015
OB_124195 - HPAI_H7_2023_014 - HPAI_H7_2023_014
OB_124194 - HPAI_H7_2023_013 - HPAI_H7_2023_013
OB_124188 - HPAI_H7_2023_011 - HPAI_H7_2023_011

...

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · August 30, 2023, 09:12 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 5

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
Pending

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 5

REPORT ID
FUR_162508

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU5

REPORT DATE
2023/08/30

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
NEW 347215 9134 8990 309693 0 0
TOTAL 2385849 85093 84949 663803 0 0
...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_124401 - HPAI_H7_2023_030 - HPAI_H7_2023_030
OB_124400 - HPAI_H7_2023_029 - HPAI_H7_2023_029
OB_124399 - HPAI_H7_2023_028 - HPAI_H7_2023_028
OB_124397 - HPAI_H7_2023_026 - HPAI_H7_2023_026
OB_124396 - HPAI_H7_2023_025 - HPAI_H7_2023_025
OB_124395 - HPAI_H7_2023_024 - HPAI_H7_2023_024

UPDATED OUTBREAKS

OB_123136 - HPAI_H7_2023_010 - HPAI_H7_2023_010
...

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · September 6, 2023, 09:57 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 6

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H7N6

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 6

REPORT ID
FUR_162624

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU6

REPORT DATE
2023/09/06

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
NEW 663118 1903 1401 227359 0 0
TOTAL 3048967 86996 86350 891162 0 0

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_124624 - HPAI_H7_2023_040 - HPAI_H7_2023_040
OB_124623 - HPAI_H7_2023_039 - HPAI_H7_2023_039
OB_124620 - HPAI_H7_2023_038 - HPAI_H7_2023_038
OB_124619 - HPAI_H7_2023_037 - HPAI_H7_2023_037
OB_124618 - HPAI_H7_2023_036 - HPAI_H7_2023_036
OB_124617 - HPAI_H7_2023_035 - HPAI_H7_2023_035
OB_124616 - HPAI_H7_2023_034 - HPAI_H7_2023_034
OB_124615 - HPAI_H7_2023_033 - HPAI_H7_2023_033
OB_124614 - HPAI_H7_2023_032 - HPAI_H7_2023_032
OB_124613 - HPAI_H7_2023_031 - HPAI_H7_2023_031

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS

OB_124401 - HPAI_H7_2023_030 - HPAI_H7_2023_030
OB_124400 - HPAI_H7_2023_029 - HPAI_H7_2023_029
OB_124399 - HPAI_H7_2023_028 - HPAI_H7_2023_028
OB_124397 - HPAI_H7_2023_026 - HPAI_H7_2023_026
OB_124396 - HPAI_H7_2023_025 - HPAI_H7_2023_025
OB_124395 - HPAI_H7_2023_024 - HPAI_H7_2023_024
OB_123136 - HPAI_H7_2023_010 - HPAI_H7_2023_010
OB_124205 - HPAI_H7_2023_023 - HPAI_H7_2023_023
OB_124191 - HPAI_H7_2023_012 - HPAI_H7_2023_012
OB_124204 - HPAI_H7_2023_022 - HPAI_H7_2023_022
OB_124203 - HPAI_H7_2023_021 - HPAI_H7_2023_021
OB_124202 - HPAI_H7_2023_020 - HPAI_H7_2023_020
OB_124201 - HPAI_H7_2023_019 - HPAI_H7_2023_019
OB_124200 - HPAI_H7_2023_018 - HPAI_H7_2023_018
OB_124198 - HPAI_H7_2023_017 - HPAI_H7_2023_017
OB_124197 - HPAI_H7_2023_016 - HPAI_H7_2023_016
OB_124196 - HPAI_H7_2023_015 - HPAI_H7_2023_015
OB_124195 - HPAI_H7_2023_014 - HPAI_H7_2023_014
OB_124194 - HPAI_H7_2023_013 - HPAI_H7_2023_013
OB_124188 - HPAI_H7_2023_011 - HPAI_H7_2023_011
OB_123135 - HPAI_H7_2023_009 - HPAI_H7_2023_009
OB_123134 - HPAI_H7_2023_008 - HPAI_H7_2023_008
OB_123133 - HPAI_H7_2023_007 - HPAI_H7_2023_007
OB_123132 - HPAI_H7_2023_006 - HPAI_H7_2023_006
OB_123131 - HPAI_H7_2023_005 - HPAI_H7_2023_005
OB_122005 - HPAI_H7_2023_004 - HPAI_H7_2023_004
OB_121426 - HPAI_H7_2023_003 - HPAI_H7_2023_003
OB_120706 - HPAI_H7_2023_002 - HPAI_H7_2023_002
OB_120704 - HPAI_H7_2023_001 - HPAI_H7_2023_001

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · September 6, 2023, 05:35 PM

Poultry Sector Hit Hard as Bird Flu Outbreaks Persist

September 6, 2023
...
Dr. Abongile Balarane, the general manager of the Layer Organisation of SA Poultry, informed Farmer’s Weekly that the initial instances of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were observed among layer birds in the Western Cape in April. This particular strain is identical to the one currently affecting the majority of countries worldwide.
...
In June, a new strain, designated as H7N6, emerged in the Delmas region of Mpumalanga and has since spread throughout Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and the Free State.

Balarane revealed that more than 25 outbreaks have been documented thus far, resulting in the unfortunate loss of over four million chickens. He stated, “The South African poultry industry had already suffered losses of roughly three million chickens in previous years’ outbreaks, making this the most severe outbreak we have encountered to date. Estimated losses for the layer industry, which holds a gross domestic value of R11.5 billion, are projected to exceed R2 billion for the current year.”
...
Izaak Breitenbach, the general manager of the Broiler Organisation of SA Poultry, noted that primarily layers and broiler breeders have been affected. He explained, “Broilers face a lower risk, as they are typically sold at 32 to 34 days of age, while layers are raised for 74 weeks, and broiler breeders for 64 weeks.”

The novel strain appears to possess a similar level of contagiousness to the H5 strains. However, in contrast to previous strains where wild birds were the primary vectors of transmission, the new strain demonstrates a higher propensity to spread among chickens. As a consequence, poultry located in close proximity to areas affected by outbreaks face an elevated risk of infection, as noted by Breitenbach.

Balarane also remarked that H5N1 outbreaks had exhibited a somewhat seasonal pattern, typically occurring from late March or April until the conclusion of September or October. However, he emphasized, “We currently lack information regarding the behavior of the new strain, so its future behavior remains uncertain.”
...

Poultry Sector Hit Hard as Bird Flu Outbreaks Persist

https://farmingsouthafrica.co.za/poultry-sector-hit-hard-as-bird-flu-outbreaks-persist/

Poultry Sector Hit Hard as Bird Flu Outbreaks Persist - The novel strain appears to possess a similar level of contagiousness to the H5 strains

**Pathfinder** · September 19, 2023, 10:15 AM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 7

GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H7N6

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE
-

SELF-DECLARATION
NO

REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 7

REPORT ID
FUR_162739

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU7

REPORT DATE
2023/09/19

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-

EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Birds (DOMESTIC)
NEW 1524796 21855 21355 427359 0 0
TOTAL 4573763 108851 107705 1318521 0 0
...

NEW OUTBREAKS

OB_124957 - HPAI_H7_2023_052 - HPAI_H7_2023_052
OB_124956 - HPAI_H7_2023_051 - HPAI_H7_2023_051
OB_124954 - HPAI_H7_2023_050 - HPAI_H7_2023_050
OB_124952 - HPAI_H7_2023_049 - HPAI_H7_2023_049
OB_124950 - HPAI_H7_2023_048 - HPAI_H7_2023_048
OB_124949 - HPAI_H7_2023_047 - HPAI_H7_2023_047
OB_124944 - HPAI_H7_2023_046 - HPAI_H7_2023_046
OB_124942 - HPAI_H7_2023_045 - HPAI_H7_2023_045
OB_124939 - HPAI_H7_2023_043 - HPAI_H7_2023_043
OB_124938 - HPAI_H7_2023_042 - HPAI_H7_2023_042
OB_124937 - HPAI_H7_2023_041 - HPAI_H7_2023_041

UPDATED OUTBREAKS

OB_124613 - HPAI_H7_2023_031 - HPAI_H7_2023_031
OB_124619 - HPAI_H7_2023_037 - HPAI_H7_2023_037
OB_124617 - HPAI_H7_2023_035 - HPAI_H7_2023_035
OB_124615 - HPAI_H7_2023_033 - HPAI_H7_2023_033
OB_124616 - HPAI_H7_2023_034 - HPAI_H7_2023_034
OB_124624 - HPAI_H7_2023_040 - HPAI_H7_2023_040
OB_124614 - HPAI_H7_2023_032 - HPAI_H7_2023_032
OB_124623 - HPAI_H7_2023_039 - HPAI_H7_2023_039
OB_124618 - HPAI_H7_2023_036 - HPAI_H7_2023_036
OB_124620 - HPAI_H7_2023_038 - HPAI_H7_2023_038

...

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · October 1, 2023, 11:43 AM

Avian flu update: Here’s how the strains are spreading

By Cheryl Kahla
1 Oct 2023
02:05 pm

Dr Maré, who chairs the Poultry Group of the SA Veterinary Association, weighs in on the risks and implications of the bird flu strains.
...
The H5N1 strain predominantly affects wild birds in the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal, it has fortunately not infiltrated commercial poultry farms.

However, the H7N6 strain has become a substantial cause for concern, Dr Maré said said on Sunday.
...
Speaking on Radio 702, Dr Maré said the H7N6 virus was first identified on a farm in Mpumalanga. It has, since then, rapidly extended its reach to Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, and the North West.

This particular strain is becoming increasingly problematic, creating alarm within the industry. In fact, Dr Maré describes the situation as catastrophic.

Approximately 8.5 million egg-laying birds have been affected, equating to nearly a quarter to a third of the sector.
...
Meanwhile, some 200 000 layer breeders are affected. Dr. Maré said the impact on layer breeders is the most concerning.
...
These birds – making up approximately two-thirds of the industry – will be the most challenging to replace.

Human health risks

Dr. Maré also spoke about the potential for avian flu to jump to humans, saying it is a possibility but not a certainty.

While it is historically rare for bird flu to jump to humans, it is not impossible.

However, he said current tests indicate the H7N6 strain is highly specific to chickens and does not pose a risk to other birds or humans at this stage.
...

Avian flu update: Here's how the strains are spreading | The Citizen

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/bird-flu-how-strains-spreading/

Dr Maré, who chairs the Poultry Group of the SA Veterinary Association, weighs in on the risks and implications of the bird flu strains.

**Lance** · October 3, 2023, 02:10 PM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 8

GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H7N6

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
follow-up report 8

REPORT ID
FUR_162967

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU8

REPORT DATE
2023/10/03

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Birds (DOMESTIC)NEW1993544202712013521876700TOTAL6567307 129122127840153728800

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test, Clinical

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)

Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI)

Birds

1

2023/06/13

Positive

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Lance** · October 3, 2023, 02:24 PM

South Africa - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5245

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H7N6

START DATE
2023/09/02

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Recurrence of an eradicated strain

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
2021/12/15

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/09/18

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Immediate notification

REPORT ID
IN_162974

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_W_2023_IN

REPORT DATE
2023/10/03

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS

No epidemiological comment

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Birds (DOMESTIC)NEW1687100TOTAL1687100

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC

Clinical, Diagnostic test

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)

Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI)

Birds

1

2023/09/18

Positive

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5245

**Lance** · October 12, 2023, 03:35 PM

South Africa - High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with) - Follow up report 9

GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
COUNTRY/TERRITORY

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5095

DISEASE
High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (poultry) (Inf. with)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H7N6

START DATE
2023/05/29

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
New strain in the country

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/15

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 9

REPORT ID
FUR_163183

REPORT REFERENCE
HPAI_H7_2023_FU9

REPORT DATE
2023/10/12

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation. H7 has been identified, N identification is ongoing.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Birds (DOMESTIC)NEW1457928804188009324986300TOTAL8025235 209540207933178715100

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test, Clinical

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)

Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI)

Birds

1

2023/06/13

Positive

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5095

**Pathfinder** · October 13, 2023, 08:11 AM

H7 HPAI detected in George, Western Cape

13 October 2023

Following the recent detection of the H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo provinces, Western Cape poultry owners are continuously encouraged to be proactive in the prevention of the spread of HPAI to the Western Cape.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, also warns that the H5N1 HPAI virus that caused seven outbreaks in the Western Cape from April to June 2023, is still a threat from wild birds.

Minister Meyer said, “In the past three months the Western Cape hasn’t experienced any further outbreaks in the commercial poultry industry. All the outbreaks reported in the period between April and June have been resolved. Whilst under quarantine, the farms had been depopulated, cleaned and disinfected twice with the State Veterinarian’s inspection. The quarantine was lifted, and the outbreaks were reported as resolved and disclosed to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOHA) respectively.”

Minister Meyer continued, “It is very unfortunate and a blow to the Western Cape poultry industry that the first case of H7 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) was diagnosed yesterday in the George area of the Western Cape. This follows the introduction of chickens from an infected province in the North. The George farm has been quarantined and culling on the farm has already started.”

“Western Cape poultry owners are urged to heighten biosecurity measures as far as possible and be extremely cautious as to bringing in any new chickens or allowing visitors or vehicles into poultry farms. Moving chickens from infected provinces should be avoided at all costs as this has a severe impact on the entire Western Cape province if more cases of H7 HPAI are detected,” added Minister Meyer.

State veterinarian and Director of Animal Health, Dr Noluvuyo Magadla continues to appeal to poultry owners to adhere to the following general recommendations to prevent transmission of the disease between farms, which include:

Discouraging interprovincial movement of birds and advising farmers to avoid these movements until avian influenza outbreaks are under control;
Ensuring that you only bring healthy poultry onto your property;
Keeping new birds completely separate for two weeks and only mixing with your other birds if they remain healthy;
Not allowing anyone onto your property who has had contact with poultry in the previous 2 days;
Not visiting poultry owned by others;
Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles upon entering and exiting properties of mud;
Using footbaths to disinfect footwear when entering and leaving a poultry house; and
Keeping poultry away from wild birds and their body fluids.

...

Page not found | Western Cape Government

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/h7-hpai-detected-george-western-cape

Announcement

South Africa - Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N6 in poultry and wild birds 2023-2024

South Africa - Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H7N6 in poultry and wild birds 2023-2024

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