Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on 2nd Turkey Farm

[Shiloh]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/Health/A...465/story.html

Avian flu contained to one B.C. farm: CFIA
Canwest News Service

OTTAWA -- Officials testing flocks of turkeys within a three-kilometre radius of an Abbotsford, B.C., turkey farm found contaminated with avian influenza this week say there is no evidence that the virus has spread.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says all commercial flocks of turkeys at 23 neighbouring farms in the Vancouver suburb have tested negative for the H5 strain of avian flu.

Testing and monitoring of the farms will continue for a 21-day period.

The nearby farms remain under quarantine, the agency said.

Earlier this week, approximately 60,000 birds on the infected farm were killed with carbon dioxide gas. Cleanup crews have begun composting the carcasses at the two barns to ensure the virus is rendered inactive.

After seven to 10 days, remains will then be removed from the barn to complete the composting process.

In 2004, 17 million chickens were culled in B.C.'s Fraser Valley, the largest cull in Canadian history. No humans were injured or died as a result from this outbreak.

Avian flu rarely affects humans unless the person has had close contact with the infected birds. More than 250 people worldwide have died after contracting the H5N1 subtype of avian flu.

[HenryN]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

"- Several attempts to isolate the virus from the index farm have not been successful yet which is an indication of the very low level of infection.
- Additional testing at the CFIA National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases is underway in order to characterize the virus. "

Is the first statement true?

The lab mentioned is Winnipeg:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/sci/lab/csce.shtml

J.

It's beginning to sound like the dog ate the homework AGAIN!

[HenryN]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Follow-up report No.: 1

Report reference: 2009-CAN-AI-01, OIE Ref: 7745, Report Date: 31/01/2009, Country: Canada

Report Summary

Disease

Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry) Animal type Terrestrial

Causal Agent

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5) Serotype(s) Pending

Clinical Signs

Yes Reason Reoccurrence of a listed disease

Date of first confirmation of the event

23/01/2009 Date of Start of Event 12/01/2009

Date of report

31/01/2009 Date Submitted To OIE 31/01/2009

Diagnosis

Laboratory (advanced) Date Of Last Occurrence 2005

Number Of Reported Outbreaks

Submitted= 1, Draft= 0, Deleted= 0 Name of Sender of the report Dr Brian Evans

Address

59 Camelot Drive, Room 146 W OTTAWA K1A 0Y9 Position Chief Veterinary Officer

Telephone

1 613 225 2342 Fax 1 613 228 6126

Email

bevans@inspection.gc.ca Entered by Dr Brian Evans

Outbreak (other report - draft) (deleted) ( 2009-BC-001a )

Province Unit Type Location Latitude Longitude Start date End Date

BRITISH COLUMBIA Farm Abbotsford 49,0345 -122,4538 12/01/2009

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Birds Animals 29565 1 0 25000 0

Affected Population

Turkey meat type production. This premises is adjacent to the index farm (BC-001) and these two farms are owned by the same family. The barns are very close one to the other (less than 100 meters apart) and share common driveways. Because of the nature of their activities and the strong
relationship between them, they are considered to be the same epidemiological unit.

Outbreak (other report - submitted) ( 2009-BC-001 )

Province Unit Type Location Latitude Longitude Start date End Date

BRITISH COLUMBIA Farm Abbotsford 49,0338 -122,4541 12/01/2009

Species Measuring units Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Birds Animals 57339 1300 0 57339 0

Affected Population

A turkey meat type production unit. Turkeys are all kept in the same barn. There are 3 distinct groups of birds. The affected flock is 90 days old (8,755 birds) with a morbidity about 15% and the other groups are 20 days (9,245 birds) and 55 days (9,774 birds). No significant mortality was
observed.
On the same premises, in another barn, there are three other groups of meat type turkeys: one is 7 days old (10,151 birds), another is 50 days old (9,631 birds) and the last one is 84 days old (9,783 birds). No clinical signs were observed in that barn.

Outbreak summary: Total outbreaks = 1 (Draft)

Printed on: Mon Feb 2 16:11:34 Paris, Madrid 2009 Page 1/3

Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Birds 29565 1 0 25000 0

Outbreak summary: Total outbreaks = 1 (Submitted)

Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered

Birds 57339 1300 0 57339 0

Epidemiology

Epidemiological comments

All birds on the infected premises have been humanely depopulated on 26-27 January 2009 and carcasses will be destroyed on site by composting. The premises will remain under quarantine until 21 days following the completion of CFIA approved cleaning and disinfection. All activities are
under the direct supervision of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Surveillance and control activities continue as defined in the CFIA Notifiable Avian Influenza Hazard Specific Plan. To date, there are a total of thirty-five quarantines in place, ten of which are outside of the 3km zone from the infected premises. Additional quarantines for contact premises may
be issued as the epidemiological investigation and tracing of the movement of people, equipment and products continues. Tests so far have not detected the presence of virus on other premises within the 3km zone or on a high risk premises.
Several attempts to isolate the virus from the index farm have not been successful yet which is an indication of the very low level of infection. Additional testing at the CFIA National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases is underway in order to characterize the virus. Source of infection is still
inconclusive.
Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: H5 and H7 avian influenza in its low pathogenic form in poultry is a notifiable disease as per Chapter 10.4. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2008).

Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection

? Unknown or inconclusive

Control Measures

Applied

? Stamping out
? Quarantine
? Screening

To be applied

? Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)

Animals treated

No

Vaccination Prohibited

Yes

Country / Zone

Country or zone

a zone or compartment

Diagnostic test results

Laboratory Type Name of Laboratory Species Test Type Date Results Provided Result

National laboratory CFIA National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases Birds virus isolation 30/01/2009 Pending
National laboratory CFIA National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases Birds competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) 24/01/2009 Positive

Future Reporting

What further reports will be submitted in relation to this event?

There are 1outbreaks that are still recorded as unresolved. It is not possible to declare this event resolved until these individual outbreaks are resolved.

The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

http://www.oie.int/wahis/reports/en_fup_0000007745_20090131_161134.pdf

[Treyfish]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5) Serotype(s) Pending

[HenryN]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5) Serotype(s) Pending

<ACRONYM title="Canadian Food Inspection Agency">CFIA</ACRONYM> News

February 3, 2009

• <LI class=doubleLineBullet>Tests conducted by the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases in Winnipeg indicate that the H5 avian influenza virus detected in British Columbia is H5N2. Preliminary tests also indicate that the strain of the virus is of low pathogenicity. <LI class=doubleLineBullet>Avian influenza is a disease of birds that does not cross easily from birds to infect humans. There is no evidence to date that shows this strain poses any significant risk to human health. <LI class=doubleLineBullet>In-barn composting continues. Temperatures are being monitored inside the compost piles to ensure the virus is effectively destroyed. These procedures are consistent with provincial environmental regulations and internationally accepted disease control guidelines. <LI class=doubleLineBullet>Thirty-six premises remain under quarantine through the investigation. These premises are either located within the 3-kilometer radius of the infected premises or have had some known contact with the infected premises during the time the virus may have been present. These premises have been quarantined as a precautionary measure. <LI class=doubleLineBullet>Prior to moving poultry or poultry products off the quarantined premises, birds must be sampled, tested negative and a license for the movement must be issued by the CFIA.
• Poultry owners in the area are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their flocks by immediately reporting any signs of illness that could be consistent with avian influenza by calling (604) 226-1753.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/...tuatione.shtml

[Giuseppe]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Canada. B.C. bird flu is H5N2, likely "low-path"

B.C. bird flu is H5N2, likely "low-path"

Staff2/4/2009 1:42:00 AM

The avian influenza that led federal inspectors to cull, gas and compost about 60,000 birds on a Fraser Valley poultry farm in British Columbia is subtype H5N2, and likely low in pathogenicity.


The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported Tuesday that tests at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases in Winnipeg confirm the H5 bird flu virus detected on the farm is H5N2.

The agency also reiterated that preliminary tests at the outset of its investigation on Jan. 24 indicate this strain of bird flu is of low pathogenicity ("low-path").

It's thus likely that Canada will keep its status as free of "high-path" bird flu, which it's held since April last year after the cleanup of an outbreak of H7N3 on a poultry farm near Regina Beach, Sask.

While bird flu, particularly high-path strains, can be devastating on an affected commercial poultry farm, the concern of human health experts is that a strain such as the notorious H5N1 may mutate or combine with a human flu virus that could spread more easily among people, spurring a pandemic.

H5N1 since 2003 has killed about 250 people overseas, generally through direct contact with infected birds or their fluids.

CFIA also reiterated that avian flu is "a disease of birds that does not cross easily from birds to infect humans." Furthermore, the agency said, "there is no evidence to date that shows this strain poses any significant risk to human health."

Quarantines continue as a "precautionary measure" on 36 properties near the Fraser Valley farm, CFIA said Tuesday. Of those, 26 are within a three-kilometre radius of the index farm. The remaining 10 are outside that radius but were identified for quarantine "as a result of the assessment of the movement of people, products and equipment through (CFIA's) investigation.

"Poultry or poultry products being moved off quarantined premises must first be submitted for samples, test negative and be cleared by CFIA. The agency is also encouraging poultry owners in the area are encouraged to "take an active role in protecting their flocks" and immediately report any signs of illness that could be consistent with avian influenza by calling 604-226-1753.
-

<cite cite="http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=95567&issue=02042009&story_id=&PC =FBC">canadiancattlemen.ca - Cattlemen magazine is Canada??s publication and web site for cattle farmers. - Cattlemen magazine is Canada??s publication and web site for cattle farmers. - 2/4/2009</cite>

[HenryN]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), Canada (1/26/2009) [WAHID Interface - OIE]

Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), Canada

Results of gene sequencing indicate a low path cleavage site (NVPQRETR/GLFGAIA).
The sequence is 99% related to another H5 virus (H5N2) from California in 2007.
Closest match in Genbank is A/American green-winged teal/California/HKWF609/2007(H5N2), accession number: CY033444
-

<CITE cite=http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=7720>WAHID Interface - OIE World Animal Health Information Database</CITE>

It is worth noting that there have been delays in isolating the virus and getting a full serotype (which has now been called H5N2), but even in the absence of cultured virus, it was possible to get an HA cleavage site sequence as well as enough sequence to cite 99% identity to a prior isolate.
This is in marked contrast to the Prince Edward Island incident, where ducks died and were H5 PCR confirmed, but Winnepeg failed to confirm, no report was filed, and the size of the insert was withheld.

[Giuseppe]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), Canada (2/4/2009) [WAHID Interface - OIE]

Low pathogenic avian influenza (poultry), Canada

Information received on 04/02/2009 from Dr Brian Evans, Chief Veterinary Officer, 59 Camelot Drive, Room 146 W, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, OTTAWA, Canada

-- Summary
Report type Follow-up report No. 2
Start date 12/01/2009
Date of first confirmation of the event 23/01/2009
Report date 03/02/2009
Date submitted to OIE 04/02/2009
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 2005
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Low pathogenic avian influenza virus Serotype H5N2
Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Related reports
* Immediate notification (24/01/2009)
* Follow-up report No. 1 (31/01/2009)
* Follow-up report No. 2 (03/02/2009)

-- Outbreaks
There are no new outbreaks in this report

-- Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
* Unknown or inconclusive
* Wild birds

-- Epidemiological comments
The CFIA National Centre for Foreign Animal Diseases (NCFAD) has now isolated a Notifiable Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) from the index farm.
The AIV isolate was confirmed as H5N2.
The closest match in Genbank for the N gene is A/American green-winged teal/California/HKWF406/2007(H5N2), accession number: CY033446.
The closest match in Genbank for the H gene is A/American green-winged teal/California/HKWF609/2007(H5N2), accession number: CY033444, as reported in the immediate notification.
Based on gene sequencing results, the virus was determined to be of low virulence.
The NCFAD will now proceed with the determination of the IVPI index.

Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: H5 and H7 avian influenza in its low pathogenic form in poultry is a notifiable disease as per Chapter 10.4. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2008).

-- Control measures
Measures applied
* Stamping out
* Quarantine
* Screening
* Vaccination prohibited
* No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
* Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)

-- Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type CFIA National Center for Foreign Animal Diseases (National laboratory)
Tests and results: Species - Test - Test date - Result
- Birds - gene sequencing - 02/02/2009 - Positive
- Birds - intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) test - 02/02/2009 - Pending
- Birds - virus isolation - 02/02/2009 - Positive

-- Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
-

<cite cite="http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=7761" >WAHID Interface - OIE World Animal Health Information Database</cite>

[cartski]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

What is this?

"Birds - intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) test - 02/02/2009 - Pending"

J.

[cartski]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

So can the teal be tracked backwards in time and space to describe, hopefully, the origins of the strain?

"The closest match in Genbank for the N gene is A/American green-winged teal/California/HKWF406/2007(H5N2), accession number: CY033446.

The closest match in Genbank for the H gene is A/American green-winged teal/California/HKWF609/2007(H5N2), accession number: CY033444, as reported in the immediate notification. "

J.

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

What is this?

"Birds - intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) test - 02/02/2009 - Pending"

J.

IPIV for the French-speaking people or IVPI ( Intravenous pathogenicity index) for the Anglo-Saxons is the acronym indicating the Index of intravenous pathogenicity.

To identify a Virus, one generally uses the RT-PCR practiced starting from sample of suspect bodies. It is a fast test (a few hours) of diagnosis, but which must be confirmed by viral insulation, more reliable.

In the case of the Avian flu for example, the virus must then be typified (H5 or H7.) and its given virulence. This virulence is measured by inoculation with chickens SPF (IPIV), and/or by sequencing of the site of cleavage of the protein H (basic residues).

http://www.speedylook.com/Index_of_intravenous_pathogenicity.html

[cartski]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

. This virulence is measured by inoculation with chickens SPF (IPIV), and/or by sequencing of the site of cleavage of the protein H (basic residues).

http://www.speedylook.com/Index_of_i...ogenicity.html

O.k., thanks.

But how can the report state:

"Causal agent Low pathogenic avian influenza virus Serotype H5N2"

when the IPIV test that determines pathogenicity has yet to be completed?

J.

[Mamabird]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

It could be that thses folks have a measurement of the HA1 segment, and if it is normal size (ie. no additional amino acids), then it is likely low path. Also, judging by the affect of this virus on the flock (respiratory distress, but no deaths), it is also likely low path.

However, the H5N2 detected at the Texas chicken farm some years ago had a lenghtened HA with additional basic amino acids at the cleavage site, and it had killed a number of the hens. After testing the isolated virus against the 10 day old chicks (standard test for pathogenicity), it was deemed low path. In other words, not enough chicks died to warrant the High Path tag.

Point is, any H5 or H7 infection of poultry needs to be carefully handled as history has shown that this stuff goes High Path really quickly if left to its own devices.

[Mamabird]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

P.S.: I've been told that the Canadian virus has been sequenced, at least as to the HA segment, so they know precisely what the cleavage site looks like. This means that there are no additional amino acids, a good indicator of low pathogenicity.

[HenryN]

Re: Canada - LPAI H5 Confirmed on Turkey Farm

P.S.: I've been told that the Canadian virus has been sequenced, at least as to the HA segment, so they know precisely what the cleavage site looks like. This means that there are no additional amino acids, a good indicator of low pathogenicity.

The cleavage site was published ago.