Germany - Current avian influenza cases - 2020/2021

[Gert van der Hoek]

11/9/2020 Short messages


Since the end of October, the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza / Avian influenza of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in a number of wild birds in northern Germany and in two farms in Schleswig-Holstein. The infections were caused by various avian influenza viruses (highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, HPAIV). Genetic analyzes of the complete virus genome assign the currently occurring viruses to the subtype H5.

A number of virus variants (H5N8, H5N5, H5N1) that are genetically related to the H5N8 viruses that appeared in Europe in 2016/2017 were detected. As with the H5 viruses from 2016/2017, there is currently no evidence that the current H5 viruses can infect humans. So they are not zoonotic viruses. The current H5 viruses are only largely related to the H5N1 viruses, which are dangerous for humans and which also appeared in Europe in 2006/2007. The current risk assessment of the FLI provides more information on the origin of the current viruses of the subtype.

Phylogenetic studies of the HPAI H5 viruses, which were obtained, for example, from dead mute swans in the Netherlands near Utrecht and from a buzzard in Germany, suggest a new entry. The viruses analyzed so far belong to clade 2.3.4.4b, like the HPAIV H5N8 introduced since 2016, but are not directly phylogenetically related to the H5N8 viruses that caused the outbreaks in Europe in the first half of 2020. Instead, the viruses analyzed have a new genetic signature that shows similarities to various viruses from Eurasia in recent years. Similarities are particularly evident in the HA gene for viruses from 2016/2017. Sequence comparisons with the viruses from the Netherlands show both similar and different segments. This suggests, that the current virus strain, similar to 2016/17, allows an increased genetic reassortment (e.g. H5N5, H5N1). Based on the previous information on dead finds and the species distribution, a comparable virulence of the new reassortants to that of the HPAIV H5Nx from 2016 to 2019 can be assumed. The same applies to the zoonotic risk. So far there is no evidence that the new reassortants have a zoonotic potential.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Avian influenza detected in operation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

NEUBUKOW (dpa-AFX) - The avian influenza virus H5N8 has been detected in a laying hen farm near Neubukow in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Official veterinarians and a veterinarian had taken samples there after the owner had observed symptoms of illness and laying depression in the past few days and finally found dead animals, as the Ministry of Agriculture announced in Schwerin on Sunday. Originally around 3000 animals lived in the farm. This is the largest case in the state in the season so far. How many of the animals are already dead was initially unclear, as was the point in time when the remaining animals would be killed.

"Unfortunately, what we have feared for weeks has occurred: We are dealing with an active epidemic across the country. Four out of six counties are now affected by avian influenza," said State Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) according to the announcement. In the coming week he will discuss how to proceed with the district administrators. Previously there had been several bird flu outbreaks in poultry holdings in the northeast in the past few weeks

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

A second case of bird flu has occurred in Brandenburg. As the consumer protection ministry announced on Monday, a dead buzzard in the Prignitz district tested positive for the H5N8 pathogen. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) had confirmed the suspicion.

At the beginning of November, the first case of avian influenza was detected in a dead crane in the neighboring district of Ostprignitz-Ruppin. Consumer Protection Minister Ursula Nonnemacher (Greens) had pointed out that avian influenza has been increasing in Germany again since the end of October. It is important to prevent transmission to domestic poultry.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Germany culls 16,100 turkeys after bird flu found on farm

November 16, 2020 -

HAMBURG (Reuters) - Germany has ordered around 16,100 turkeys to be slaughtered after bird flu was found on another poultry farm, authorities said on Monday.

Type H5N8 bird flu was confirmed in a farm on the island of Ruegen in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, said local government authority Landkreis Vorpommern-Ruegen.

Wild birds are believed to be spreading the disease, with some 23 cases of bird flu recorded in wild birds on Ruegen since the end of October, the authority said.

A series of outbreaks of bird flu have been reported in Germany and elsewhere in Europe in past weeks with wild birds also suspected of spreading the disease.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Almost 6,000 wild birds perished on the west coast


Status: November 16, 2020

The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut has confirmed more than 50 other avian influenza cases in wild animals in Schleswig-Holstein.

According to the Schleswig-Holstein State Office for Coastal Protection, National Park and Marine Protection, almost 6,000 wild birds have died along the west coast in Schleswig-Holstein. That is about twice as many as less than a week ago. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute confirmed more than 50 other avian influenza cases in wild animals. This increases the total number in Schleswig-Holstein to almost 170. Wild ducks and wild geese are particularly affected, but the virus has also been detected in a sparrowhawk, a white-tailed eagle and an eagle owl.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Avian influenza in a farm with 70,000 animals

11/17/2020

The bird flu has reached one of the largest poultry farmers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. As a spokesman for the Schwerin Ministry of Agriculture said on Tuesday, the H5N8 virus was found in a stable of the company near Gnoien (Rostock district).

The company keeps around 70,000 laying hens at several locations in the region. In order to combat the animal disease completely, all animals must be "culled" at all locations, as a spokesman for the Rostock district said on Tuesday morning. The preparations have started.

According to Agriculture Minister Till Backhaus (SPD), around 100,000 animals at livestock owners in the northeast are now affected. According to experts, this year is a very aggressive virus form of this animal disease.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Further cases of "bird flu" in wild birds and domestic poultry in northern Germany


11/18/2020 Short messages

FLI updates its risk assessment

Since the end of October, the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza / Avian Influenza of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) has confirmed not only a large number of wild birds but also increased cases of avian influenza in poultry holdings in northern Germany.

The events develop in a highly dynamic manner, the number of birds tested positive for HPAIV H5 continues to increase daily. Since November 4th HPAIV H5N8 is also found in poultry flocks: In Germany, 10 holdings have so far been affected, including a turkey farm with> 16,000 animals and a farm with over 50,000 laying hens. In the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea, a high number of dead water birds is still observed. In addition, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, France and Ireland reported wild bird cases and outbreaks of HPAIV H5 in farm poultry flocks.

The infections were caused by various avian influenza viruses (highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, HPAIV). Analyzes of the complete virus genome assign the currently occurring viruses to the subtype H5. A number of virus variants (H5N8, H5N5, H5N1) have been identified that are genetically related to the H5N8 viruses that appeared in Europe in 2016/2017. As with the H5 viruses from 2016/2017, there is currently no evidence that the current H5 viruses can infect humans.

The density of wild bird populations in the resting areas may increase further in the coming weeks. These conditions favor virus transmission and spread. Dead, infected wild birds are ingested by scavengers, which contribute to the spread of viruses within their range of motion and to environmental contamination. This also increases the risk of indirect entry routes into poultry farms.

The risk of further entry of HPAI H5 viruses into German poultry holdings and bird populations in zoological facilities through direct and indirect contact with wild birds is estimated to be high, especially in holdings near water bird resting places and wild bird collection areas, including arable land on which wild birds gather.

The top priority is to protect poultry flocks from entry and the possible further spread of HPAIV infections. The establishment of a functioning barrier between the habitats of wild water birds (e.g. bodies of water, fields on which geese, ducks or swans gather) and the poultry farms is essential. Housing poultry and other biosecurity measures minimize the risk of direct and indirect contact with infected wild birds.

The current risk assessment of the FLI provides more detailed information on the origin of the current viruses of subtype H5 and specific recommendations.



For download

• Risk assessment of the occurrence of HPAIV H5 in Germany, as of November 18, 2020

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

First confirmed avian influenza case in NRW

Emmerich

In North Rhine-Westphalia there is the first officially confirmed case of avian influenza. The highly contagious virus was found in a wild goose that died in Emmerich.

A wild goose found dead in Emmerich has been shown to have died of avian influenza. This was the result of an analysis by the Friedrich L?ffler Institute. The animal had died on the dike. This is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in a wild bird in North Rhine-Westphalia. The highly contagious H5N8 virus was detected in the wild goose. Avian influenza was already rampant in winter 2016/17.

However, the veterinary department of the Kleve district does not set up protection zones around the site. This decision was made after assessing the possible risks because the wild goose was found in an area without a high density of poultry.

​

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Husum

Avian influenza detected in livestock on Pellworm

November 20, 2020,

Avian influenza has been detected in another livestock population in Schleswig-Holstein. Affected is a company on the North Frisian island of Pellworm with around 650 geese, as the district of North Friesland announced on Friday. According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), it is the H5N8 virus.

Of the approximately 650 geese in the affected enclosure, a larger number had died within a short time, according to the information. On Friday morning, all poultry keeping animals were killed and properly disposed of in accordance with the national avian influenza regulation.

In order to prevent the avian influenza from spreading to other livestock populations, the veterinary office of the North Friesland district set up a restricted area and an observation area.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Avian influenza detected in wild ducks in Bavaria

11/20/2020


Several cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in Bavaria. According to the Environment Ministry on Friday in Munich, the disease was detected in several wild ducks in the Passau district.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

November 20, 2020: Avian influenza in wild birds in SH


Avian influenza was detected in 54 wild birds in Schleswig-Holstein - this was confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute ( FLI ). This increases the total number of confirmed cases of avian flu in Schleswig-Holstein to 223. Over 8,000 wild birds have now died of avian flu , as reported by the State Office for Coastal Protection, National Park and Marine Protection Schleswig-Holstein (LKN.SH).
Bird flu is also spreading more and more on the Schleswig-Holstein mainland, as the current figures show. The wild birds come from the following circles:

• Pinneberg
• Duchy of Lauenburg

In the district of North Friesland on the island of Pellworm, a goose keeping with around 650 animals is affected by avian influenza. This is the fourth officially known case in Schleswig-Holstein. According to the Avian Influenza Ordinance, the following measures are taken:

• A restricted area is being created within a two-kilometer radius of the excavation site
• An observation area is being created within a ten kilometer radius of the outbreak site
• There is a ban on moving live poultry in both zones

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Animal drama in the north bird flu! Thousands of dead wild birds found

Great concern for wild birds in the north: In the Schleswig-Holstein region of the Wadden Sea, over 8000 dead wild birds have already been found, most likely of which died from bird flu.

As the "SHZ" reports, referring to the WWF, the bird flu in the Wadden Sea has reached a dimension that has never been seen before. 8000 wild birds alone are already dead. According to the report, barnacle geese and wigeons are most affected. The WWF is concerned that the disease will spread even further.

Dead wild birds are also found in Lower Saxony

Also on the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea coast there are more and more dead wild birds being found these days. The Jade Bay and the islands of Norderney and Borkum are particularly affected, said a spokeswoman for the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park Administration on Thursday. "The Jade Bay is a resting area for large flocks of barnacle geese." Exact figures for Lower Saxony are not yet available.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Bird flu on goose farm in Dithmarschen


Status: 11/24/2020

After the avian influenza, also known as bird flu, broke out on a goose farm in the Dithmarschen district, all the animals on the farm were killed.

Avian influenza has broken out in a goose farm in Neufelderkoog (Dithmarschen district). It is the fifth case in a farm animal population in Schleswig-Holstein since the beginning of November, as the Ministry of the Environment announced on Tuesday. The 630 animals on the farm were killed in accordance with the Avian Influence Ordinance.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Bird flu case again: laying hen facility affected

There is another major bird flu outbreak in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

As the district of Mecklenburg Lake District announced on Wednesday, a farm in Kr?mmel south of R?bel with tens of thousands of laying hens is affected.

The avian influenza virus H5N8 was found there. According to current knowledge, around 29,000 laying hens must be killed and disposed of.

Poultry farmers in neighboring Brandenburg are also affected by the official restrictions such as a smaller restricted area and a larger observation area within a radius of around ten kilometers.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Bird flu case in Saxony's largest geese farm

A poultry breeding company in Grimma-Mutzschen is affected. Now all 9,000 animals are to be killed.

Grimma. A first case of avian influenza has been confirmed in a company in Saxony. A poultry farm in the Leipzig district is affected. "All animal owners must now adhere to the regulations that have been issued in order to prevent the spread of bird plague," said Health Minister Petra K?pping (SPD) on Friday.

In the afternoon, the district office had initially spoken of a suspected case. A little later the confirmation from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut arrived. According to the operator, the company is the largest in Saxony.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

December 22, 2020: Outbreak in a poultry farm


Avian influenza broke out on Sunday, December 20, in a poultry population in the village of Kellerh?he near Cloppenburg, Lower Saxony. Yesterday the veterinary office of the district of Cloppenburg had the farm's population killed as a precaution - a total of 17,000 turkeys are affected.


Update on December 22, 2020: Minister Otte-Kinast confirmed outbreak


The Friedrich Loeffler Institute ( FLI ) confirmed today, December 22nd, the suspicion of avian influenza in a fattening turkey farm in Lower Saxony. At the farm in the district of Oldenburg, 13,000 animals are affected by the H5N8 virus, a highly contagious subtype of bird flu . The killing of the 13,000 animals has already been ordered, based on the district's avian influenza ordinance.

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Avian influenza is spreading in the district of Cloppenburg


Status: December 27, 2020

The H5N8 virus - known as avian influenza - has now been detected in six companies in the Cloppenburg district. This affects 64,550 turkeys.

According to the district, the virus has been detected in a population of 9,000 turkeys in the municipality of B?sel. Avian flu has also broken out in four farms in the Garrel municipality with almost 7,000, 7,200, 11,000 and 13,500 turkeys. All animals on the farms concerned must be slaughtered or have already been killed and disposed of. As early as Tuesday, 17,000 turkeys were culled in the Cloppenburg district .

https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/nied...enburg-breitet-sich-aus,gefluegelpest736.html

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Cloppenburg district reports avian influenza case in Garrel

It is already the 8th outbreak of the animal disease in a stable in the district of Cloppenburg. The turkeys have already been killed. The new case has implications for the observation and restricted areas.

03/01/2021

he district of Cloppenburg reported a new bird flu outbreak in the municipality of Garrel on Sunday. Accordingly, the highly pathogenic influenza virus H5N8 was detected in a company. The stock of 12,800 turkeys was "killed and disposed of in accordance with animal welfare standards" on Saturday, according to the authority's statement.

After the new outbreak, the district of Cloppenburg changed the already existing restricted and observation areas - but only slightly, as district spokesman Frank Beumker announced. The re-installation ban for turkeys ordered by the authorities to contain the avian flu applies to the municipalities of Emstek, B?sel, Garrel and the urban areas of Cloppenburg and Friesoythe. The district will publish an updated general decree on disease control.

The case in the municipality of Garrel is already the 8th outbreak on a farm in the district of Cloppenburg. So far, 88,800 turkeys have been affected. The first evidence of the highly dangerous animal disease came shortly before Christmas in the Cloppenburg farmers' association, Kellerh?he .

 

[sharon sanders]

[TR]
[TD]

[TD="width: 1%"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: left"]Highly pathogenic avian influenza,
Germany[/TD]
[TD="width: 1%, align: right"] [/TD]

[TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]Information received on 04/01/2021 from Dr Dietrich Rassow, Director for Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Chief Veterinary Officer, Directorate of Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Berlin, Germany[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Summary

[TD="width: 10%"]Report type[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]Follow-up report No. 5[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Date of start of the event[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]16/11/2020[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Date of confirmation of the event[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]17/11/2020[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Report date[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]04/01/2021[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Date submitted to OIE[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]04/01/2021[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Reason for notification[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]Recurrence of a listed disease[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Date of previous occurrence[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]13/05/2020[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Manifestation of disease[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]Clinical disease[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Causal agent[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Serotype[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]H5N8[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Nature of diagnosis[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]Clinical, Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced)[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]This event pertains to[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"]a defined zone within the country[/TD]

[TD="width: 10%"]Related reports[/TD]
[TD="width: 30%"] Immediate notification (18/11/2020) Follow-up report No. 1 (22/12/2020) Follow-up report No. 2 (25/12/2020) Follow-up report No. 3 (28/12/2020) Follow-up report No. 4 (30/12/2020) Follow-up report No. 5 (04/01/2021) [/TD]

]New outbreaks (3)[/TD]

Garrel, Cloppenburg, Niedersachsen
Date of start of the outbreak	01/01/2021
Outbreak status	Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit	Farm
Affected animals	Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered Birds 12832 3967 40 12792 0
Affected population	turkeys for fattening

[TD="align: left"]Outbreak 1 (21-015-00001)[/TD]

Garrel, Cloppenburg, Niedersachsen
Date of start of the outbreak	02/01/2021
Outbreak status	Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit	Farm
Affected animals	Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered Birds 10178 5105 9 10169 0
Affected population	turkeys for fattening

[TD="align: left"]Outbreak 2 (21-015-00002)[/TD]

Garrel, Cloppenburg, Niedersachsen
Date of start of the outbreak	02/01/2021
Outbreak status	Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit	Farm
Affected animals	Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered Birds 7136 3562 4 7132 0
Affected population	turkeys for fattening

[TD="align: left"]Outbreak 3 (21-015-00003)[/TD]

Total outbreaks: 3
Total animals affected	Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Killed and disposed of Slaughtered Birds 30146 12634 53 30093 0
Outbreak statistics	Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost* Birds 41.91% 0.18% 0.42% 100.00%

[TD="align: left"]Summary of outbreaks[/TD]

[TD="colspan: 2"]*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter[/TD]

Epidemiology

Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection	Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments	Restriction zones have been established. An epidemiological investigation is ongoing.

Control measures

Measures applied	Movement control inside the country Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone Screening Traceability Official destruction of animal products Official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste Stamping out Control of wildlife reservoirs Zoning Disinfection Vaccination prohibited No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied	No other measures

Diagnostic test results

Laboratory name and type	Species	Test	Test date	Result
Friedrich-Loeffler Institute (National laboratory)	Birds	polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	03/01/2021	Positive

Future Reporting

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

Map of outbreak locations

https://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/...?page_refer=MapFullEventReport&reportid=37420

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Turkey population in Wardenburg

Second case of avian influenza


01/05/2021

Another case of avian influenza has been officially confirmed in the district of Oldenburg. 14,000 turkey animals in the Wardenburg community are affected. As a precaution, all animals are killed.