Highly pathogenic avian influenza, Israel (OIE, March 15 2012, edited): 1 New H5N1 Outbreak, Cats

[Giuseppe]

[Source: OIE, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, Israel


Information received on 15/03/2012 from Dr Nadav Galon, Director, Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, BET DAGAN, Israel

Summary

• Report type Immediate notification
• Start date 13/03/2012
• Date of first confirmation of the event 14/03/2012
• Report date 15/03/2012
• Date submitted to OIE 15/03/2012
• Reason for notification Change in epidemiology
• New disease agent No
• New vector No
• New host species Cats (Clinical)
• Increased pathogenicity No
• Zoonotic impact No
• Causal agent Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
• Serotype H5

New outbreaks

Outbreak 1 (Cats Shalwa) - SHALWA, Ashkelon, HADAROM

• Date of start of the outbreak 13/03/2012
• Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
• Epidemiological unit Village
• Affected animals: Species - Susceptible - Cases - Deaths - Destroyed - Slaughtered
• Cats - 50 - 8 - 4 - 16 - 0
• Affected Population:
  • H5N1 was diagnosed in turkeys on 8 March 2012. On 9 March 2012, just before the culling of the birds, cats were seen eating carcasses.
  • On 14 March 2012, 4 cats were found dead around the affected pen and some showed clinical signs such as respiratory signs and weakness.
  • On 15 March 2012, the authorities succeeded to catch 16 cats roaming around the infected pen and euthanized them.

Summary of outbreaks

• Total outbreaks: 1
• Outbreak statistics: Species - Apparent morbidity rate - Apparent mortality rate - Apparent case fatality rate - Proportion susceptible animals lost*
  • Cats - 16.00% - 8.00% - 50.00% - 40.00%
  • * Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter

Epidemiology

• Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
  • Contact after eating infected carcasses

Epidemiological comments

• Cats were seen eating infected carcasses of turkeys.
• Clinical signs appeared on them about one week later.

Control measures

• Measures applied
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Screening
  • Zoning
  • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
  • Vaccination prohibited
  • No treatment of affected animals
• Measures to be applied
  • Modified stamping out

Diagnostic test results

• Laboratory name and type Avian Diseases Department, Kimron Veterinary Institute (National laboratory)
  • Tests and results: Species - Test - Test date - Result
    • Cats - reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) - 14/03/2012 - Positive

Future Reporting

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

-
------