South Africa: H5N1 in poultry

[Pathfinder]

Avian influenza outbreak confirmed on Ekurhuleni farm
...
Devdiscourse News Desk | Pretoria | Updated: 13-04-2021 17:05 IST | Created: 13-04-2021 17:05 IST

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has confirmed the outbreak of avian influenza on a commercial farm in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

In a statement, the department said about 300 birds had died from the virus on the commercial chicken-layer farm.

"The samples from this farm that were sent to the laboratory tested positive for the H5 strain of avian influenza. It must be said that this farm was also part of the H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in 2017," reads the statement.

Upon confirmation that it was H5, the birds in the affected house were immediately destroyed.
...
https://www.devdiscourse.com/articl...fluenza-outbreak-confirmed-on-ekurhuleni-farm

 

[Pathfinder]

Immediate notification
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (poultry) , South Africa
...
DISEASE
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (poultry)

STARTED ON
08-04-2021

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

GENOTYPE/ SEROTYPE/ SUBTYPE
H5

CONFIRMED ON
10-04-2021

REASON
Recurrence

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

ENDED ON
-

DISEASE CATEGORY
OIE-listed

REPORTED ON
13-04-2021
...
SPECIES
Birds

SUSCEPTIBLE
TOTAL 29000

CASES
300

DEATHS
300
...
STARTED ON
09-04-2021

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
Farm

AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
Coordinates modified to protect confidentiality as required by South African Legislation.

APPROXIMATE LOCATION
HPAI_H5_GAU_2021_001

FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Gauteng

SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Ekurhuleni

THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Ekurhuleni

...
https://wahis.oie.int/#/report-info?reportId=31923

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://germistoncitynews.co.za/273...entified-amid-another-outbreak-in-north-west/

Strain of avian flu at East Rand poultry farm identified amid another outbreak in North West
Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Lesotho have put various bans on poultry-related goods from South Africa.
21 mins ago
Benoni City Times 2 minutes read

The initial outbreak of avian influenza H5 on a layer farm on the East Rand has now been identified as HPAI H5N1.

According to the Colin Steenhuisen, interim general manager of the Egg Organisation of the SA Poultry Association, this is not the same strain the country experienced in June 2017...

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/third-farm-in-sa-reports-outbreak-of-h5-avian-flu/

Third farm in SA reports outbreak of H5 avian flu
23 April 2021, 8:45 PM | SABC |

A third farm has reported an outbreak of the H5 avian flu. This follows an outbreak recorded on chicken farms in Gauteng and the North West. The outbreak has led to at least three Southern African Development Community (SADC) counties putting a hold or a ban on South African poultry products.

Two weeks ago a farm in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, confirmed a case of Avian Flu. The farm was placed under quarantine and about 270 000 birds culled.

Tests on infected samples confirmed that the strain was from a highly pathogenic avian flu called the H5N1.

Two more farms have since tested positive for the H5 virus strain, a chicken-layer farm in Tshwane and a chicken parent breeder farm in the North West...

 

[Pathfinder]

SOUTH AFRICA

Avian flu hits another Gauteng farm

Alex Patrick
Reporter

03 May 2021 - 15:53

Another East Rand poultry farm has been hit by avian influenza.

On Monday, the SA Poultry Association (Sapa) said the outbreak occurred on a broiler breeder farm. The farm is under quarantine and the birds are being culled. Sapa said the outbreak should only have a minimal effect on meat supply.

The association said in a statement: ?We regretfully advise that a second outbreak of HPAI (H5N1) has occurred on a broiler breeder farm ... The farm is under quarantine and the birds are being culled and disposed of under the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development's supervision.

?This outbreak is in the same compartment as the first layer outbreak, and should not materially affect the trade restrictions already in place from our neighbouring countries.
...
A commercial layer flock on the East Rand of Johannesburg was the first to confirm an outbreak of H5N1 on April 13.
...
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-05-03-avian-flu-hits-another-gauteng-farm/

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.devdiscourse.com/articl...avian-influenza-outbreak-in-gauteng-announced

Another Avian Influenza outbreak in Gauteng announced
The department has reiterated its call for everyone across the country to treat any increase in mortalities of poultry and other bird species as potential avian influenza until proven otherwise.
Devdiscourse News Desk | Pretoria | Updated: 06-05-2021 15:55 IST | Created: 06-05-2021 15:55 IST

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has announced another outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI), at a commercial chicken farm in Randfontein, Gauteng.

"Preceding this outbreak, four outbreaks were detected on other commercial chicken properties. A total of five HPAI H5N1 (Asian highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreaks ? four in Gauteng and one outbreak in North West. All affected farms have been quarantined, with control measures being implemented," the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The department said that genetic evaluation had confirmed that the outbreak reported in commercial layers on 13 April 2021 in Gauteng, and the one on commercial broiler-breeders in the North West seems to have been caused by non-identical AI strains.

"These two outbreaks were, therefore, more likely to have been caused by separate introductions. It is essential for everyone across the country to remain on high alert," the department said.

The department has reiterated its call for everyone across the country to treat any increase in mortalities of poultry and other bird species as potential avian influenza until proven otherwise...

 

[Pathfinder]

The identification of Avian Flu in Worcester


6 May 2021

Following earlier announcements of outbreaks of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Gauteng and North West, a broiler breeder farm in the Worcester area has tested positive for avian influenza.

Avian influenza is a controlled disease in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 35 of 1984.

Avian influenza is a viral respiratory disease of birds 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 discharges from their noses, mouth and eyes. Domestic birds can be infected through faecal contamination of the environment from wild birds or by indirect contact with infected poultry on other premises.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Current practice in most regions of the world requires the culling of infected birds.

The affected farm is under quarantine, and the process of humanely culling the affected chickens is underway.

The Western Cape Government urges the participation of the public and the agricultural sector in preventing the spread of this disease.

It is essential to report sick or dead birds - both wild birds and poultry to Chief State Veterinarian, , Dr Lesley van Helden on 021 808 5017 or Lesleyvh@elsenburg.com.

Farmers and poultry producers should be vigilant in their biosecurity measures to prevent potential virus introduction from wild birds or their faeces.

• Farmers should also restrict access to their properties as far as possible.
• It is crucial to keep poultry and other animals away from wild birds and their body fluids through screens, fencing or nets.
• Avoid introducing the virus through contaminated clothes, footwear, vehicles, or equipment used in waterfowl hunting.
• Upon entering or exiting properties, disinfect vehicles.
• Do not allow any person who had contact with poultry in the last 48 hours onto your property.
• Use of footbaths upon entry and exit to the poultry house to disinfect footwear.

There is currently no indication that this strain of avian influenza can affect humans.

We do advise caution when handling or slaughtering potentially infected poultry. Poultry workers, abattoir workers and those who dress their poultry should only handle dead bird carcasses with gloves or disinfect their hands after handling carcasses.

Poultry products from grocery stores are safe for consumption.

For further information go to: t: https://www.elsenburg.com/services-a...isease-Control

...
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/identification-avian-flu-worcester

 

[Pathfinder]

MEDIA RELEASE

DALRRD ANNOUNCES ANOTHER OUTBREAK OF AVIAN INLUENZA ON A
COMMERCIAL CHICKEN FARM IN RANDFONTEN IN GAUTENG

06 May 2021

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)
hereby announces another outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) in a commercial chicken
farm in Randfontein in Gauteng.

Preceding this outbreak, four outbreaks were detected on other commercial chicken
properties. A total of five HPAI H5N1 outbreaks ? four in Gauteng and one outbreak
in North West. All affected farms have been quarantined, with control measures being
implemented.

Genetic evaluation has confirmed that the outbreak reported in commercial layers on
13 of April in Gauteng and the one on commercial broiler-breeders in the North West
seem to have been caused by non-identical AI strains. These two outbreaks were
therefore more likely to have been caused by separate introductions. It is essential
for everyone across the country to remain on high alert.

Everyone across the country is once again urged to treat any increase in mortalities
(deaths) of poultry and other bird species as potential avian influenza, until proven
otherwise. All increases in mortality rates must be reported to the state veterinarian
responsible for the particular area or the relevant provincial director immediately. The
contact details are available at https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Branches/A...cialveterinary

It must be mentioned that no human infection, due to these circulating strains, had
been reported in Europe and thus the zoonotic risk to people is very low, the consumer
has no reason to be concerned.

Following the outbreak of AI on 13 April 2021, all the neighboring countries have lifted
the ban on exports of live chicken and unprocessed products, except Lesotho, which
has banned exports from Gauteng. Hong Kong has notified DALRRD of a temporary
suspension of the importation of all poultry (carcass, parts and offal) products
(including eggs) from the affected municipalities within the Gauteng and North West.

https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/docs/media...%20Gauteng.pdf

https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/Home/aid/1343

 

[tetano]

HPAI outbreaks spread in South Africa

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA ? Four commercial poultry farms in the province of Western Cape, South Africa, were infected with an avian influenza virus, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture reported. The highly pathogenic H5 virus was confirmed at two of the farms.

The affected farms are near the cities of Worcester, Malmesbury and Hopefield, the agency said. Approximately 134,000 birds have been culled or have died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Western Cape Veterinary Services is investigating other suspected cases.




?The relationship to the viruses present in the north of the country is unconfirmed,? the department said.

In April, approximately 300 chickens died of avian influenza on a commercial chicken farm in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. Since then, a total of five outbreaks have been recorded ? four in Gauteng and one outbreak in North West, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) in Pretoria, South Africa, said. All affected farms have been quarantined, and control measures implemented.

?Genetic evaluation has confirmed that the outbreak reported in commercial layers on 13 of April in Gauteng and the one on commercial broiler-breeders in the North West seem to have been caused by non-identical AI strains,? DALRRD said. ?These two outbreaks were therefore more likely to have been caused by separate introductions. It is essential for everyone across the country to remain on high alert.?

https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/24986-hpai-outbreaks-spread-in-south-africa

 

[Pathfinder]

Agri News Podcast: FS farms hit by bird flu

─── 13:19 Mon, 07 Jun 2021

Agri News Podcast: FS farms hit by bird flu | News Article

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed an outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, known as bird flu, in the province.

According to Dr Patricia Froneman, State Veterinarian in Frankfort, wild birds and lakes are the natural habitat of this virus. In birds, influenza viruses are shared through direct contact with infected species or through contaminated food or water. She says because of the resistant nature of the virus, it can be easily carried through farm equipment and clothing, and that influences the spread of the virus from farm to farm. Three cases have been reported from poultry farms in the Free State province. The farms where the cases have been recorded are in Villiers, Parys, and Wesselsbron. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has deployed field veterinarians to deal with the outbreak of this virus and also called other field personnel to increase vigilance in ensuring that the virus is spotted early and is swiftly responded to.
...

https://www.ofm.co.za/article/news/304921/agri-news-podcast-fs-farms-hit-by-bird-flu

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deadly bird flu hits Free State

The Free Stater June 7, 2021
...
Staff Reporter

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed an outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

A statement released by the department’s spokesperson, Zimasa Leputla, says three cases were reported at three poultry farms in the province.

“Laboratory tests conducted gave a positive result, confirming the HPAI was found on those farms,” read part of the statement.

The virus was also recorded as an H5 virus which is known to be a high pathogenic strain.

The farms where the cases have been recorded are in Villiers, Parys and Wesselsbron.
...
https://thefreestater.co.za/deadly-bird-flu-hits-free-state/

 

[Pathfinder]

Immediate notification
Highly pathogenic influenza A viruses (Inf. with)(non-poultry including wild birds)(2017-), South Africa
...
COUNTRY OR ZONE
COUNTRY

DISEASE
Highly pathogenic influenza A viruses (Inf. with)(non-poultry including wild birds)(2017-)

STARTED ON
12-05-2021

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

GENOTYPE/ SEROTYPE/ SUBTYPE
H5N1

CONFIRMED ON
19-05-2021

REASON
New strain in the country

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

ENDED ON
-

DISEASE CATEGORY
OIE-listed

REPORTED ON
08-06-2021

LAST OCCURENCE
-
...
MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SPECIES SUSCEPTIBLE CASES DEATHS KILLED AND DISPOSED OF SLAUGHTERED/KILLED FOR COMMERCIAL USE VACCINATED MORBIDITY (CALCULATED) MORTALITY (CALCULATED)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca):Anatidae-Anseriformes NEW - 1 0 1 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 1 0 1 0 0 - -
Birds NEW 110 4 4 0 0 0 - -
TOTAL 110 4 4 0 0 0 - -
Spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus):Strigidae-Suliformes NEW - 4 4 0 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 4 4 0 0 0 - -
Hartlaub's gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii):Laridae-Charadriiformes NEW - 3 3 0 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 3 3 0 0 0 - -
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus):Laridae-Charadriiformes NEW - 1 1 0 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 1 1 0 0 0 - -
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis):Anatidae-Anseriformes NEW - 1 0 1 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 1 0 1 0 0 - -
Jackass Penguin (Spheniscus demersus):Spheniscidae-Strigiformes NEW - 1 1 0 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 1 1 0 0 0 - -
Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius):Sagittariidae-Accipitriformes NEW - 2 2 0 0 0 - -
TOTAL - 2 2 0 0 0 - -
- NEW 110 17 15 2 0 0 - -
TOTAL 110 17 15 2 0 0
...
OUTBREAKS 7
...
https://wahis.oie.int/#/report-info?reportId=34439

 

[Pathfinder]

06 July 2021

CapeNature addresses recent H5N1 avian influenza outbreak

CapeNature and a number of conservation organisations, including the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) are monitoring and taking action to effectively respond to the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that is currently affecting birds in South Africa.

The H5N1 strain has been detected in sick and dead wild birds, but to date the impacts have not been as severe as those of the 2017/18 H5N8 strain when a large number of wild birds succumbed to this virus. There is concern about the possible impact it may have on the Great White Pelican population in the Western Cape. There are only an estimated 370 breeding pairs residing in the province, and already 40 out of a group of 100 birds have succumbed to the virus. Great White Pelicans, listed as vulnerable in the Western Cape, are colonial breeders, currently only breeding on Dassen Island.

Affected birds will appear to be weak and may display neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, loss of balance or head twitches. Respiratory signs will include foam around the mouth, fluid running from the nostrils or mouth, difficulty breathing or sticky mucous in the mouth. Affected birds will also have bright green diarrhoea. In the case of African Penguins, they may be found swimming in circles.

Fortunately, this strain of avian influenza poses a low risk to humans, but people can transport the virus on their hands and clothes and therefore should be cautious when handling sick and dead birds. CapeNature will continue to work in close collaboration with State Veterinary Services, and other conservation partners, to monitor and combat the spread of the virus.

“I hope that with continued collaboration, open communication and swift responses, we can continue to tackle this disease effectively. We will endeavour to keep everyone informed of any changes as we become aware of them”, added CEO of CapeNature, Dr Razeena Omar.

HPAI is a controlled disease, and reporting is therefore required by law. SANCCOB is conducting wild seabird disease surveillance work, and thus should also be informed of any potentially infected seabirds. Members of the public can report sick seabirds, or an unusual number of dead birds, to CapeNature via the following locations:

• Oudtshoorn: Theresa van der Westhuizen, 087-0873023 / tvdwesthuizen@capenature.co.za
• Vrolijkheid: Corné Claassen, 087-0873897 / cclaassen@capenature.co.za
• Porterville: Donny Malherbe, 087-0873010 / gmalherbe@capenature.co.za
• Kogelberg: Steve Gildenhuys, 087-0874118 / sgildenhuys@capenature.co.za

Sick seabirds can also be reported to SANCCOB on 021 557 6155 (office hours) and 078 638 3731 (after hours) as well as to State Veterinarians, whose contact details can be accessed here.

-ENDS-

...

https://www.capenature.co.za/news/2021/capenature-addresses-recent-h5n1-avian-influenza-outbreak

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agr...on-chickens-stolen-from-farms-during-looting/


Two million chickens stolen from farms during looting
By Susan Marais
July 24, 2021 at 10:36 am


Arsonists burnt down a Rainbow chicken processing plant and several trucks during the riots in KwaZulu-Natal last week. Looters also stormed 10 farms and stole about two million birds. This was according to Izaak Breytenbach, general manager of the Broiler Organisation of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA).

“Unfortunately, these were breeder birds and commercial layer birds,” Breytenbach said.

The poultry industry is concerned about the impact last week’s riots and looting will have on the spread of avian influenza (AI) due to a break in biosecurity measures on numerous farms.

“In the past month we’ve only had two new cases of bird flu, but during the looting biosecurity measures were ignored, which could lead to an [increase in numbers] again,” he said

Breytenbach added that the industry was also concerned about the high incidence of AI amongst wild birds.

“About 50% of all reported AI infections has been found in wild birds and the infection rate is still very high. In April it was only reported in waterbirds, but now it’s been recorded in pelicans, falcons and bulbuls. So even though we have the problem contained amongst our chickens, the threat remains.”

Despite numbers of reported incidences declining, farmers were urged to be on alert and to report any signs of AI to their nearest State Veterinarian for immediate investigation....

 

[sharon sanders]

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