Global Avian Influenza Update

Published 2021년 7월 8일

Highly pathogenic strains of Avian Influenza continue to plague the global agricultural community. Vietnam recently experienced its first outbreak of the H5N8 virus, which has affected more than 14 countries since 2020. Chickens on a Togolese farm were found to have contracted the H5N1 avian flu, while an outbreak of the H5N5 strain of the virus was reported in China. Azerbaijan has banned poultry meat imports from affected countries to curb the spread of the virus into the country.

H5N8 avian flu outbreak in Vietnam

On the 2nd of July, 2021, Vietnam reported its initial H5N8 avian influenza outbreak at a chicken farm in Quang Ninh province. According to the Vietnamese Agriculture Ministry, samples from the farm tested positive for the virus in the province’s Ha Long City. The tests were conducted following the death of about 200 chickens at the farm in June. As a result, Vietnamese authorities are taking measures to prevent the virus from spreading further.

According to Quang Ninh’s animal health department, the H5N8 avian influenza not only affects poultry but infects humans without showing symptoms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of human-to-human spread of the H5N8 bird flu remains low after seven people in Russia contracted the virus but were asymptomatic. According to the WHO, in 2020, H5N8 outbreaks occurred in poultry or wild birds in the UK, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Germany, Egypt, Iraq, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Russia.

H5N1 avian flu outbreak in Togo

Hundreds of chickens quarantined at a farm in Togo have been culled to curb the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. The country has also closed a local bird market and banned the movement of poultry. According to Togo’s Ministry of Agriculture, more than 800 chickens were culled through incineration, and the eggs were destroyed to stop the spread. The poultry farm concerned will also remain in quarantine, with the local poultry and feed market closed for 30 days.

Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N5) outbreak in China

On the 21st of June, 2021, an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N5) was reported at Gukeng Township, Yunlin County, in Taiwan, China. Among a flock of 11,907 susceptible birds, 1,657 deaths occurred, and the remaining birds were culled to avoid further spread.

Azerbaijan Import restrictions

According to the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, the country has placed restrictions on poultry meat imports from certain countries to curb the spread of avian influenza from countries experiencing outbreaks. Highly pathogenic bird flu outbreaks have been recorded in Albania, Iraq, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the UK, and in the province of KwaZulu - Natal in South Africa. Poultry meat imports from the aforementioned countries will therefore be barred from entry into Azerbaijan.

Norway

According to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), highly pathogenic bird flu cases have been confirmed amongst wild birds in Holmestrand Municipality, Norway. As a result, the NFSA is now working on measures aimed at poultry in Holmestrand and Horten municipalities to prevent further infection.