H5N6 Avian Influenza outbreaks in wild birds in the Netherlands (21 December 2017)
Defra has reported that three cases of H5N6 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds have been found in Flevoland, the Netherlands, in close proximity to the outbreak reported on December the 8th in commercial ducks. The wild birds were all reported to be mute swans (Cygnus olor).
On December the 21st an outbreak of H5N6 HPAI was reported in captive birds also in Flevoland in the Netherlands. Further definitive analysis is awaited to identify the characteristics of this new virus.
H5N6 Avian Influenza confirmed in the Netherlands (8 December 2017)
On the 8th December 2017, a 3 km Protection Zone and a 10 km Surveillance Zone have been established around a poultry premise in Biddinghuizen, the Netherlands due to confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The farm had nearly 16,000 ducks and is located approximately 45 miles east of Amsterdam.
All susceptible animals on the infected premise have been culled and all premises within the 3 km Protection Zone have been screened. All samples of the screened premises tested negative. This H5N6 subtype is a re-assortment linked to H5N8 and not the Asian zoonotic H5N6.
Current situation in the UK
There are currently no outbreaks of Avian Influenza in the UK. DEFRA have updated their outbreak assessment which can be found here.
Biosecurity:
As you would expect vigilance and biosecurity are two of our key messages to all poultry keepers. The wild bird population has previously been responsible for spreading the AI virus and it's important for poultry keepers to minimise the contact between wild birds and poultry flocks as far as possible.
It is important to remain vigilant for signs of disease and report anything suspicious to your local vet without delay. Clinical symptoms and routes of transmission are detailed in the NFU's Avian Influenza guide which can be found here. It may be useful to ensure all staff members are aware of these clinical signs.
Backyard keepers:
There is lots of advice for backyard keepers including preparations ahead of winter and top tips for keeping your birds safe on the NFU's Countryside website and copies of an infographic poster produced in collaboration with DEFRA and other industry stakeholders is available for download here.