Disease

Avian Influenza (H5 and H7 strains) in birds in Europe

The Hungarian authorities have confirmed HPAI H5N8 in a (wild) Mute Swan by a lake in Csongrad region, a well-known rest place for migratory birds at this time of year. This is the first report of HPAI H5N8 this year in the EU and follows the case in wild birds in Central Russia reported in June 2016. The same subgroup or clade (2.3.4.4) of H5 viruses was also detected in USA (Alaska) in August 2016 in wild mallards.

In other unrelated disease reports, the Netherlands has confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza, H5 (N type not determined) in turkeys in Deurne, Limburg. The holding contained approximately 12,000 turkeys, 5,000 ducks and 2,000 pheasant; no clinical signs were observed. The birds have been depopulated. The four other premises in the 1km zone have been screened.

In an unlinked incident, the German authorities reported an outbreak of LPAI H7N3 in captive birds in Mannheim on 18th October. Disease was detected in pheasants and a further 52 birds (ducks, guinea fowl and peacocks) were humanely destroyed.