#Albania - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

{Extract}

(...)

    {Durres Region} 

    As a part pf the surveillance programme implemented in high risk areas, sample were collected from {backyard reared} ducks and geese, none of the which exhibited clinical signs. 

    The reference lab confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus. 

    All the necessary measures have been implemented on farm in accordance with the CP and in line with the commission delegated regulation 2020/687.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7917

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#Uruguay - #Influenza A H5 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 1

 

    ° Following a suspicion regarding deaths among birds of various species, the Official Veterinary Service (SVO) launched an epidemiological investigation in a backyard in the Department of Colonia. 

    ° In the backyard there were birds of different species: hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), geese (Anser anser), and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), which were raised outdoors and had contact with migratory wild birds. 

    ° Rapid tests came back negative, but samples were sent to the official laboratory to confirm the results, and they tested positive via PCR. 

    ° The SVO is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation in the zone. 

    ° On September 4, 5, and 6, the SVO conducted the epidemiological investigation in the area. 

    ° Activities included coordination, geographic delineation of the outbreak, establishment of a 5-kilometer operational radius, stamping out, sampling of birds, epidemiological investigation, and classification of establishments according to their risk level. 

    ° On September 5 and 6, 34 establishments within a 5-kilometer radius of the outbreak were inspected and identified. 

    ° No cases with compatible signs or mortality were reported within these establishments, nor were any commercial poultry farms listed in this area.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7810

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#Chile - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

The date of last occurrence corresponds to the end date of the most recent event involving backyard birds in Biobío region, involving birds that were not considered poultry as defined by the OIE Terrestrial Code.

Source: 

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7757

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#Colombia - #Influenza A #H5N1 viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification

 

    As part of the epidemiological surveillance activities carried out by the Colombian Agricultural Institute, aimed at the early detection of clinical signs consistent with avian influenza, an outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza was confirmed in the village of Puerto Murillo, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, Vichada Department. 

    The outbreak affects non-poultry birds in a backyard, in which digestive symptoms and mortalities were observed. 

    The National Veterinary Authority initiated screening and epidemiological monitoring efforts in the area of origin of the affected birds. 

    As a control measure, all the birds in the epidemiological unit were culled, and, in addition, epidemiological surveillance in the surrounding area was strengthened to identify other possible cases and prevent the spread of the outbreak.

    The animal health event occurred on a family subsistence farm (backyard) and affected only a flock of birds that, according to the definitions in the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code, are not considered poultry, as they are intended solely for the household consumption without commercial purposes or links to livestock production chains. 

    The reported clinical picture was characterized by weakening, anorexia, profuse diarrhea, and high mortality following epidemiological contact with migratory wild birds.

Source: WOAH, https://wahis.woah.org/#/home

Link: https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7674

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The role of #ducks in detecting Highly Pathogenic Avian #Influenza in small-scale #backyard poultry #farms

Abstract

Previous research efforts on highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) suggest that different avian species exhibit a varied severity of clinical signs after infection. Waterfowl, such as ducks or geese, can be asymptomatic and act as silent carriers of H5N1, making detection harder and increasing the risk of further transmission, potentially leading to significant economic losses. For backyard hobby farmers, passive reporting is a common HPAI detection strategy. We aim to quantify the effectiveness of this strategy by simulating the spread of H5N1 in a mixed-species, small-population backyard flock. Quantities such as detection time and undetected burden of infection in various scenarios are compared. Our results indicate that the presence of ducks can lead to a higher risk of an outbreak and a higher burden of infection. If most ducks within a flock are resistant to H5N1, detection can be significantly delayed. We find that within-flock infection dynamics can heavily depend on the species composition in backyard farms. Ducks, in particular, can pose a higher risk of transmission within a flock or between flocks. Our findings can help inform surveillance and intervention strategies at the flock and local levels.

Source: BioRxIV, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.23.666292v1

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