Poultrymed | Infectious Diseases 2010

S. Korea reports avian influenza outbreak

31 December, 2010

South Korea confirmed its first outbreak of avian influenza for more than two years, with more than 100,000 chickens culled and more than 10,000 ducks. Two poultry farms, one in the central city of Cheonan and the other in the southwestern city of Iksan, were confirmed to have been contaminated by the H5N1 virus. All the 10,700 ducks at the farm in Cheonan and 17,000 breeding chickens at the farm in Iksan have already been culled and buried, together with 92,000 chickens raised at nearby farms.

S. Korea reports suspected case of avian influenza

30 December, 2010

A suspected case of avian influenza has been reported from a chicken farm in a southeastern region of the country, raising concerns over a fresh outbreak of avian influenza. The ministry said a chicken farm in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, reported a suspected case of avian influenza late Wednesday.

Newcastle disease found at poultry farm in Israel

29 December, 2010

At a farm in Neve Yamin, Israel, Newcastle Disease (NCD) has been found. It concerned a commercial egg type layers with 2,300 birds. The farm, housing a forty-one-week-old table egg layers had a history of egg drop with low mortality.

Egypt reports avian influenza death case

29 December, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza. A 28 year-old woman from Manshaet district of Damnhouar governorate developed symptoms on 12 December. She was admitted to hospital on the 14th and subsequently discharged on the 22nd in good and stable condition. She has a history of exposure in a market where live animals are sold.

Israel: outbreak of Newcastle disease in broilers

27 December, 2010

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was reported in Melea, North of Israel. The farm, housing 35,000 broilers had a history of respiratory diseases with high mortality the last week.

Israel: another outbreak of Newcastle disease

23 December, 2010

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was reported by the Israeli Veterinary Services to the OIE. The outbreak occurred in a backyard flock that contained 40 chickens, two pigeons and two geese. On 17 December 2010, 15 chickens died. No mortality was observed in the pigeons and geese.

France: Newcastle disease

23 December, 2010

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was reported in Morbihan (Saint Anne d'Auray, Auray). Poultry displayed first digestive then nervous clinical signs with increasing mortality. No movement of animals from or to the farm recorded.

Hong Kong bird tests positive for avian influenza

23 December, 2010

Hong Kong authorities confirmed that a dead bird found in the southern Chinese territory, the island of Lantau, had tested positive for the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.

Canada: Certain eggs distributed in Quebec may contain Salmonella

21 December, 2010

Eggs contaminated with salmonella were sold to restaurants and food service companies in Quebec and distributed to a charity food organization that put them in Christmas baskets, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns.

Japan: HPAI in Wild Birds at Zoo

Wild birds at a zoo on Honshu have been found with H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)

20 December, 2010

The outbreak of HPAI was found at Takaoka kojo (Old Castle) Park Zoo in Takaoka city in Toyama prefecture on Honshu. The outbreak started on 16 December and involved 14 captive wild birds, including 10 mute swans (four of which died), two ducks and two black swans. The affected birds have been destroyed. According to the report submitted to the OIE, it was confirmed on 19 December 2010 that a captive wild mute swan (Cygnus olor) in Toyama prefecture was infected with HPAI. On 16 December 2010, a staff member of the Takaoka Old Castle Park Zoo found out the death of two mute swans in a moat.

Japan: H5N1 avian influenza strain detected in Tottori swan

20 December, 2010

The HPAI H5N1 strain has been detected in a swan that died earlier this month in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, local officials said Saturday. The Tottori Prefectural Government revealed the results of a test on the young wild tundra swan, which was found reeling on the balcony of a residential house in Yonago on Dec. 4 and died the following day.

Germany: New reports reveal increased resistance to antibiotics in the food chain

Resistance to antibiotics

19 December, 2010

Resistance to antibiotics is increasing, according to research conducted by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), prompting concerns about the amount of drugs used for rearing livestock. The institute advised a limitation on the antibiotics that are administered to animals: “In order to prevent a further increase in resistances, the use of antibiotics should be limited to the absolutely necessary extent both in human and in veterinary medicine,” said the BfR. The warning was made on the back of two assessments by the National Reference Laboratories for Salmonella and Antibiotic Resistance at the BfR, which reported a high resistance to antibiotics in the food chain.

South Korea: LPAI H7N2

17 December, 2010

As part of a continuous avian influenza surveillance programme, samples (faeces, laryngo-pharyngeal swab) were collected from a poultry farm on 7 December. HA test result in Chungcheongnam-do Veterinary Research Institute was positive on 16 December. The National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service found avian influenza antigen (H7) by PCR on 16 December and confirmed it as low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N2) by gene sequencing on 17 December.

USA: Salmonella leads known foodborne pathogens in causing death

16 December, 2010

Each year in the United States about 48 million people (one in six Americans) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases, with salmonella the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths, according to new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Salmonella was the leading cause of estimated hospitalizations and deaths, responsible for about 28 percent of deaths and 35 percent of hospitalizations due to known pathogens transmitted by food.

Israel: another farm in Kfar Yeoshua affected with Newcastle disease

15 December, 2010

A neighboring farm in the same village was diagnosed as positive for Newcastle disease. The farm contained 22,000 broilers (31- day-old). All the broilers in the farm will be culled.

Israel: Newcastle disease in broilers

14 December, 2010

A Newcastle disease outbreak occurred in an organic broiler farm 29 days old. All 7000 birds were grown on one farm. On 11th December, 3000 birds were moved to an adjacent (200 meters) farm. On December 14th the farmer reported an increase in mortality.

Indonesia reports H5N1 infection

09 December, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 21-year-old female from Bandung City, West Java, Province developed symptoms on 14 November, was hospitalized on 22 November and is currently in hospital. Initial investigations indicate the case resided in an area close to a business where chickens were kept and the area was found to be lacking cleanliness with chicken droppings present.

S. Korea confirms avian influenza outbreak in southern province

08 December, 2010

The South Korean government confirmed an avian influenza outbreak in a southwestern region of the country (Iksan in North Jeolla Province), a main habitat of migratory birds.

Egypt: announces avian influenza fatality

08 December, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 30-year-old female from Gharbia Governorate, developed symptoms on 28 November, was hospitalized on 1st of December, where she received oseltamivir treatment, and died on 2nd of December.

Salmonella vaccine use up since Salmonella outbreak

04 December, 2010

The nationwide Salmonella outbreak and related egg recall in the US are likely drivers of a recent rise in the use of Salmonella enteritidis vaccines.

Azerbaijan: H5N1 detected

03 December, 2010

In an investigation into bird deaths at a poultry farm in Azerbaijan, initial tests revealed an H5 virus, and more tests are under way to determine if it is the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, the Azeri Press Agency (APA) reported Dec 3.

Japan culls 23,000 chickens to contain avian influenza

30 November, 2010

Japan began slaughtering about 23,000 chickens at a commercial egg layer farm in Yasugi, Shimane prefecture where an outbreak of avian influenza was discovered. The local government of the prefecture, 600 kilometers (about 370 miles) west of Tokyo, started killing the 23,300 birds at the farm after five chickens found dead on Nov. 29 tested positive for the H5 avian influenza virus.

Avian Influenza in the European countries - 2009 Report

29 November, 2010

This report provides information on the surveillance of poultry undertaken by the EU MS. It is structured to provide summary information on sampling and results in addition to more detailed analysis. All twenty-seven EU Member States (MS) participated in the survey in 2009. A total of 35,016 poultry holdings were sampled, which compares to 34,985 in 2008, 126,912 in 2007 and 29,005 in 2006. The most frequently sampled poultry category was Backyard Flocks (26.7% of total holdings sampled by EU MS), closely followed by Laying Hens (Free-range and conventional) (24.1%). The least sampled poultry category was Ratites (270, 0.77%) and this poultry category only makes up 0.04% of total holdings across the EU. In addition, two non-EU MS, Norway (NO) and Switzerland (CH), submitted data for this report.

Slovakia: Polish poultry meat withdrawn from Slovak stores due to salmonella

26 November, 2010

Over 20 tons of Polish meat exported to Slovakia has been found to contain salmonella. The meat, comprising 20 tons of chicken breast, was imported by Virema Trade in the Slovak town of Galanta. The affected poultry was to have been produced on 12 October.

Avian influenza H5N2 was detected in the province of Manitoba, Canada

25 November, 2010

Avian influenza H5N2 was detected in a turkey breeder farm in the province of Manitoba, Canada. The farm has been quarantined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and investigation will be conducted in compliance with the Canada's Notifiable Avian Influenza Hazard Specific Plan. All 8,200 turkeys on the farm will be destroyed within days.

Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance Among Salmonella Isolates from Chicken in China

19 November, 2010

This research (Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 2010) evaluates the antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolated in 2008 from a chicken hatchery, chicken farms, and chicken slaughterhouses in China. A total of 311 Salmonella isolates were collected from the three sources, and two serogroups of Salmonella were detected, of which 133 (42.8%) consisted of Salmonella indiana and 178 (57.2%) of Salmonella enteritidis.

Live-bird markets in Indonesia house H5N1

19 November, 2010

To identify environmental sites commonly contaminated by avian influenza virus A (H5N1) in live-bird markets in Indonesia, this study investigates 83 markets in 3 provinces in Indonesia. At each market, samples were collected from up to 27 poultry-related sites to assess the extent of contamination. Samples were tested by using real-time reverse transcription–PCR and virus isolation.

Italy: LPAI H5

18 November, 2010

Tha avian influenza National Reference Laboratory confirmed by RT-PCR the presnece of type-A, subtype H5 LPAI virus in a pool of tracheal swabs collected in a hobby farm. At the time of sampling, the farm had 3,527 birds.

Hong Kong Woman Hospitalized With Avian Influenza

17 November, 2010

A Hong Kong woman is hospitalized with pneumonia after contracting H5N1 avian influenza, possibly in China. There was no indication of human-to-human transmission of the influenza and relatives of the 59-year-old woman are showing no symptoms. The Hong Kong government raised its flu response level to “serious”.

Germany: LPAI H5N2

12 November, 2010

In Kobande,Kreis Parchim (Mecklenburg-West Pommerania), Germany, low pathogenic avian influenza (type H5N2) has been detected in a mixed poultry holding with 19,385 animals (13,777 ducks, 4,183 geese, 870 laying hens, 475 turkeys, 80 guinea fowls) all birds will be killed by the ministry of agriculture. The infection came to the forefront during a routine control, which is part of the monitoring programme for avian influenza.

Black Infants at Highest Risk for Salmonellosis and Severe Disease

06 November, 2010

A large population-based study presented here at Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 48th Annual Meeting shows racial differences in the rate of infant salmonellosis. Black infants were at greater risk than white or Asian infants for infection, invasive disease, and hospitalization. Of 7930 cases of infant salmonellosis (6179 with information on race), 61% were white, 30% were black, 6% were Asian, and the rest were "other." Asian infants were older (median age, 31.5 weeks) than either black (23.6 weeks) or white (22.7 weeks) infants.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Conducts Voluntary Egg Recall

05 November, 2010

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today was notified by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that one of the Company’s suppliers, Ohio Fresh Eggs, LLC, Croton, Ohio, had a routine environmental study sample which tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). Cal-Maine purchased approximately 24,000 dozen unprocessed eggs from Ohio Fresh which were processed and re-packaged by the Company’s Green Forest, Arkansas, facility between October 9 and 12, 2010, yet the Company was only notified today.

South Korea: LPAI H7N6

04 November, 2010

As part of the continuous avian influenza surveillance programme, Jeollanam-do Institute of Livestock and Veterinary Science tested samples (fæces and laryngo-pharyngeal swabs) collected from a duck farm in Sukma-ri on 27 October. Haemagglutination test results were positive on 1 November.

UK: Campylobacter associated with chicken liver parfait

04 November, 2010

On 5 July 2010, a suspected outbreak of campylobacteriosis was reported to the North East Health Protection Unit (HPU) by Environmental Health Officers from Northumberland County Council. Reports of illness were received from guests at a wedding held at a luxury hotel in Northumberland on 25 June 2010. One guest was hospitalised with Campylobacter infection following the event. In total, 13 guests who ate at the event submitted samples that tested positive for Campylobacter. The event consisted of a wedding breakfast (afternoon meal) and an evening buffet.

Nationwide Survey of Salmonella Prevalence in Environmental Dust from Layer Farms in Japan

01 November, 2010

A nationwide survey was conducted to determine Salmonella prevalence in airborne dust from layer farms. Of the 4,090 layer farms in Japan, 203 were surveyed and 48 (23.6%) of these were positive for Salmonella.

Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis in Israel

20 October, 2010

Nontyphoid Salmonella enterica (NTS) is a common cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide. In Israel, the distribution of NTS infections differs from the global epidemiology for NTS by having a larger representation of serogroups C1 and C2 (serovars Virchow, Hadar, and Infantis) in addition to serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium. Analysis of annual trends of NTS infections in Israel during 1995–2009 shows a steady decrease in the incidence of these infections, from 86.9 cases/100,000 persons in 1995 to 31.4/100,000 in 2005. During this period, the predominant serovars were Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Virchow, and Hadar, followed by Infantis. Since 2006, annual incidence of NTS has started to increase, rising to 44.0 cases/100,000 persons in 2009.

FDA clears Hillandale to begin shipping eggs

19 October, 2010

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) increased its estimate of cases involved in the outbreak to 1,813, compared with 1,608 in the last update on Sep 20. The Food and Drug Administration has given Hillandale Farms, one of two Midwest egg producers at the center of this summer's massive egg recall, the go-ahead to sell shell eggs again from three of its nine houses.

Korea: LPAI H7N7

18 October, 2010

As part of the continuous avian influenza surveillance programme, Chungcheongnam-do Veterinary Research Institute tested the samples (faeces and laryngo-pharyngeal swabs) collected from ducks in the farm located in Changso-ri, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do on 5 October. Haemagglutination test results were positive to H7 on 15 October .

Italy: H7 identified in Cremona

16 October, 2010

Italy reports (5 October) a case of low pathogenic avian influenza H7 in poultry in Volongo, Cremona (Lombardia). All turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens (1040) retained by the index farm were culled.

EU earmarks €250 million to combat animal diseases

12 October, 2010

Aiming to further strengthen the protection of human and animal health, the European Union earmarked today more than €250 million to support programmes to eradicate, control and monitor animal diseases in 2011. Member States endorsed the financial package proposed by the European Commission during today's meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH). The 138 annual or multi-annual programmes, which have been selected for EU funding, will tackle animal diseases that impact both human and animal health. More than half of the total sum will be used to finance programmes to eradicate 8 important animal diseases.

Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken meat – Meeting Report

07 October, 2010

Salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are among the most frequently reported foodborne diseases worldwide. In order to ensure that it is underpinned with the most robust scientific data, the 40th Session of CCFH requested FAO and WHO to provide them with the necessary scientific advice.

Taiwan: Low pathogenic avian influenza

04 October, 2010

An avian influenza virus was isolated by active surveillance sampling and confirmed as H5N2 subtype on 29 September 2010. Antibodies were also detected on those samples. Movement restriction was implemented on the infected farm immediately after the confirmation was made. The farm is located in Fang-Yuan.

Mass Bird Mortality in Krasnoyarsk

27 September, 2010

The Territorial Administration of the Rosselkhoznadzor for the Krasnodarskiy Krai informs that the mass mortality of wild birds was detected on Lake Tagarskoe of the Krasnoyarsk region on 18.09.2010. By estimate over one thousand birds died. The reason for birds’ death is being determined now. The samples of the pathological material have been taken from dead birds and sent to KGBU "Regional veterinary laboratory" of the Krasnoyarsk region and to FGI "ARRIAH".

Duck eggs implicated in UK salmonella outbreak

24 September, 2010

Duck eggs and duck products have been implicated in a national outbreak of salmonella food poisoning which, the Health Protection Agency says, has led to the hospitalisation of two people and the death of one.

Avian influenza surveillance in the European Union in 2009

24 September, 2010

In 2009 a total of 35,016 holdings were sampled (34,985 in 2008). The most frequently sampled poultry types were backyard flocks (26.7%) and laying hens (24.1%). Antibodies to H5 or H7 avian influenza were detected in 90 holdings (0.26%) of the total holdings sampled. Antibodies to H5 were detected in 52 holdings (52 in 2008, 97 in 2007), 5 of them were found to be virus positive on follow-up testing.

High Incidence of Salmonella enteritidis in chicken layer flocks in Turkey

01 September, 2010

This study presents Salmonella Enteritidis incidence in chicken layer flocks in Turkey determined by real-time PCR (rPCR) and by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) culture method. A total of 259 samples, composed of 1,036 individual samples each pooled into 4, including 175 cloacal swab, 14 intestine, 35 gizzard swab, and 35 cecal swab samples, belonging to 6 major companies, were collected from 50 layer flocks and tested by rPCR and ISO culture methods. Overall incidence of Salmonella in layer flocks by rPCR and culture was 61.0% (158/259) and 55.6% (144/259), respectively, regardless of the sample type, where 70.1% of these Salmonella isolates were determined as Salmonella Enteritidis.

Egypt: 36th avian influenza victim

31 August, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new human case of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection. The case is a 33 year-old female from Qaluibia governorate. She developed symptoms on 17 August, was hospitalized on 24 August, where she received oseltamivir treatment, and died on 26 August. Investigations into the source of infection indicated that the case had exposure to sick and dead poultry.

Squadron’s Bill Would Vaccinate Hens Against Salmonella

31 August, 2010

In the wake of the largest recall of eggs in history after a nationwide salmonella outbreak, New York State Sen. Daniel Squadron and Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh joined food safety advocates recently to announce legislation that will require farmers to vaccinate hens against Salmonella.

FDA: Multiple violation of FDA’s requirements at two egg farms

30 August, 2010

Federal officials today released their initial inspection reports of the two Iowa companies linked to the nation's biggest egg recall, which reveal multiple biosecurity breaches, such as rodent infestation, wild birds in poultry barns, and instances in which chicken manure could have contaminated egg-laying areas. The inspections, which represent the nation's first under the new shell egg safety rules, revealed that both companies failed to follow and implement their written Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) prevention programs. The national SE outbreak has sickened nearly 1,500 people so far and led to the recall of about 550 million eggs. Investigators were at Wright County Egg facilities from Aug 12 through Aug 30 exploring conditions at five sites and at the company's feed mill operation. Live mice were found inside laying houses at four sites, and numerous live and dead flies were observed in egg-laying houses at three locations.

New report on 10 years of salmonella investigation and Antimicrobial Resistance in Belgium

Belgium

27 August, 2010

All Salmonella isolates obtained in the context of official sanitary programmes in the primary production are analysed at CODA - CERVA. In 2009, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain organised programmes in poultry breeders, and in layers and broilers before slaughter. In addition, most Salmonella that were isolated for diagnostic reasons from food producing animals, companion animals or other, or strains obtained during field research, were also sent to the reference laboratory for serotyping. In 2009, 2,132 Salmonella strains were typed, which is about 13% less than in the previous year (n=2,446). Most Salmonella strains originated from poultry (53.6%) and from pigs (25.1%).

FDA ties chicken feed to salmonella in egg recall

27 August, 2010

FDA: chicken feed used at two Iowa farms has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that prompted the recall of more than a half billion contaminated eggs. The contaminated feed was produced at a feed mill that is part of Wright County Egg operation and also went out to the second farm linked to the outbreak, Hillandale Farms of Iowa. Feed ingredients may not have been the originating point for the salmonella outbreak.

Hillandale Farms of Iowa Conducts Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Shell Eggs

20 August, 2010

A second egg producer in Iowa, Hillandale Farms is voluntarily recalling shell eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to grocery distribution centers, retail grocery stores and foodservice companies which service or are located in fourteen states, including the following: Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

More than 250 people sickened by Salmonella as Iowa company recalls 380 million eggs

19 August, 2010

An Iowa company at the center of a massive recall of eggs linked to salmonella contamination dramatically broadened the nationwide recall to 380 million eggs. The nationwide salmonella outbreak, which federal officials said was the largest of its type related to eggs in years, has sickened more than 250 people in at least four states. In May 2010, CDC identified a nationwide increase in the number of Salmonella Enteritidis isolates with PFGE pattern JEGXX01.0004 .

More Salmonella cases linked to recalled eggs

Salmonella enteritidis

18 August, 2010

Reports of Salmonella illnesses in California, Colorado, and Nevada emerged today in the wake of an Iowa company's nationwide egg recall. Yesterday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a recall notice that said Wright County Egg, based in Galt, Iowa, was recalling certain Julian dates of shell eggs after state and federal health officials found the products might be linked to a fourfold surge in Salmonella Enteritidis(SE) infections. About 200 SE infections were identified in June and July.

Shell eggs recalled from Wright County Egg

16 August, 2010

Wright County Egg of Galt is recalling specific Julian dates (those represented by one number) of shell eggs produced by its farms because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, the company said in a statement regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's on-farm records review and egg testing for salmonella. Eggs affected by the recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, California and Colorado.

Canada: Newcastle Disease Outbreak Suspected

14 August, 2010

The discovery of about a thousand dead birds in northwest Saskatchewan has the province thinking it's an outbreak of the Newcastle disease virus. Birds found in the Meadow Lake and Jackfish Lake areas are being tested for the disease. Double-crested cormorants and gulls were found to have lesions consistent with NDV. The Ministry of Environment says there are occasional outbreaks that happen naturally, but they are short-lived and kill limited numbers.

CDC Report looks at Foods and Foodborne agents associated with Outbreaks in the United States

13 August, 2010

A total of 1,097 foodborne disease outbreaks were reported in 2007 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a CDC analysis. State investigators reported 21,244 illnesses and 18 deaths as a result of these outbreaks. The report also provides the most recent data on how many illnesses were linked to specific types of foods. Despite health officials' efforts, the cause of an outbreak—either the food or the foodborne agent responsible—often cannot be determined or confirmed. This most commonly is the case when the outbreak is small. Of 1,097 reported outbreaks in 2007, 497 (or 45 percent) confirmed that one foodborne agent was responsible and in an additional 12 outbreaks more than one foodborne agent was responsible. Thus, in more than half of the outbreaks, a foodborne agent was not identified. Norovirus was the most frequently confirmed foodborne agent (39 percent), followed by Salmonella (27 percent).

Egypt confirms new human case of avian influenza

12 August, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new human case of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection. The case is a 2 year-old female from Elsalam district, Cairo. She developed symptoms on 2 August, was hospitalized on the same day and received oseltamivir treatment. She is currently under treatment in hospital.

EU: EFSA evaluates factors contributing to Campylobacter in chicken

06 August, 2010

EFSA has published an evaluation of factors that may contribute to the spread of Campylobacter in live chickens and chicken carcasses in the European Union. The scientific report follows the publication of the first EU-wide survey carried out by Member States on the occurrence of this bacterium in chickens and their carcasses.

Newcastle disease hits hundreds of cormorants and gulls

06 August, 2010

Newcastle Disease strikes hundreds of cormorants and gulls on Marsh Lake in Big Stone County.The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the viral disease has killed about five hundred double-crested cormorants and four hundred ring-billed gulls at the lake between Appleton and Ortonville. Another die-off of 50 cormorants has been discovered at Wells Lake near Faribault.

New human case of avian influenza confirmed in Indonesia

03 August, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 34-year-old female from Tangerang District, Banten Province developed symptoms on 2 July, was hospitalized on 4 July and died on 7 July.

Japan: Pullorum Disease un a Breeding Flock

02 August, 2010

Salmonella pullorum has been found in a broiler breeder flock. An immediate notification was sent by the veterinary authorities to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The outbreak was detected by Kyoto prefectural livestock hygiene center during a regular investigation on 30 July in a flock of 800 breeding chickens in Kyoto city.

New human case of avian influenza confirmed in Egypt

29 July, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new human case of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection. The case is a 20 year-old female from Shobra Elkhima district, Qliubia Governorate. She was admitted to hospital on 21 July, placed on a ventilator, and received oseltamivir treatment. She died on 27 July. Investigations into the source of infection indicated that the case had exposure to sick and dead poultry.

18 sick with salmonella from duck eggs in Ireland

29 July, 2010

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reissued its advice on the safe consumption of duck eggs, following the confirmation of five new cases of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8.

Indonesia reports avian influenza fatality

22 July, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 13-year-old female from Sukoharjo District, Central Java Province developed symptoms on 16 June, was hospitalized on 21 June and died on 24 June. Laboratory tests were positive for H5N1 virus infection.

Ottawa Public Health reports rise in Salmonella cases

22 July, 2010

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is advising residents of an increase in the number of Salmonellosis cases reported in the city. A similar increasing trend has been observed provincially. Since the first of June, 23 cases of salmonella have been reported to OPH, almost double the number of cases typically seen this time of year.

FDA: New Final Rule to Ensure Egg Safety

Salmonella enteritidis and eggs

09 July, 2010

New Final Rule to Ensure Egg Safety, reduce Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) contamination in eggs from large-scale producers take effect today. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that as many as 79,000 illnesses and 30 deaths due to consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis may be avoided each year with new food safety requirements for large-scale egg producers. The new food safety requirements will become effective on July 9, 2010, through a rule for egg producers having 50,000 or more laying hens – about 80 percent of production. Among other things, it requires them to adopt preventive measures and to use refrigeration during egg storage and transportation. Large-scale egg producers that produce shell eggs for human consumption and that do not sell all of their eggs directly to consumers must comply with the refrigeration requirements under the rule; this includes producers whose eggs receive treatments such as pasteurization.

Denmark: Steps to fight foodborne bacteria

09 July, 2010

Danish authorities have signed a new four-year agreement as part of an on-going programme to combat salmonella and campylobacter. The government has pledged to spend DKK 25m (€3.3m) annually until 2014 to strengthen its fight against the bacteria. The cash would also be used to investigate Listeria and study E.coli resistance seen in imported poultry meat.

Indonesia: A fatal human case of avian influenza

05 July, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 34-year-old female from South Jakarta District, DKI Jakarta Province developed symptoms on 25 May, was hospitalized on 27 May and died on 1 June. Laboratory tests were positive for H5N1 virus infection.

Japan: Newcastle disease diagnosed in a chicken farm

02 July, 2010

The affected farm in Masaki-cho Iyo-gun introduced 60-day-old chickens on 22 June 2010 when two dead chicks were found. Thirty-three chicks died from 28 June to 1 July. A local government's veterinary service affirmed that two dead chicks collected on 30 June were infected with Newcastle disease virus by PCR test and virus identification on 1 July.

Russia: H5N1 in wild birds

25 June, 2010

Wild birds found dead on a lake in Ubsu-Nur, were found positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus. 367 birds were found dead.

Conagra recalls frozen chicken meals

Salmonella Chester

18 June, 2010

ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, Iowa establishment is recalling Marie Callender's brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is recalling all Marie Callender's brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals in commerce, regardless of production date. These products are being recalled after the company was informed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an investigation involving 29 people in 14 states who have been diagnosed with salmonellosis linked to Salmonella serotype Chester.

GEORGIA: Broiler carcass cleansing solution removes harmful bacteria

10 June, 2010

Using a cleansing solution to wash eviscerated chicken carcasses was effective in removing bacteria that cause human foodborne diseases, according to a study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. The findings provide data that may be useful to poultry producers in designing practical, non-chlorine-based sanitizers. The cleanser, which is composed of lauric acid and potassium hydroxide, could be used to sanitize chicken carcasses during processing prior to chilling. Since other countries do not use chlorine rinses, ARS is looking at alternatives for them and is evaluating the most effective rinses against foodborne pathogens in poultry. The studies were done by ARS microbiologist Arthur Hinton, Jr., and physiologists John Cason and R. Jeff Buhr at the Richard B. Russell Research Center in Athens, Ga. They conducted a series of studies to determine the best way to use mixtures of lauric acid and potassium hydroxide to sanitize poultry carcasses.

Nagqu: Avian Influenza found in wild dead birds

10 June, 2010

The National Bird Flu Reference Lab found avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 in wild dead birds in Co Nyi of Nagqu Prefecture. Nagqu, the largest prefecture of the Tibet autonomous region. Soon after receiving the report, Ministry of Agriculture sent experts to Co Nyi to take preventive measures together with the local Departments of Forestry and Veterinary such as making innocuous treatment of dead birds, monitoring wild birds and informing farmers and herdsmen of the related measures.

Risk factors for Salmonella on commercial egg-laying farms in Great Britain

09 June, 2010

In 2004/05, all European Union member states were required to carry out standardised prevalence surveys to establish the baseline prevalence of Salmonella in commercial laying flocks. As part of the survey in Great Britain, additional data were collected from 380 of the enrolled laying hen holdings to investigate risk factors for Salmonella at farm level. Using a multivariable logistic model weighted to account for the survey design, several factors significantly associated with Salmonella and Salmonella Enteritidis status were identified. Larger holdings (>or=30,000 birds) were found to be at higher risk of Salmonella, while vaccination, providing foot dips with brushes, washing and disinfecting the house at depopulation, having a clean car park away from house, using an independent or other non-company source of feed, being over 1 km from the nearest neighbouring farm and the presence of cats and dogs on the farm or on contiguous farms reduced the risk of any Salmonella serovars bein

China: a new case of human H5N1

08 June, 2010

The Ministry of Health in China has announced a new confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection. The case is a 22-year-old pregnant female from Hubei Province. She had onset of symptoms on 23 May and died on 3 June. Investigations into the source of her infection indicate exposure to sick and dead poultry.

LPAI in South Korea

04 June, 2010

After the previous LPAI outbreaks in Cholla-namdo on 13 May 2010, the local veterinary authorities have been tracing the epidemiologically linked farms and conducting tests for avian influenza. During the testing for avian influenza, two duck farms in Cholla-namdo and two duck farms in Cholla-bukdo were found to be positive by haemagglutination tests on 26 May and 2 June, respectively. The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) found avian influenza antigen (H7) by PCR on 26 May and 2 June. The NVRQS then confirmed it as low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H7N7) by gene sequencing on 27 May and 3 June.

US: Foodborne Illness Cost Calculator- Salmonella

ERS

22 May, 2010

The Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates that the annual economic cost of salmonellosis—the illness caused by the Salmonella bacterium—is $2,649,413,401 (2009 dollars). ERS average cost per case, 2009 - is $1,896. This estimate is for all cases of salmonellosis, not just foodborne cases. The estimate includes medical costs due to illness, the cost (value) of time lost from work due to nonfatal illness, and the cost (value) of premature death.

Study: Estimation of Salmonella prevalence in UK egg-laying holdings

Arnold et al. 2010

22 May, 2010

As part of an EU-wide programme to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in commercial egg-laying holdings, the EU has set for the UK an annual target of 10% reduction in the prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in commercial egg-laying holdings. To assist in demonstrating such a reduction, it is very important to obtain an accurate as possible baseline prevalence for Salmonella. The objective of this study was to provide a baseline estimate of the Salmonella prevalence in egg-laying holdings in the UK. Data from an EU baseline survey for Salmonella in UK commercial egg-laying flocks were therefore analysed using Bayesian methods, taking into account the sampling of only 1 flock per holding and estimates of the test sensitivity of the methods used in the EU baseline survey.

Korea: H7N7 in poultry

Korea

21 May, 2010

An avian influenza case of H7N7 (LPAI) was diagnosed in poultry in Wolya-myeon, Korea. As part of the avian influenza surveillance programme, Jeollanam-do Institute of Livestock and Veterinary Science took samples (faeces, laryngo-pharyngeal swabs and blood) from the farms on 13 May. Haemagglutination test results were positive on 18 May.

Salmonella cases continue to rise in British Columbia

Salmonella enteritidis

21 May, 2010

Over the past three years, British Columbia has seen a steady increase in cases of a particular strain of salmonella, with the vast majority of these being reported in the Lower Mainland. Since 2008, over 500 cases have been reported, and it is estimated that for every one case reported, between 13 and 37 others actually occur in the population. While 14 per cent of infected individuals have required hospitalization, no deaths have been associated with this outbreak.

UK: H5 in a duck farm

20 May, 2010

The British Embassy in Japan informed MAFF, on the evening of 18 May 2010, about a suspected seropositive test result (H5 subtype) in a duck farm in Nottinghamshire, England. Japan announced discontinuing imports of domestic fowl from Nottinghamshire, UK.

UK: Update on investigation into increase in salmonella

20 May, 2010

The Foods Standards Agency has issued a further update on the investigation into last year's increase in England and Wales in the number of cases of a certain type of salmonella. An outbreak in mid-August 2009 of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type (PT) 14b was possibly linked to an egg production premises in Spain. The UK and Spanish authorities have been working in close cooperation to investigate this case and the Agency has received information from Spanish officials that a full investigation and sampling at the egg production premises, Granja Avícola ‘El Angel’, has been carried out.

LPAI H7 - in the Netherlands

17 May, 2010

Low pathogenic avian influenza [LPAI] – H7N4, has been detected in a poultry farm with some 28 000 chickens, in Deurne. To be on the safe side, the infected holding will be culled and precautionary measures undertaken within a zone of about 3 km around the infected farm. There are 20 other poultry farms within the said zone.

Italy: H7N3 LPAI in Bergamo

16 May, 2010

Low pathogenic influenza (serotype H7N3) was detected in two holdings (April 2010), a dealer with 200 heads of poultry and another with 3,000 layers in Rogno in the province of Bergamo. The two farms are considered a single epidemiological unit-Close proximity-No functional separation.

Laos: HPAI re-emerged

14 May, 2010

H5N1 HPAI re-emerged in poultry in Laos (Vientiane capital - Latkhouay Farm, Xaythany). The affected birds are layers started to show clinical signs on 27 April 2010 and from 28 to 29 April 2010 two layers died. From 1 to 5 May 2010, the mortality of the poultry increased drastically in the farm.

Palestinian authority: H5N1 in poultry in Tul Karem

13 May, 2010

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the type H5N1 was found in poultry (broiler breeder farm) in Tul Karem (Bal'a). Several people were also hospitalized. The diagnosis was made by the Israeli Veterinary Institute.

USDA: New Performance Standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter

10 May, 2010

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new performance standards to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter in young chickens (broilers) and turkeys. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) also released a compliance guide to help the poultry industry address Salmonella and Campylobacter and a compliance guide on known practices for pre-harvest management to reduce E. coli O157:H7 contamination in cattle.

Mongolia: Avian influenza in wild birds

10 May, 2010

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been reported in wild bird species (whooper swans and greylag geese). The outbreak occurred in Sukhbaatar.

Research: Avian Influenza virus can be trasported by dust

08 May, 2010

The spread of influenza and highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) presents a significant threat to human health. Avian influenza outbreaks in downwind areas of Asian dust storms (ADS) suggest that viruses might be transported by dust storms.

Israel: New case of avian influenza

06 May, 2010

Avian influenza kills two Emu birds in Ein Gedi menagerie. Two Emus that died Thursday in Kibbutz Ein Gedi's menagerie succumbed to an H5N1 strain of the Avian influenza virus.

CVM announces the availability of the NARMS 2007 executive report

06 May, 2010

The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)- USA, announced the availability of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Systems' Enteric Bacteria (NARMS) 2007 Executive Report. The report summarizes, in an integrated format, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System data on Salmonella (non-typhoidal) and Campylobacter recovered in 2007 from food animals at federally inspected slaughter and processing plants, retail meats, and human clinical cases.

Denmark: Salmonella chicken shipped abroad

06 May, 2010

Several farms where salmonella outbreaks were reported allegedly continued to sell their chickens to companies abroad. While Danish food authorities and the poultry industry are struggling to keep foreign chickens with salmonella out of the country, infected meat is still being exported for sale abroad, reports financial daily Børsen.

Indonesia: Human avian influenza cases

06 May, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced two new confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. A 45-year-old female from the city of Malang in East Java province developed symptoms on 22 February. She recovered and is in a healthy condition. The case disposed of dead chickens in the 4 days before onset of symptoms.

Avian influenza – Human cases in Cambodia

04 May, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Cambodia has announced a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The 27-year-old male, from Prey Veng Province, developed symptoms on 13 April 2010, was admitted to the hospital on 16 April and died the following day. The presence of the H5N1 virus was confirmed by the National Influenza Centre, the Institute Pasteur in Cambodia.

Foodborne Disease Outbreaks, Australia, 2008, OzFoodNet

Australia

28 April, 2010

In Australia, an estimated 5.4 million cases of foodborne disease occur annually, costing an estimated $1.2 billion dollars per year. Surveillance of foodborne disease is used to monitor trends in illness, detect outbreaks, inform preventative measures and evaluate the efficacy of public health measures. OzFoodNet is Australia’s enhanced foodborne disease surveillance system. It was established in 2000 by the Australian Government to improve national surveillance and conduct applied research into the causes of foodborne illness.

Australia: Raw Chicken Meat Microbiological Survey

Australia

28 April, 2010

FSANZ (Food Surveillance Australia New Zealand) was the coordinating agency for a baseline survey to obtain information on the likelihood of live chickens being contaminated on-farm with Salmonella and Campylobacter and also the likelihood of the chicken being contaminated after it has been slaughtered. Salmonella and Campylobacter are the two main bacteria that can be present on raw chicken and cause illness if the chicken isn’t cooked or handled correctly. As in most poultry producing countries, Campylobacter and, to a lesser extent Salmonella, were frequently found in samples tested.

EFSA reports on antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic bacteria over 2004-2007

27 April, 2010

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a report which says that resistance to antimicrobials is found among the most common zoonotic bacteria originating from animals and food in the EU, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. The zoonotic bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials are of concern since they might compromise the effective treatment of diseases in humans.

EFSA evaluates possible reduction of Salmonella in laying hens

EFSA

21 April, 2010

EFSA was asked by the European Commission to evaluate the impact on public health of different reduction levels of Salmonella in laying hens. The presence of Salmonella in laying hens is considered a risk for humans, as consumers can become infected with the bacterium through eating eggs or meat from these animals. EFSA’s work will support any consideration by the Commission of setting new targets to control Salmonella. EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel said that concerning eggs from laying hens, the type of Salmonella most frequently associated with human illness is by far Salmonella Enteritidis.

Vietnam: two new confirmed human cases of A(H5N1)

21 April, 2010

The Ministry of Health has reported two new confirmed human cases of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection on 6 and 9 April 2010. These cases were confirmed at the National Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology. The first case is a 22 year old male from Nhu Co commune, Bac Kan province. He developed symptoms on the 28 of March 2010 and was transferred to the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in severe condition. Confirmatory test results for influenza A (H5) were obtained on 3 April. The initial epidemiological investigations show that there were sick/dead poultry at the patient's home and in the surrounding areas. The second case is a 2 year old girl residing in Cho Moi district, Bac Kan province. She developed symptoms on 2 April 2010. On 4 April, she was transferred to Cho Moi District Hospital for treatment where she is in a stable condition. Confirmatory test results for influenza A (H5) were obtained on 7 April.

Raw poultry a key source of Listeria

19 April, 2010

Incoming raw poultry is the primary source of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in commercial chicken cooking plants, according to a 21-month study conducted by Agricultural Research Service (A.R.S.) scientists and their collaborators at the University of Georgia, Athens, and published in the Journal of Food Protection. The researchers conducted their study in a new commercial cooking facility and began taking samples before the facility was operational. As a result, the research team was able to track the sources of contamination.

Newcastle in Belgium

16 April, 2010

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was diagnosed in pigeons in Waregem - Belgium. On 22 March, the young pigeons were vaccinated against Newcastle disease. Clinical signs appeared 3 days later.

Avian influenza persist in Egypt

09 April, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new human cases of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection. The case is a 18 year-old female from Etsa district, Fayoum Governorate. She was admitted to hospital on 31 March where she received oseltamivir treatment. She died on 4 April.

Research: A predominant Multidrug resistant Salmonella Saintpaul clonal line in German turkey and related food products

08 April, 2010

In recent years Salmonella (S.) enterica subsp. enterica serovar Saintpaul has increasingly been observed in several countries including Germany. However its pathogenic potential and epidemiological relatedness is not very well known. This study describes the biological attributes of S. Saintpaul isolates from turkey origin in Germany by characterizing their pheno- and genotypic properties.

Australia: ND found in imported pigeons

03 April, 2010

Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) president Dr Mark lawrie says the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has confirmed that some imported pigeons at a Victorian quarantine facility have been found to have pathogenic Newcastle disease.

Hong Kong: Mai Po closes on likely avian influenza case

02 April, 2010

The Mai Po Nature Reserve has been closed for three weeks following a suspected case of avian influenza in a dead barn swallow near the area. The reserve will not accept visitors until April 20 as a precautionary measure. Wild birds frequently make the reserve their home, with barn swallows usually visiting Hong Kong in spring and summer.

Taiwan: Event summary of Low pathogenic avian influenza

02 April, 2010

The summary of the event including three H5N2 LPAI outbreaks, reported respectively on 21 January, 10 February and 4 March 2010, is as follows: 1. The samples of the first outbreak of H5N2 LPAI were collected on 17 January 2010, from a broiler farm with 49,000 chickens, and the virus was isolated on 21 January 2010. Based on the sequence of HA0 cleavage site (REKR*GLF) on 22 January 2010, and IVPI of the isolate 0.0, determined on 3 February 2010, the virus was classified as LPAIV.

EFSA Issues Opinion on Salmonella Link in Poultry Production Chain

01 April, 2010

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ Panel) was asked to provide technical assistance on the link between Salmonella criteria at different stages of the poultry production chain. In particular, the BIOHAZ Panel was firstly asked to provide guidance on the detailed rules of a food safety criterion (FSC) for fresh poultry meat during shelf life with the purpose to be in accordance with the existing process hygiene criterion (PHC) on carcasses under conditions of processing and storage. The BIOHAZ Panel was further asked to provide guidance on a possible revision of both the FSC in fresh poultry meat and the PHC when the target for reduction of Salmonella in broilers has been achieved (1% or less flocks remaining positive for Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis or Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium).

Bulgaria: H5N1 in wild birds

01 April, 2010

An avian influenza case of H5N1 (HPAI) was diagnosed in wild birds in Varn (Varna), Bulgaria.

Egypt: two new human cases of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection

30 March, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new human cases of A(H5N1) avian influenza infection. The first case was announced on 28 March and is a 30 year-old female from Damietta district, Damietta Governorate. The case was admitted to hospital on 24 March where she received oseltamivir treatment. She is in a critical condition. The second case was announced on 21 March and is a 4 year-old male from Beba district, Beni Suaif Governorate .

Denmark: another LPAI outbreak

24 March, 2010

On 24 March 2010 an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of the type H7N1 was found in a holding with 3700 mallards for breeding near Brenderup in the municipality Middelfart on the island Funen. The holding was tested in accordance with the Danish surveillance programme for avian influenza in poultry.

EFSA publishes survey on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken in the EU

17 March, 2010

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the results of a survey on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken at slaughterhouses in the European Union. In most EU Member States, a high prevalence of Campylobacter was found in chickens, whereas Salmonella was less frequently detected. These zoonoses are the cause of the two most reported food-borne diseases in humans in the EU: campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. This was EFSA’s sixth baseline survey on food-borne bacteria carried out at EU level and the first to directly investigate the presence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chickens at slaughter.

Romania reports avian influenza outbreak - HPAI

16 March, 2010

The European Commission will adopt today a decision confirming the risk areas set up by the Romanian authorities in relation to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard poultry farm located in the commune of Letea, in Tulcea county, at the Danube's delta close to the Ukrainian border. Romania's national laboratory confirmed yesterday that the outbreak concerns the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. In order to limit the spread of the virus the Romanian authorities applied immediately the necessary control measures laid down in EU legislation.

Vietnam: An avian influenza human case

16 March, 2010

The Ministry of Health has reported a new confirmed case of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This case was confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE). The case is a 25 year old woman residing in Soc Son District, Hanoi. She developed symptoms on 5 March 2010 and was hospitalized on 7 March 2010 at North Thang Long Hospital. On 10 March 2010, her condition had worsened so she was transferred to Bach Mai Hospital where she is being provided with ventilation.

Egypt reports two new human cases of avian influenza

12 March, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The first case is a 20 year-old pregnant female from El Khanka district, Qaliobia Governorate. She was hospitalized on 5 March where she received oseltamivir treatment and died on 9 March. The second case is a 1 and a half year-old male from Elhamool district, Kfr Elsheikh Governorate. He was hospitalized on 2 March, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is in a stable condition.

Windsor Foods, recalls beef and chicken products due to possible Salmonella contamination

10 March, 2010

Windsor Foods, with operations in Lampasas, Texas, and Oakland, Miss., is recalling approximately 1.7 million pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef taquito and chicken quesadilla products that may be contaminated with Salmonella. The packages of beef taquito and chicken quesadilla products contain as an ingredient the specific Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), which was previously recalled. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of the HVP product on March 4.

Denmark: LPAI H7 in poultry

09 March, 2010

On 9 March 2010 an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of the type H7 was found in a holding with 190 mallards for breeding near Fuglebjerg in the municipality Næstved in the southwestern part of Sealand. The holding was tested in accordance with the Danish surveillance programme for avian influenza in poultry. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration have established a restricted zone of 1 km around the holding and are implementing the control measures in accordance with Council directive 2005/94/EC. The previous outbreak of LPAI in Denmark occurred in 2008.

More Avian Influenza cases in Egypt

08 March, 2010

The Egyptian Ministry of Health announced five new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The first case is a 53-year-old male from Shobra Elkhima district, Qaliobia Governorate. According to the ministry, the man developed symptoms on February 27 and was hospitalized the same day, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is currently in a critical condition.

Research article: Occurrence of Campylobacter in Commercially Broken Liquid Egg in Japan

Journal of Food Protection, Volume 73, 2010, 412-417

05 March, 2010

Samples of unpasteurized liquid egg (whole egg, egg yolk, and egg white) and pasteurized liquid whole egg were collected from egg-breaking facilities in Japan and were tested for the presence of Campylobacter. Campylobacter was isolated from 27.9% of unpasteurized liquid whole egg samples and 36.0% of unpasteurized liquid egg yolk samples. No Campylobacter was isolated from unpasteurized liquid egg white or pasteurized liquid whole egg samples. The contamination levels of Campylobacter ranged from <3 to 240/100 ml.

WHO: Egypt 5 new cases HPAI reported

04 March, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced five new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The first case is a 53 year-old male from Shobra Elkhima district, Qaliobia Governorate. He developed symptoms on 27 February and was hospitalized on 27 February, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is in a critical condition. The second case is a 1 year-old male from Banha district, Qaliobia Governorate. He developed symptoms on 22 February and was hospitalized on 23 February, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is in a stable condition. The third case is a 10 year-old male from Meet Ghamr district, Dakalia Governorate. He developed symptoms on 10 February and was hospitalized on 14 February, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is in a moderate condition. The fourth case is a 30 year-old female from Kellin District, Kafr El-Sheik Governorate. She developed symptoms on 10 February and was hospitalized on 11 February, where she received oseltamivir treatm

WHO: Vietnam reports 3 Human cases avian influenza

04 March, 2010

The Ministry of Health has reported three new confirmed cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, including one fatality. Two cases have been confirmed at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and one case has been confirmed at the Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City. The first case is a 3 year-old female residing in Ninh Hoa District, Khanh Hoa Province. She developed symptoms on 27 January 2010, and was hospitalized at Ninh Hoa district hospital on 28 January. She is recovering well.

Israel: Campylobacter in poultry, responsible for rise in infections in children

03 March, 2010

Improper handling of chicken meat is responsible for the increase in intestine infections among children, two new Israeli studies have shown. One study, by the Jerusalem District Office of the Health Ministry, found that while infections caused by the Salmonella and Shigella bacteria are on the decline, the number of infections caused by the Campylobacter bacteria is increasing.

Bhutan: first report of Avian Influenza

23 February, 2010

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 was found in free-range chickens in Chhukha province, Bhutan. The outbreak is situated near the southern international border.

Vietnam: first H5N1 case of the year

23 February, 2010

A three-year-old girl in the central province of Khanh Hoa has tested positive for H5N1, becoming the country’s first avian influenza patient this year. The girl, who lives in Ninh Hoa District’s Ninh Than Commune, fell sick on January 27.

Final report: H5N1 in a broiler-breeder pullet in Israel

22 February, 2010

The Epidemiology Report of the outbreak of HPAI in a 115 days old broiler breeder pullet flock in Ein Shemer - Israel was published today by the Israeli Veterinary Services.

WHO recommends developing new H9N2 vaccine virus

19 February, 2010

In a semiannual update on avian influenza activity, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that health authorities begin developing a candidate vaccine virus for the most recently recovered isolates of avian influenza strain H9N2. That subtype, which is endemic in poultry in parts of Asia and the Middle East, caused two unrelated human infections in Hong Kong in late 2009. The patients, who were mildly ill and recovered, were a 47-year-old woman and a 35-month-old child who were not related; both had traveled to mainland China. Isolates from the patients were not completely reactive to ferret antiserum to the existing H9N2 candidate vaccine virus, which was isolated in 1999.

More cases of Newcastle disease reported in Belgium

Belgium

18 February, 2010

Proven, WEST-VLAANDEREN: 28 young pigeons (11 purchased a few days before and 17 from the holding). Signs appeared few days after the introduction of the pigeons purchased (by 24 January). Treatment is applied. The pigeons remaining from the group being sick were culled and burned on 12 February. The other pigeons are isolated. The last vaccination was on 23 March 2009 and will be applied again. Quevy-le-grand, HAINAUT: 10 ornamental pigeons, 12 other ornamental birds separated from the pigeon house.

Egypt: two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection

17 February, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced two new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The first case is a 32 year-old male from Ashmon district in Menofya Governorate. He developed symptoms on 6 February and was hospitalized on 8 February, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is in a stable condition. The second case is a 29 year-old pregnant female from Elsadat District, Menofya Governorate. She developed symptoms on 6 February and was hospitalized on 12 February, where she received oseltamivir treatment. She died on 13 February.

Artificial insemination and avian influenza H1N1 in turkeys

12 February, 2010

Researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Athens, Georgia have shown that breeding turkeys may become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus during artificial insemination (AI). The paper has been published in Virology Journal by Mary Pantin-Jackwood and colleagues. They explain that the current pandemic influenza A H1N1 2009 (pH1N1) was first recognised in humans with acute respiratory diseases in April 2009 in Mexico, in pigs in Canada in June 2009 with respiratory disease, and in turkeys in Chile in June 2009 with a severe drop in egg production.

Indonesia records new avian influenza fatality

12 February, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has announced a new case of human infection of H5N1 avian influenza. A 25-year-old female from South Jakarta District, DKI Jakarta Province died on 25 January 2010. Laboratory tests were positive for H5N1 virus infection. The case was possibly infected from direct contact with poultry. Of the 163 cases confirmed to date in Indonesia, 135 have been fatal.

WHO: Update on human cases of HPAI A (H5N1) infection: 2009

12 February, 2010

During 2009, 73 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus were reported to WHO from 5 countries. The 73 laboratory-confirmed cases of H5N1 virus infection were reported from Cambodia (1 case), China (7), Egypt (39), Indonesia (21) and Viet Nam (5); all of these countries reported human cases of H5N1 previously. Circulation of highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in poultry is considered to be endemic in these countries, with the exception of Cambodia, where poultry outbreaks occur sporadically.

Egypt confirms man's H5N1 infection

10 February, 2010

The Ministry of Health of Egypt has announced a new case of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The case is a 37-year-old male from Helwan District, Helwan Governorate. He developed symptoms on 31 January and was hospitalized on 6 February, where he received oseltamivir treatment. He is in a critical condition.

Research: Chicken Meat Is an Infection Source of Salmonella Serovar Infantis for Humans in Japan

Salmonella infantis

09 February, 2010

A study published lately in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease confirms that chicken meat is the source of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Infantis (Salmonella Infantis) in humans in the Kyushu-Okinawa region, Japan. The resulting pulsed-field profiles showed that 17 of 30 human isolates were similar to those found in chicken meat, whereas there were no common pulsed-field profiles between human and chicken egg isolates.

Egypt reports two more H5N1 cases

09 February, 2010

Egypt's health ministry has announced two new human cases of H5N1 avian influenza, both in women who had exposure to sick birds. One of the patients is a 40-year-old woman from Banha district in Daquahliya governorate, northeast of Cairo, who got sick on Jan 31 and was hospitalized 2 days later. In the hospital she received oseltamivir and is in stable condition. The other woman, age 29, is from Elsadat district in Menofia governorate, located north of Cairo. She became ill on Jan 27 and was treated with oseltamivir after being hospitalized on Feb 3. She is in critical condition.

Avian influenza H5N1 re-strikes Myanmar

06 February, 2010

Avian influenza H5N1 has re-struck Myanmar with one case occurring in Yangon's Mayangong township in the beginning of this month. In April 2008, the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) declared Myanmar as a avian influenza-free country three months after the country...

Nepal reports outbreak of avian influenza

05 February, 2010

Nepal has reported an outbreak of avian influenza in the country. Six samples collected from a poultry farm in the western district of Pokhara tested positive to the H5N1 virus. The samples were sent to London's Weybridge Laboratory for confirmation after they tested positive in Nepal.

Cambodia confirms new outbreak of avian influenza

03 February, 2010

Cambodian authorities have begun a mass killing of ducks after confirming a new outbreak of avian influenza. The outbreak began last month, 16,442 ducks have died and at least 31,000 live ducks are exhibiting symptoms of the virus in the southern province of Takeo and samples tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

Report: Avian Influenza in Israel

02 February, 2010

First report on the avian influenza outbreak in Israel has been released. An increased in mortality was reported on the 17th of January.

Israel: A new case of Newcastle

01 February, 2010

An outbreak of Newcastle disease was recorded in Ahiezer (near to the Ben-Gurion airport). The farm contains 120,000 broilers 25 days old. The disease has been detected in one poultry house only. All the animals in the four houses have been destroyed.

Research: Avian influenza A(H5N1) in humans: lessons from Egypt

29 January, 2010

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) has ravaged the Egyptian poultry population. Ninety human cases, including 27 fatalities have been recorded by 30 December, 2009. However, epidemiological information on the infection in humans in Egypt is scarce. A new research published in Eurosurveillance (Volume 15, Issue 4, 28 January 2010) , analysed the first three years of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Egypt between 20 March 2006 and 31 August 2009) and found that more cases occurred in females than males, especially in 2006 and 2007.

EFSA report: trends and sources of zoonoses, zoonotic agents and food-borne outbreaks in the European Union in 2008

29 January, 2010

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have published their Annual Report on Zoonoses and Food-borne outbreaks for 2008, which gives an overview of zoonotic infections shared in nature by humans and animals and disease outbreaks caused by consuming contaminated food. The report shows that the number of human cases of the three most reported zoonotic infections was lower in 2008 than in 2007. Campylobacteriosis remained the most frequently reported zoonotic infection in humans across the European Union, with 190,566 cases notified in 2008 (down from 200,507 in 2007). In foodstuffs, Campylobacter, which can cause diarrhoea and fever, was mostly found in raw poultry meat. In live animals, Campylobacter was found in poultry, pigs and cattle.

Egypt: four new cases of human H5N1

Egypt

28 January, 2010

The Ministry of Health of of Egypt has announced four new cases of human H5N1 avian influenza infection. The cases are not linked epidemiologically. The first case is a 20-year-old female from Baniswief governorate. She developed symptoms on 6 January and was hospitalized on 11 January, where she received oseltamivir treatment. The second case is a 1-year-old male from Dakahalya governorate. He developed symptoms on 7 January and was hospitalized on 12 January, where he received oseltamivir treatment.

EFSA: Chicken meat major source of human cases of campylobacteriosis

28 January, 2010

EFSA’s Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) Panel has adopted an opinion on the extent to which broiler (chicken) meat contributes to human cases of campylobacteriosis. Experts conclude that the handling, preparation and consumption of broiler meat may directly account for 20 to 30% of human cases of campylobacteriosis in the European Union.

USA: Broiler Salmonella Positive Rates Rise

28 January, 2010

Salmonella positive rates at broiler establishments increased to 7.1 percent second-quarter 2009, up from 5.2 percent in second-quarter 2008, according to the FSIS’s 2009 third-quarter progress report on Salmonella testing of selected raw meat and poultry products.

Israel: Avian influenza H5

27 January, 2010

An outbreak of avian influenza was discovered yesterday at a broiler breeder pullet farm in Kibbutz Ein Shemer (about halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa), Israel. The disease was found in a broiler breeder house, 15 weeks of age, than contain 43,000 birds. The Israeli Veterinary Services ordered all birds in the farm to be culled.

Taiwan: LPAI in poultry

21 January, 2010

Taiwan reports an outbreak of H5N2 Low pathogenic avian influenza virus in poultry in Chang-Hua county. There are some 50,000 chickens on this farm. This outbreak is co-infected with chicken infectious anemia, mycoplasma and avian infectious bronchitis.

France: Turkey Farm Reports H1N1

21 January, 2010

The pandemic H1N1 influenza virus was confirmed in a flock of breeder turkeys in CÔTES-D'ARMOR (EREAC) -- the first France case involving breeder turkeys.

Avian influenza in Egypt

20 January, 2010

Governorate: Beni Suef District: Beba Event summary: Woman, 20 years old. The patient began experiencing symptoms January 6. She was admitted to Beni Suef Chest Hospital on November 15. Her famiy reported she had contact with sick and dead poultry.

Israel: Newcastle disease outbreak in broilers

20 January, 2010

Israel reports an outbreak of Newcastle disease in the South in a village named Patish (22 Km east to Beer Sheba). 40,000 broilers, 4 weeks of age were affected.

EU: Multinational Group Studies Salmonella Risks in Layers

14 January, 2010

One in ten of the layer houses sampled at the end of the laying period was positive for at least one Salmonella serotype in this survey across five countries. Housing in conventional battery cages, the absence of dry cleaning in between production rounds and sampling in winter were found to be risk factors for the shedding of Salmonella Enteritidis or Typhimurium. Researchers from five countries across Europe, led by S. Van Hoorebeke of Ghent University in Belgium, surveyed layer farms prior de-population to determine risk factors for contamination with various Salmonella serotypes. Their paper has been published in Preventative Veterinary Medicine.

Avian influenza breaks out in West Bengal district

14 January, 2010

A fresh outbreak of avian influenza was reported in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, prompting the authorities to immediately start a culling drive in the area.

US: Avian Influenza Found in Domestic Ducks

07 January, 2010

Domestic ducks have been found to be positive for the avian influenza (H5) virus during routine surveillance at a live market in Texas. Japan has banned imports of poultry and eggs from Texas. Japan is a small market for U.S. poultry, accounting for $43 million in sales last year. Texas is the sixth-largest US producer of chicken meat.

Indonesia Reports 15 New Avian influenza Deaths In 2009

07 January, 2010

Indonesia reported 15 more avian influenza fatalities in 2009, taking the human death toll in the country worst hit by the illness to 134. Officials recorded 20 cases of the illness last year, 19 of them fatal. The figures are the first to be released by Indonesia since March, when four deaths were announced. They show that while avian influenza is still active, the number of cases is on the decline.

H1N1 in California Turkeys

06 January, 2010

California officials announced that the pandemic H1N1 virus has been detected in a turkey breeding flock in the central part of the state, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reported. The only sign of illness was a drop in egg production.

New FSIS standards target salmonella and campylobacter in poultry

05 January, 2010

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has developed new pathogen reduction performance standards for control of salmonella and campylobacter bacteria in chilled carcasses at young chicken (broiler) and turkey slaughter establishments that are eligible for agency verification sampling. FSIS has had standards for salmonella, but not for campylobacter.

France: Salmonella study in poultry flocks

04 January, 2010

Researchers from the French Food Safety Agency and the French Agricultural Ministry have conducted an epidemiological study to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. contamination in French commercial breeding and fattening turkey flocks at the end of the rearing period. This study is part of a European Union-wide baseline study.