India: Assam, AVIAN INFLUENZA A/H5N1 IN POULTRY (December 2008+)

[HenryN]

Originally Posted by AlaskaDenise

Is this true for non-avian species also? Or is it a function of the fact that birds are able to keep the viral load low becase they are so well adapted to influenza?

.

Viral loads are dependent on a variety of host factors.

[HenryN]

Bird flu spreads to new areas in Assam

Wed Dec 3, 2008 12:23pm IST


GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - A fresh outbreak of bird flu in poultry was detected in Assam on Wednesday and authorities prepared to start culling thousands of chickens, a senior official said.
"Yes, bird flu has spread to new areas, we are getting ready to start culling in those areas shortly," Ashim Kumar Kakoty, a top veterinary official in Assam, told Reuters.
More than 40,000 chickens and ducks have been be slaughtered over the weekend in around 20 villages, after one of them, just 35 km west of Guwahati -- the biggest city in the region -- was hit by bird flu.
Authorities were worried about a new outbreak after some poultry deaths were reported in Palasbari, also close to Guwahati.
"The newly affected areas cover about 20 villages," Kakoty said.
Sale and movement of poultry in and around Guwahati has been prohibited and precautionary measures stepped up in other parts of the state.
Health workers have moved to affected areas to check people for any flu-like symptoms.
India has not reported any human infections so far, though the first outbreak in poultry was reported in 2006 in Maharashtra.

http://in.reuters.com/article/topNew...36840620081203

[HenryN]

Bird Flu Outbreak in Assam

This is to notify that an outbreak of Birdflu (H5NI) has been declared in Kamrup District, Assam, India which has been reported to the Ministry on the evening of 27th November 2008. As per the notification from the Ministry, an emergency meeting was convened on 28th November. Various preventive measures have been discussed and recommended as follows: Reactivation of Veterinary Vigilance Team (VVT) by Department of Livestock for clinical and laboratory surveillance along the southern border Dzongkhags, especially in Samdrup Jongkhar and Sarpang Dzongkhag. Appropriate regulatory and quarantine activities such as distinction of vehicles and other risk goods, etc should resume at all entry points. Import of table eggs and frozen chicken from already identified sources in Bhutan will be allowed only through Phuntsholing. Then movement from Phuntsholing to eastern part of the country and those Dzongkhags sharing border with Assam can be allowed only through lateral routes. Import permits for day-old-chicks (DOC) which have been already issued for import via Guahati shall be immediately revoked. Import of DOCs from Pune to Paro via Delhi and Katmandu shall be continued. Poultry feeds from Samrat Feed Mills in Siliguri should be allowed only if it is transported by lateral routes (entry only through Phuntsholing) for movement to other eastern and southern border districts. These preventive measures discussed re-enforcement of Birdflu prevention activities in the country is to be announced in the media for public notification to garner support and cooperation. The recommendations will be reviewed and amended every two to three weeks as deemed necessary. The Ministry requests everyone for support and co-operation in order to prevent the disease from entering the country.

http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/news/news_detail.php?id=584

[HenryN]

Assam on alert after bird flu spreads to new areas

Guwahati (IANS): The Assam government has sounded a health alert and banned the sale of poultry following the spread of the deadly bird flu virus to newer areas, officials here said Wednesday.
"Samples of dead birds tested positive for avian influenza in a number of villages in Kamrup district," district magistrate R.C. Jain said.
"We shall be carrying out culling of birds in 11 villages from Thursday," he added.
There was an outbreak of bird flu last week in the Hajo area of Kamrup district, about 35 km from Assam's main city of Guwahati.
"An estimated 60,000 birds were ordered to be killed in 48 villages within a five kilometre radius from where avian influenza was reported," Jain said.
The culling operations in the 48 villages are almost complete. The poultry targeted includes ducks and chickens.
"It is a matter of concern with the virus now spreading to new areas and hence a maximum health alert has been sounded. Teams of doctors and paramedics are taking precautionary measures so that humans are not affected," said Parthajyoti Gogoi, a central health ministry official.
The central health ministry last week confirmed outbreak of bird flu after laboratory tests found strains of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza. More than 600 birds have died in Kamrup district in the past one week.
Assam's veterinary and animal husbandry department has sounded an alert and maintaining strict surveillance on farms in the state with veterinarians carrying out checks on all poultry.
A central health ministry team is also assisting the local authorities in the culling operations. The World Health Organization (WHO) fears that the H5N1 strain could mutate into a form easily transmitted between humans and spark a deadly pandemic.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus...0812031022.htm

[HenryN]

Map updated

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...4,3.186035&z=8

[HenryN]

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...sam_Alert.html

[HenryN]

Bird flu hits Assam again
BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Guwahati December 04, 2008, 0:13 IST


Following the confirmation of presence of H5N1 virus or bird flu among domestic poultry in Kamrup district, the Assam government has prohibited sale of poultry and eggs in the district.

With around 5 lakh people associated with the poultry business in Assam, of which nearly half are marginal farmers, the reappearance of bird flu is expected to once again hit the poultry sector of the state.
Earlier this year, the states poultry sector was hit due to culling and ban on sale of poultry products following the outbreak of the disease among poultries in neighbouring state of West Bengal.
An office bearer of All Assam Poultry Farmers' Association (AAPFA) said that outbreak of bird flu for the second time would wipe out the marginal farmers from the industry, as it will be difficult for them to bounce back with scarce resources, and will set the stage for entry of big and organised players.
He admitted that there is a decline in sale of poultry products across the state as bird flu panic has gripped among the people.
Though he could not spell out the exact loss the poultry sector has incurred in the last few days or is expected to incur in the coming days, he said "if the disease spreads to others areas, the loss would be huge."
He said that the wholesale price of broiler chicken has fallen from Rs. 50-55 to Rs. 35-40.
Nonetheless, he added that the members of the association are cooperating with the culling personnel.
He demanded adequate compensation from the government as poultry business is the mainstay for many marginal farmers in the state.

http://business-standard.com/india/s...?autono=342166

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/...d=dec0408/at06

Bird flu spreads to new areas
Staff reporter
GUWAHATI, Dec 3 – Dreaded bird flu disease has spread to new places as Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (HSADL) has confirmed presence of the virus of the dreaded bird flu among the diseased backyard fowls of Sarpara and Patgaon villages of Kamrup district. This the second case of outbreak of the dreaded disease caused by the H5N1 virus in the State. The first case was detected in Rajabazar village of Hajo Revenue Circle in the same district on November 27.

The Sarpara village is located under the Rampur Development Block of Palasbari Revenue Circle, Patgaon is located under the Rani Development Block of Azara Revenue Circle.

Culling operations in the Rani and Rampur development block areas covering around 22 villages will start tomorrow and 40 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been formed to conduct the operations in an area of three kilometre radius in each of the blocks for eliminating the entire backyard poultry population. In the Rampur Development Block many commercial poultry firms are there, while, in the Rani Block, most of the poultry population is household backyard ones.

Meanwhile, preparations are on to launch the moping operations in the 20 villages of Hajo revenue circle which have been covered under culling operation for the last few days. According to official sources, moping operations are expected to start in the revenue circle tomorrow. Till yesterday evening, around 46000 backyard birds were killed in the area.

The State Animal Disease Emergency Committee met here today with Additional Chief Secretary Parul Devi Das in the chair. The meeting reviewed the present situation and asked the Deputy Commissioners of both Kamrup and Kamrup (Metro) to impose restrictions on transportation of poultry and poultry products in an area of 13 kilometre radius from the villages which reported occurrence of bird flu. The DCs of other districts of the state are also alerted and asked to maintain strict vigil on the situation. The meeting was also attended by Joint Commissioner (LHS) of the Government of India and other senior officials of the concerned State Government Departments.

[HenryN]

First Published: 00:55 IST(4/12/2008)
Last Updated: 00:56 IST(4/12/2008)

Bird flu spreads wings in Assam


A week after bird flu outbreak was confirmed in Thakuria Chuba of Rajabazar village in Kamrup (Rural) district, it has now spread to some other parts of the district and neighbouring Kamrup (Metro) district.
“Laboratory test confirmed bird flu virus in Sarapara village in Palasbari revenue circle. We’ll start the culling operation in 11 villages in and around Sarapara from tomorrow,” Kamrup (Rural) Deputy Commissioner R.C. Jain said on Wednesday.
Bird flu also spread to Patgaon village in Kamrup (Metro) district, adjacent to Palasbari circle. A large number of poultry birds died in Patgaon and three neighbouring villages. Samples sent to the Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) tested positive.
Assam animal husbandry and veterinary director Aswini Kotoki said the source of the infection were local lakes, where a lot of migratory ducks fly in at the onset of winter. “Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of H5N1 virus. Migratory birds are believed to be the source of this virus,” Kotoki said. He didn’t rule out the possibility of the virus spreading to other districts.
“The infection, first detected in the Hajo area, has now spread to Rampur and Rani on the outskirts of the state capital,” Kotoki said over the phone.
“Culling operation in Hajo villages will be completed by December 5. As many as 51,546 birds have been culled in 48 villages. Around two lakh poultry birds will be culled in both Hajo and Palasbari revenue circles,” Jain said. Twenty five-member teams — including four veterinary department officials and a member of district administration — had been out sent for the job.
Culling has to be carried out in all villages within 3 km radius of the epicentre — where outbreak is detected. Both the district administrations have imposed Section 144 and prohibited sale and movement of poultry birds and products in areas within 10 km of the affected villages.
Some bird owners are not happy with the compensation. The state government has sent a memorandum to the Centre to increase the amount. Culling is done under a scheme of the Union government.
With inputs from Zia Haq in Delhi.



http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=5d95a262-e59f-4e13-a492-5eb1dd5ebb49

[HenryN]

Dispur firm on flu check

A STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati, Dec. 3: Dispur today went all out to prevent the spread of bird flu from the affected Kamrup and Kamrup (metro) districts by holding a state-level meeting here this afternoon and formulating a co-ordinated approach to tackle the disease. The meeting, chaired by additional chief secretary Parul Devi Das, directed the health and the veterinary departments to coordinate with other departments like the public health engineering, public works, transport and police to ensure that the disease does not spread beyond the boundaries of the two districts. The meeting comes on the eve of fresh culling operations to be carried out at Patgaon in Kamrup (metro) and Rani and Rampur in Kamrup from tomorrow after samples collected from these areas and sent to the Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory tested positive yesterday. Das told this correspondent that all possible steps, involving several departments, had been initiated to check and contain the spread of avian influenza. “As of today, only two districts are affected. The steps include an awareness drive to alert and educate the masses about the possible dangers of the disease so that they cooperate with us during culling operations. “The compensation rates will also be prominently displayed so that those who suffer do not feel cheated. Other steps include adopting the right practices for culling and disposal of birds so that humans are not infected,” she said. The director of veterinary department, A. Kotoky, said 60 rapid response teams (RRTs) would be engaged for culling operations starting tomorrow. While around five villages will be affected in Patgaon, 11 each will be affected in Rampur and Rani. “We have started mopping up operations in the Hajo area after the culling drive ended yesterday. Over 35,000 poultry birds have been culled,” Kotoky said. Bird flu was first reported from the Rajabazar area of Kamrup district in the last week of November. The veterinary department has identified this village as the epicentre of bird flu. http://www.telegraphindia.com/108120...y_10202288.jsp

[HenryN]

District map

http://www.cic.nic.in/images/assamdistrict.jpg

[HenryN]

Kamrup blocks:
Bezera
Bihdia Jajikona
Boko
Bongan
Chamaria
Chandrapur
Chayani Borduar
Chaygaon
Dimoria Development Block
Goraimari
Goreswar
Hajo
Kamalpur
Rampur
Rangia
Rani
Soalkuchi

[AlaskaDenise]

Originally Posted by niman

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...sam_Alert.html

Commentary

H5N1 Health Alert in Assam India
Recombinomics Commentary 11:58
December 3, 2008

The Assam government has sounded a health alert and banned the sale of poultry following the spread of the deadly bird flu virus to newer areas, officials here said on Wednesday.

"Samples of dead birds tested positive for avian influenza in a number of villages in Kamrup district," district magistrate RC Jain said.

The above comments describe a health alert issued in Assam. H5N1 was confirmed last week and culling within a 3 or 5 km radius was initiated. However, there were poultry deaths outside of the 5 km radius, and new culling sites were announced daily. The above comments indicate the new culling locations were linked to positive lab results (see updated map).

The spread of H5N1 is not a surprise. Bangladesh has also confirmed H5N1 and both countries had massive outbreaks which began almost a year ago. Media reports have cited government officials who cited migratory birds, which migrate into the region at this time of the year.

Although India has yet to confirm H5N1 in anything but poultry, Bangladesh confirmed H5N1 in dead crows near dead or dying poultry, and excessive crow deaths were reported in India also, although positive H5N1 results were not reported. Similarly, wild birds died in India last season and were diagnosed as having pneumonia, and common result of H5N1 infections.

Thus, although the sale of poultry has been banned, H5N1 infections of resident and migratory birds are likely to spread H5N1 in India and Bangladesh in the near term.


.

[HenryN]

BIJOYNAGAR AND ADJOINING AREAS OF SOUTH KAMRUP, ASSAM

-AN INTRODUCTION

The Bijoynagar handloom cluster is situated in South Kamrup and comprises of Mirza, Bijoynagar, Palashbari, Rani, Chaygaon, Boko areas. The location of South Kamrup is as follows: Nagaon district is on the east and southern part of Goalpara district on the west, the Brahmaputra river on the north and the hills of Meghalaya on the south.

As for the socio- cultural milieu, South Kamrup is divided into two regions by the city of Guwahati. It stands at a point and the two regions lying to the east and west of it are more or less separated in respect of socio- cultural relations. Though South Kamrup is inhabited by tribal and non- tribal population, it is primarily dominated by the non- tribal. It is seen that the border areas are covered by the tribal population excluding the riverine area of the Brahmaputra. Among the tribals, the Rabhas are largest in number followed by the Bodos. There is a small number of Garo villages also. The important places of South Kamrup are as follows:

Palashbari: The old Palashbari was practically eroded by the Brahmaputra and a new Palashbari has come up near the old one. Palashbari is a fast growing commercial place and is famous for exporting timber. The headquarters of the Palashbari Revenue Circle is located here. After the devastating erosion of Palashbari in 1956, the commercial centre of the town has been shifted to Bijoynagar. The official site has shifted to Mirza.

Chaygaon: It is an important business centre especially on jute and rice. Big weekly markets are held twice where considerable trade is carried out. Relics of the Chander Merghar constructed by Chand Sadagor of the Sati- Beula fame are still here. Chandrika Devalaya is an old place of worship in the locality. Local tradition links this temple with the Epic age. Ruins of a Shiva temple also exist here.

Boko: Boko is also a trading centre of importance. It mainly has tribal population and the villages of this area are known for eri culture.

[HenryN]

Gulf News 40,000 birds culled after avian flu outbreak | Guwahati: Authorities in Assam have culled some 40,000 poultry of an estimated 60,000 birds ordered to be killed after an outbreak of the deadly bird flu virus in the r... (photo: WN / Rubielyn Bunag) Birds Flu Outbreak Photos Virus
The News International Bird flu outbreak hits Assam Tuesday, December 02, 2008 | NEW DELHI: Authorities in India's north-eastern Assam state culled 40,000 poultry of some 60,000 infected birds ordered to be killed after an... (photo: WN / Jamal Penjweny) Bird Flu Health New Delhi Photos
Independent online India slaughters after bird-flu outbreak | New Delhi - Authorities in India's north-eastern Assam state culled 40 000 poultry of some 60 000 infected birds ordered to be killed after an outbreak of bird flu... (photo: Public Domain / -) Bird Disease Health India Photos
The Times of India 40,000 poultry culled in Assam after bird flu outbreak | 1 Dec 2008, 0920 hrs IST, IANS Text: GUWAHATI: Authorities in Assam have culled some 40,000 poultry of an est... (photo: WN / Sweet Radoc) Assam Bird Flu Disease India Photos
The Times of India Corporate Round-up | Text: Network Error | First Source Solutions, a mid-sized IT services company, reported a disappointing quarter-on... (photo: WN / Rubielyn Bunag) Business Finance India Photos Technology
Gulf News Migratory birds blamed for avian flu outbreak | Chennai: Migratory birds are behind the fresh outbreak of bird flu in Assam, Indian health minister Anbumani Ramadoss said yesterday, adding that culling operations had... (photo: WN / Jamal Penjweny) Bird Flu Health Photos Science http://archive.wn.com/2008/12/03/1400/assamtvnews/

[HenryN]

Bird flu hits Assam again
BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Guwahati December 04, 2008, 0:13 IST


Following the confirmation of presence of H5N1 virus or bird flu among domestic poultry in Kamrup district, the Assam government has prohibited sale of poultry and eggs in the district.

With around 5 lakh people associated with the poultry business in Assam, of which nearly half are marginal farmers, the reappearance of bird flu is expected to once again hit the poultry sector of the state.
Earlier this year, the states poultry sector was hit due to culling and ban on sale of poultry products following the outbreak of the disease among poultries in neighbouring state of West Bengal.
An office bearer of All Assam Poultry Farmers' Association (AAPFA) said that outbreak of bird flu for the second time would wipe out the marginal farmers from the industry, as it will be difficult for them to bounce back with scarce resources, and will set the stage for entry of big and organised players.
He admitted that there is a decline in sale of poultry products across the state as bird flu panic has gripped among the people.
Though he could not spell out the exact loss the poultry sector has incurred in the last few days or is expected to incur in the coming days, he said "if the disease spreads to others areas, the loss would be huge."
He said that the wholesale price of broiler chicken has fallen from Rs. 50-55 to Rs. 35-40.
Nonetheless, he added that the members of the association are cooperating with the culling personnel.
He demanded adequate compensation from the government as poultry business is the mainstay for many marginal farmers in the state.

http://www.business-standard.com/ind...?autono=342166

[HenryN]

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...a_Migrate.html

[ironorehopper]

INDIA: AVIAN INFLUENZA IN POULTRY, ASSAM, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, UPDATE (12/1/2008)

Full document PDF at LINK

From TABLES

From TABLES

[HenryN]

spreads to new areas
Guwahati | Thursday, Dec 4 2008 IST


The dreaded disease bird flu has spread to new places of Assam as more deaths of chickens have been reported from Barpeta even as culling operations are on in full swing in Kamrup district.
Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup district R C Jain confirmed that bird flu has spread to Azara area of the district after affecting a large area of Hajo near Guwahati.
The Bhopal-based High Security Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (HSADL) has already confirmed presence of the virus among the fowl of Sarpara and Patgaon villages of Kamrup district.
This is the second case of outbreak of the dreaded disease caused by the H5N1 virus in the state. The first case was detected in Rajabazar village of Hajo Revenue Circle in the same district on November 27.
Sarpara village is located under the Rampur Development Block of Palasbari Revenue Circle while Patgaon is located under Rani Development Block of Azara Revenue Circle.
Culling operations in the Rani and Rampur development block areas, covering around 22 villages, will start tomorrow and 40 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been formed to conduct the operations in an area of three km radius in each of the blocks for eliminating the entire backyard poultry population.
Rampur Development Block has many commercial poultry firms while in the Rani Block, most of the poultry population is household backyard ones.
Meanwhile, preparations are on to launch the mopping up operations in 20 villages of Hajo revenue circle which have been covered under culling operation for the last few days. According to official sources, mopping up operations are expected to start in the revenue circle tomorrow. Till yesterday evening, around 46,000 backyard birds were killed in the area.
The State Animal Disease Emergency Committee held a meeting here yesterday chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Parul Devi Das. The meeting reviewed the present situation and asked the Deputy Commissioners of both Kamrup and Kamrup (Metro) to impose restrictions on transportation of poultry and poultry products in an area of 13 km radius from the villages which reported occurrence of bird flu.
The DCs of other districts of the state have also been alerted and asked to maintain strict vigil on the situation. The meeting was also attended by Joint Commissioner (LHS) of the Government of India and other senior officials of the concerned State Government Departments.
The sale of poultry has been affected in the entire state but so far ban on the sale has been restricted to Kamrup (rural) district.
With temprature remaining low, the disease is apprehended to spread further unless emergent measures are taken.

-- (UNI) -- 04CA6.xml
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Art...4/1120056.html

[HenryN]

District map of Barpeta

http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/assa...ts/barpeta.htm

[HenryN]

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...1_Barpeta.html

[HenryN]

Bird flu spreads to new areas of Assam

Rangiya: Bird flu spread to fresh areas of Assam’s Kamrup district on Thursday forcing the government to deploy 15 rapid response teams in the worst affected Palasbari circle.
The disease has spread to Dohali, Sarpara, Dokhola, Hudungpur, Rani and Patgaon areas of Palasbari circle where the rapid response team with specialists and doctors have be sent, the district’s Deputy Commissioner R.C. Jain said.
In Hajo circle, also considered to be another worst affected area, nearly 60,000 birds have been so far culled and more will follow in the next couple of days, he said. Residents, whose birds have been culled so far, were paid a compensation of Rs. 18,17,300. There were, however, protests from villagers who were unwilling to allow their poultry to be culled. — PTI

http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/05/stor...0550200100.htm

[AlaskaDenise]

Originally Posted by niman

Commentary

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...a_Migrate.html

Commentary

H5N1 Sequences Migrate Into India
Recombinomics Commentary 12:11
December 4, 2008

While it is not impossible that this outbreak in Assam in northeast India might be due to migratory birds, there is as yet very little evidence for them playing a meaningful part in the epidemiology of this disease, in fact, rather to the contrary, as commercial movements of poultry and such have been found to be the consistent cause.

More detailed genomic analysis will show where this recent Assam HPAI strain is most likely from. - Mod.MHJ]

The above comments on the Assam outbreak and sequences are curious. Sequence analysis strongly points toward a migratory bird origin, as noted by officials in India. The comments from India are based on sequence analysis of early outbreaks in India and neighboring Bangladesh.

Sequences from outbreaks in the 2005/2006 season have been made public and all sequences west of China, including sequences from India are clade 2.2, the Qinghai strain isolated at the Qinghai Lake Nature Reserve in the spring of 2005. One sub-clade, 2.2.3 was found in south Asia (India and Afghanistan), and regions adjacent to the Caspian Sea (in Russia and Iran) as well as one isolate from Italy.

More recently 2006/2007 sequences have been published from Pakistan, which were also clade 2.2.3, and the cleavage site of sequences from the 2007 outbreak in Bangladesh were also clade 2.2. Similarly, the sequences from the outbreaks in West Bengal and Bangladesh a year ago were also described as the Qinghai strain. Thus, all sequence analysis to date supports a wild bird origin for these outbreaks.

An extensive sequence analysis could be used to prove or disprove movement from one farm to the next. Sequence evidence for such trade-related movement is limited. The best example was found in 2007 outbreaks in Hungary and England which were virtually identical (99.96%), but this outbreak was the exception. Analysis of other sequences demonstrates near identity between multiple isolates from the same outbreak, but comparisons with other outbreaks, even when collections are close in time and space, are distinct, demonstrating independent introductions.

These independent introductions were demonstrated once again by sequences recently released fro 2007/2008 outbreaks in Europe. These sequences involve clade 2.2.3 isolates that grew out of another large scale die off of migratory birds. The outbreak was in the summer of 2006 at Uvs Lake in Mongolia and lead to sequences that were related to the earlier 2006 sequences, but distinct. These Uvs Lake sequences were subsequently detected in South Korea and Japan at the end of 2007, followed by Kuwait at the beginning of 2007.

The sequences then unexpected appeared in the Czech Republic, Germany, and France in the summer of 2007. Although all sequences were the Uvs Lake strain, each outbreak represented an independent introduction. Those outbreaks were followed by additional outbreaks in the fall of 2007 and beginning of 2008 in the Middle East and Europe and several of these sequences were recently released. The Uvs Lake sequences in Europe fall onto two branches. One branch has sequences from Krasnodar and three of the isolates from Germany. The other branch has sequences from Romania, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the two outbreaks in England (free range turkeys at the end of 2007 and swans at the beginning of 2008). Sequences from the same outbreak are identical (a chicken and swan isolate from Krasnodar or a chicken, turkey and cat sequence from Romania). However, sequences from separate outbreaks, such as the four in Germany in the summer of 2007, are readily distinguishable from each other.

Thus, sequences from Assam are likely to be related to recent sequences from Bangladesh, but the sequences are also likely to be distinct enough to once again demonstrate independent introductions.


.

[HenryN]

Culling operations on in Rani block
Staff reporter
GUWAHATI, Dec 4 – Culling operations in two villages of Rani-Rampur Development Blocks started today in the wake of outbreak of bird flu among the poultry populations of the two development blocks. Official sources here said that the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department touched two villages – Jobe and Patgaon today while conducting the culling operations. Altogether 335 backyard birds were killed in the two villages during the day’s operation, said the sources.

Meanwhile, moping operations started today in the Hajo areas, where culling operations were conducted earlier to create an elimination zone for preventing spread of the bird flu within a radius of 3 km from the Razabazar village where the disease occurred among its poultry populations, said the sources.

In all, 20 villages of Hajo Revenue Circle were covered by the culling operations. The culling operations in Rani-Rampur areas are expected to cover around 22 villages, said the sources.

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/...d=dec0508/at05

[AlaskaDenise]

Originally Posted by niman

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...1_Barpeta.html

Commentary

Likely H5N1 Spread to Barpeta Assam
Recombinomics Commentary 18:21
December 4, 2008

The dreaded disease bird flu has spread to new places of Assam as more deaths of chickens have been reported from Barpeta

Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup district R C Jain confirmed that bird flu has spread to Azara area of the district after affecting a large area of Hajo near Guwahati.

The Bhopal-based High Security Animal Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (HSADL) has already confirmed presence of the virus among the fowl of Sarpara and Patgaon villages of Kamrup district.

The above comments suggest H5N1 has spread to Barpeta, which, if confirmed, would represent the spread of H5N1 to three districts (the first two are Kamrup, rural and Kamrup, metro) in Assam, India.

Earlier media reports has cited Rajabazar Village of the epicenter, where H5N1 was confirmed last week. However, subsequent reports described suspected and confirmed H5N1 to the east. Barpeta would represent spread to the west (see updated map), which would be expected if Rajabazar was the epicenter.

Recent comments have also focused attention on migratory birds which have been arriving in the region. H5N1 in migratory birds as well as resident wild birds would likely spread H5N1 beyond the borders of these three districts. Therefore more poultry deaths and H5N1 confirmations are expected.


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[Dutchy]

Friday,5 December 2008

Bird flu reaches outskirts of Guwahati

- Guwahati: Culling operations began here at Patgaon, in the outskirts of the city in Assam, amid fears of an outbreak of Bird flu in the region.

The poultry sale has been banned in the area as experts were debating over the health hazard in properly cooked chicken.

Starting from Hajo area, the disease spread over almost half of the entire Kamrup (Rural) and all the pockets around the city as these places have major broiler business supplying chickens to the huge market of the city, said Kamrup DC R C Jain.

Deputy Commissioner Mr Jain confirmed that bird flu has spread to Azara area of the district after affecting a large part of Hajo in the district.

Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (HSADL) has already confirmed presence of the virus of the dreaded bird flu among the diseased backyard fowls of Sarpara and Patgaon villages of Kamrup district.

This is the fourth case of outbreak of the dreaded disease caused by the H5N1 virus in the State. The first case was detected in Rajabazar village of Hajo Revenue Circle in the same district on November 27.

The Sarpara village is located under the Rampur Development Block of Palasbari Revenue Circle, while Patgaon comes under the Rani Development Block of Azara Revenue Circle, just two km from the Guwahati airport.

Culling operations in the Rani and Rampur development block areas covering around 22 villages has started and 40 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been formed to conduct the operations in an area of three km radius in each of the blocks for eliminating the entire backyard poultry population.

Meanwhile, preparations are on to launch the moping operations in the 20 villages of Hajo revenue circle which have been covered under culling operations for the last few days.

According to official sources, moping operations are expected to start in the revenue circle tomorrow.

Till yesterday evening, around 46,000 backyard birds were killed in the area, sources added.

http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-b...Type=EDITORIAL

[Commonground]

Bird flu outbreak prompts poultry product ban

4 December, 2008

Following an outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) in neighbouring Assam’s Kamrup district on November 27, the department of livestock has banned the import of eggs and frozen chicken from Assam and West Bengal states.

Import of eggs and frozen chicken from identified sources in India are allowed only through the Phuentsholing gate. A news release from the department of livestock said that movement of poultry ad poultry products, including animal feed from Phuentsholing, to the eastern dzongkhags sharing a border with Assam would be allowed only through the lateral highway.

Import permits for day-old-chicks (for breeding), which have already been issued for import via Guwahati, was immediately revoked to prevent the disease from entering Bhutan. “We won’t place a blanket ban on all poultry imports, but we want to caution people by being selective,” said the chief livestock officer, Dr Karma Tenzin. “We request people to cook chicken at 70 degree Celsius for at least five minutes to be on the safe side,” he said.

Meanwhile, the department has reactivated the veterinary vigilance team (VVT) for clinical and laboratory surveillance along the southern border dzongkhags, especially in Samdrup Jongkhar and Sarpang.

Appropriate regulatory and quarantine activities, such as disinfection of vehicles and high risk goods, has resumed at all entry points as a precautionary measure. Poultry feed from Samrat feed mills in Siliguri would be allowed only if it were transported through the lateral route.

Sonam dechen

[HenryN]

Panic in Assam as bird flu spreads to new district
Guwahati | Friday, Dec 5 2008 IST


Panic spread in lower Assam as the dreaded bird flu has spread to Barpeta district after taking in its grip almost half of Kamrup district.
Health authorities said the disease had spread to Barpeta and confirmed that it was the worst ever avian flu attack in the region since its detection.
The authorities admitted that they had not been able to contain the virus which had been threatening to wipe out Assam's entire poultry as the temperature was all set to dip in the next 30 days.
The authorities informed that the flu spreads when the temperature is on the lower side and there was fear that it could spread to humans.
Already it had reached the outskirts of Guwahati as culling operation began at Patgaon in Rani area near Guwahati airport, considered greater outskirt of the city.
Sale of poultry haS been banned in the area. Guwahati witnessed a slump in sales even as experts debated the health hazard of even properly cooked meat.
With Id-Ul-Zohha next Tuesday, traders as well as followers of Islam are in quandary as chicken is one of the main cuisines on the table that day. EDS:Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

-- (UNI) -- 05CA23.xml

http://news.webindia123.com/news/Art...5/1121610.html

[HenryN]

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...eta_Panic.html

[AlaskaDenise]

Originally Posted by niman

Commentary at

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/12...eta_Panic.html

Commentary

Panic in India as H5N1 Spreads to New District
Recombinomics Commentary 15:47
December 5, 2008

Panic spread in lower Assam as the dreaded bird flu has spread to Barpeta district after taking in its grip almost half of Kamrup district.

Health authorities said the disease had spread to Barpeta and confirmed that it was the worst ever avian flu attack in the region since its detection.

The authorities admitted that they had not been able to contain the virus which had been threatening to wipe out Assam's entire poultry as the temperature was all set to dip in the next 30 days.

The authorities informed that the flu spreads when the temperature is on the lower side and there was fear that it could spread to humans.

The above comments confirm the spread of H5N1 to a new district, Barpeta, in Assam (see updated map). The comments also raise concerns of additional spread in the upcoming weeks. Reports of H5N1 in India and Bangladesh rose sharply in January of this year, generating the worst H5N1 outbreaks in both countries reported to date.

Bangladesh reported H5N1 in a child in the slums of Dhaka, who recovered. However, it is likely that significant numbers of infections in Bangaldesh and India went unreported. Early video reports from West Bengal included villagers collecting dead birds without PPE’s as well as reports of consumption of the dead birds followed by bird flu symptoms. However, these cases were observed and not tested, raising concerns of widespread infections.

In addition to reports of humans with symptoms, wild bird deaths (resident and migratory) were linked to the poultry outbreaks, include large numbers of crows. Bangladesh confirmed H5N1 in the crows, but India has never reported H5N1 in any hosts other than domestic poultry.

These past reporting shortfalls suggest testing in the current outbreak will be limited. India has acknowledged the potential role of migratory birds in current outbreaks, but sequences from the earlier outbreak in West Bengal remain at Genbank under password protection.

The confirmation of H5N1 in India and Bangladesh, as well as expect spread in the near term remain causes for concern.


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