New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

[Commonground]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Excerpt:

Last night the family at the centre of the outbreak spoke of the devastation. Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the Court family said the past two days had been a nightmare, culminating yesterday with the slaughter of their flock of 25,000 hens.

Jonathon Court said the family had run Eastwood Farm, near Banbury, for more than 50 years and the free-range poultry unit for five years. He explained that an increase in bird deaths prompted them to call in a vet.
He added: "The source of the disease is not yet known and DEFRA will continue to make further investigations to try to identify this."

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2008/06/05/110721/avian-flu-update-family-speaks-of-loss.html

 

[Commonground]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

[I've scanned this thread, and I don't think this is a repeat....]

Excerpt:
In response to the confirmation of an outbreak of highly pathogenic H7 Avian Flu in a commercial layer flock in Oxfordshire, England, DARD has taken precautionary measures to minimise any risk here.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has been liaising closely with DEFRA and on the basis of the information available it has decided to introduce new specific, multiple and general licensing arrangements, effective from 5 June 2008 for poultry and poultry products. All existing general licences currently relating to the importation of poultry and poultry products - including meat, table eggs and captive birds - are hereby revoked.

Any prospective importer wishing to import from any part of Britain should contact DARD Trade Section, tel: 028 9052 4664 before import.

Birds originating from restriction zones in England will be prohibited from attending Bird Gatherings in the north. Pigeon Racing to the north will not be permitted if the races start in England, except for races from Devon and Cornwall.

http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dard/news-dard-050608-precautionary-measures-in.htm

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

[HPA] Confirmed H7N7 avian influenza in Oxfordshire poultry farm
5 June 2008

Following confirmation of the avian influenza virus subtype as H7N7, the Health Protection Agency has reviewed actions taken in the Oxfordshire poultry farm outbreak.

Based on the best evidence available from national flu experts, the Agency remains confident that all necessary steps are being taken to protect those people who may have been exposed to the virus on the premises or who are involved in disease control activities.

Director of the Thames Valley Health Protection Unit, Dr Elizabeth Haworth said:

"H7 avian flu remains largely a disease in birds, which does not transmit easily to humans. The disease on the Oxfordshire poultry farm was identified at an early stage and the Agency has been actively involved in assessing the risk and providing help and support, including ensuring all people who needed post exposure treatment with antiviral agents and seasonal flu vaccine received this and that those involved in disease control activities also received appropriate treatment before starting work.

"We have also set up enhanced surveillance of people exposed to infected poultry, checking daily for any symptoms of illness which may emerge even though the risk to humans remains very low."

Professor Nigel Lightfoot, Head of Influenza Programmes at the Health Protection Agency, said:

"Despite this occurrence the current level of risk to humans from avian flu is very low. Most human H7 infections so far have occurred through direct contact with live or dead infected poultry. However, any possibility of exposure to the virus is taken very seriously and the local Health Protection Unit is working closely with Defra and Animal Health to ensure that all the necessary steps are being taken to protect those people who may have been exposed to the virus on the premises or are involved in disease control activities."

Ends

Notes to editors:
Avian influenza, or "bird flu", is a contagious disease of birds caused by viruses that normally only infects wild birds and, rarely, other species including domestic poultry.

When a strain is identified as being 'highly pathogenic' this refers to the
implications for birds - not for humans. The risk to human health is very low for this strain.

For further information contact Teresa Cash, Regional Communications Manager HPA South East on 07789 295454; the Colindale press office on 020 8327 7098/7097/6690 or out of office hours on 020 8200 4400

There have been no cases linked to the consumption of properly cooked meat and eggs, for further guidance http://www.food.gov.uk/

For more information on avian flu, please see www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/default.htm

Further information on avian flu in poultry is available on the DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Last reviewed: 5 June 2008

-
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1212650893247?p=1204186170287
------

 

[HenryN]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Bird flu alert in Warwickshire: tests to find source

Jun 6 2008 By Michael Corley
SCIENTISTS have revealed that the strain of bird flu found on a farm near Warwickshire was the same as the one that led to millions of birds being culled in Europe.
The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced yesterday that hens on the farm near Banbury had been infected with the "highly infectious" H7N7 strain of the virus.
In 2003, about three million chickens in the Netherlands had to be wiped out to prevent the same strain spreading to the rest of the continent.
Though this might strike panic into the heart of the county's farming community, it could be days before tests reveal the source of the outbreak.
Officers from Defra have already culled about 25,000 free-range chickens since the infection was found at the farm in Shenington - near Tysoe in south Warwickshire - on Tuesday.
At the same time they imposed a 10km "no-movement" zone - banning the gathering and sale of birds as far as Kineton, Pillerton Priors, Pillerton Hersey, Avon Dassett and the fringes of Shipston. This will stay in place for 21 days.
A Defra spokesman said yesterday: "It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practise the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease.
"If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your vet. If you suspect that your birds have avian influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately.
"The Health Protection Agency has advised that H7N7 avian flu remains largely a disease of birds and the risk to human health is low."
Robert Newbery, chief poultry adviser for the National Farmers' Union, was quick to identify the strain as the one that wreaked havoc in Holland five years ago.
He said: "It's important that Defra now identify the source of the infection so that we all know where we stand. It's too early to speculate about the cause.
"The public should continue buying poultry and eggs. As long as they're cooked properly they do not pose a health risk."
A further outbreak or extension to the restrictions could prove a hammerblow to this year's Royal Show at Stoneleigh, which has already suffered a big drop in cattle entries because of fears over the bluetongue disease.
Animal health officers from the county Trading Standards team have been put on standby to answer queries from farmers and the public.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/ne...ickshire-tests-to-find-source-92746-21033521/

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Source: http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/press-releases/opinion-former-index/environment-and-rural-affairs/basc-working-with-defra-on-latest-avian-flu-case-$1226236$366445.htm

BASC working with Defra on latest avian flu case
Friday, 06 Jun 2008 12:21

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has been helping Defra gather vital information on the likely impact of the latest outbreak of avian flu will have on gamekeeping in the 3km and 10km zones.

Defra sought assistance from BASC?s Gamekeeping and Game Shooting department to build up a detailed picture of the scale of game rearing currently affected by the restrictions.

BASC has also written to all clubs and syndicates in the affected zones and is urging them and all other members to ensure they are compliant with all restrictions by checking the BASC website which has the most up to date information about avian flu and the implications for shooting.

Currently there are restrictions on the movement of eggs, chicks and birds and a total ban on the release of game in the 3km and 10km zones.

Gamekeeping and game shooting officer, Tom Blades, said: ?Defra has called on BASC?s expertise and regional structure to help them assess the wider implications of restrictions brought in to prevent the spread of avian flu. We will continue to work with Defra to secure, where possible, the easing of restrictions.?

 

[Sunshine123]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Virus previously killed vet

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=162019

THE strain of bird flu found at a farm in Shenington is the same type that previously led to the death of a vet.
The 57-year-old died of pneumonia after contracting the H7N7 form of the virus in the Netherlands in 2003.

Dozens of poultry workers also came down with conjunctivitis as a result of the outbreak.

The Government's chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens confirmed the the virus at Shenington based Eastwood Farm as the H7N7 strain yesterday (Thursday).

Because influenza H7N7 viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no antibody protection.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

More Media Myth on H7 Transmission
Recombinomics Commentary 20:04
June 4, 2008

The most publicised case was recorded in the Netherlands during an extensive epizootic of HPAI H7N7 virus on commercial poultry farms, between March and May 2003. One case involved fatal respiratory distress syndrome in a veterinarian who was in close contact with infected poultry -- see ProMED ref. below. Reportedly, 86 cases in poultry workers and 3 cases in people with no poultry contact were initially confirmed by PCR.

The majority of H7 infections have resulted in self-limiting conjunctivitis, whereas probable human-to-human transmission has been rare.

The above ProMED comments are internally inconsistent. The first paragraph acknowledges the 89 PCR confirmed H7 human cases from the 2003 H7N7 outbreak in The Netherlands, including three cases with no direct link to poultry, and then claims that probable human-to-human transmission has been rare. The difference between H7 transmission to humans from humans or poultry is slight. The 89 confirmed cases indicate transmission of H7 to humans is common, and the three cases confirmed above would move the H2H transmissions from the ?rare? category.

The 89 cases from a single outbreak are more than H5N1 cases in any country in any year, and only Vietnam and Indonesia have had more H5N1 infections over multiple years. H7 transmission to humans is much more common than H5N1, even though the sensitivity of H7 assays is exceedingly low.

The case for probable H2H transmission was significantly increased by follow-up studies on H7 antibodies in the above cases and contacts. Over 1000 cases were identified and 59% of culler contacts were positive, indicating the sensitivity of the PCR testing was very low and H2H transmission was very common.

The efficient H7 transmission was also supported by the H7N3 outbreak in British Columbia the following year. Fifty seven cases associated with the outbreak had suspected avian influenza, but only two were confirmed. Media reports indicated that many of the cullers had conjunctivitis, suggesting that most or all of the ?suspect? cases had similar symptoms, and the low number of confirmed cases indicates they either tested negative or were not tested at all. 55 cases from a single outbreak would again signal efficient transmission to humans, which would again support H2H.

The same type of result was reported a year ago in England in the H7N2 low path outbreak. Although only four were confirmed, one of the four had no direct contact with poultry, and many of the negative patients had symptoms at a time when seasonal flu in England was minimal.

The human cases in the above H7 outbreaks involving three different serotypes and both high and low path avian influenza supports common transmission to and transmission between humans.

The data do not support the above Pro-MED statement or statements issued by DEFRA on transmission to humans. The mis-statements are used by the popular press to spread the misinformation, creating or extending a media myth, which continues to be hazardous to the world?s health.

http://www.recombinomics.com/News/06040803/More_H7_MM.html
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70120

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

89 PCR confirmed H7 human cases from the 2003 H7N7 outbreak in The Netherlands, including three cases with no direct link to poultry, and then claims that probable human-to-human transmission has been rare. The difference between H7 transmission to humans from humans or poultry is slight. The 89 confirmed cases indicate transmission of H7 to humans is common, and the three cases confirmed above would move the H2H transmissions from the ?rare? category.

3.37% of of the 89 cases were H2H (assumed H2H due to no poultry contact)

What is the percentage H2H is needed to be classified as rare?

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

3.37% of of the 89 cases were H2H (assumed H2H due to no poultry contact)

What is the percentage H2H is needed to be classified as rare?

Also from post no. 54:
(...)
In this regard, the H7N1 viruses show several amino acid changes in the HA and the internal protein genes, compared with the sequences in both Italian H7N3 and Dutch H7N7 viruses (L.C., unpublished data).

To our knowledge, this is the first serological evidence of transmission
of LPAI viruses to humans during an epizootic in domestic poultry.

So far, reports of human infection with AIVs have been linked to outbreaks of AI caused by HPAI viruses in The Netherlands, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Canada.

The seropositivity rate in the 185 serum samples collected from workers exposed to AIVs during the outbreak of AI caused by H7N3 virus in Italy in 2003 was 3.8%.

This result is consistent with that in a retrospective cohort study conducted in poultry workers during the AI outbreaks caused by H5N1 viruses in Hong Kong in 1997 [13].

A serosurvey conducted by Meijer et al. [14] using modified HI assays to detect anti-H7 antibody in poultry workers exposed to AIVs during the epizootic caused by H7N7 virus in The Netherlands in 2003 found that approximately half of the individuals exposed to poultry and the household contacts of infected persons had anti-H7 antibodies.

It should be emphasized that the present study likely underestimates the real seroconversion rate in exposed individuals, because serum samples
were considered to be positive for antibodies to H7 viruses only if they repeatedly gave unequivocally positive results by use of at least 2 different serological techniques, including the MN assay.

Furthermore, the delay between the onset of some of the epizootics (e.g., epizootic 4) and the collection of the serum samples might have significantly reduced the chance of detecting antibodies to H7 viruses (...)
-
-----

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Source: http://www.meatinfo.co.uk/articles/62589/Bird-flu-update.aspx?categoryid=9045


Bird flu update

Published: (09-06-2008)

The recent outbreak of avian influenza (AI) remains contained, Defra reports.

As of midday Sunday there remains only one infected premise and so far, all reported cases under investigation has tested free from the AI virus.

The disease was discovered in laying hens on a premises near Banbury, Oxfordshire, last week and was subsequently revealed to be the highly pathogenic H7N7 strain

Full epidemiological investigation and tracings of any dangerous contacts are still underway and all possible sources of the outbreak will be investigated.

The Health Protection Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health remains low.

A license is now available for the movement of poultry meat into, within, or out of the protected zone.

The full list of licenses is available on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/movements/index.

 

[Oracle]

Nonsequiter

Nonsequiter

Commentary: UK Poultry Industry needs to get it's act together, or face the consequences.

Excerpts from news stories (most on same day, June 4, '08)

New bird flu outbreak near Banbury 'went undetected for three weeks'
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4066462.ece

Free-range chickens on the farm at the centre of the latest avian flu alert have been infected with the disease for three weeks, The Times has learnt.

A local veterinary surgeon was called to Eastwood Farm in the village of Shenington, near Banbury, Oxfordshire, after an increase of mortality in hens in one 3,000-bird shed.

The birds were treated with antibiotics. The owner however raised the alarm on Monday when 10 per cent of his 25,000 flock were found dead. Only then was avian flu suspected. Government vets are now urgently checking poultry in the neighbourbhood to ascertain whether the disease has already spread to other farms.


Bird flu hits family hard
http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.2319921.0.bird_flu_hits_family_hard.php

.... The family will be compensated by the Government for the slaughtered chickens and once the farm has been given the all-clear they can start to rebuild their flock.

Bird flu farmer praised
http://www.heraldseries.net/news/hsothernews/display.var.2323590.0.bird_flu_farmer_praised.php

FARMER Jonathon Court and his family have been praised for their swift action in spotting a bird flu outbreak. He noticed suspicious symptoms in some of his chickens on Monday night and immediately notified the Department for Food and Rural Affairs.


These excerpts suggest that the UK poultry industry is seriously out of touch with reality.

1. Free range poultry practices continue to be allowed on large farms, despite the risks for exposure from infected wild birds.
2. The 3,000 birds in the affected shed were treated for about three weeks before the outbreak became more serious and the poultry farm owner reported the problem to DEFRA.
3. The UK government will compensate the farmer for his business losses (and cleanup costs), despite his obvious laxity in reporting influenza like illness in his birds to authorities.

Ergo, its QUITE LIKELY that the H7 infection progressed from LPAI to HPAI in that 3 week period of silence - exactly the same circumstances as observed in the outbreak in BC.

The infection 'switched' from low pathenogicity to high pathogenicity, after the affected farms ineffectively treated young birds for weeks with antibiotics, for an unknown infection.

It's HIGHLY doubtful that DEFRA will identify the 'source' of this outbreak.

The farmer should be held up as an example of why each and every significant disease outbreak on poultry farms, with free range birds, and within the vicinity of known bird sanctuaries, should be REQUIRED to report the infection to a local vet. Vets, in return, should be required to report disease outbreaks that last for more than 10 days in infected flocks.

It's the ONLY way that an effective warning system will work, in countries that have an repeated outbreaks of AI. If the cost is a primary issue behind farmers laxity in reporting extended outbreak problems, DEFRA could offset that cost.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

 

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Nonsequiter

Re: Nonsequiter

Commentary: UK Poultry Industry needs to get it's act together, or face the consequences.

Hear, hear!

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Source: http://7thspace.com/headlines/284737/avian_influenza_epidemiology_report_published.html

Avian Influenza epidemiology report published

Defra has today published an epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.

The report concludes that, at the time of writing (11 June), the outbreak is confined to a single premises, and there is no evidence of infection in the Protection Zone or of spread to any other premises. However, investigations continue.

The report suggests that it is possible that the Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian influenza derived from a Low Pathogenic strain already present on the farm, analysis and investigations are ongoing, and a number of source hypotheses are being considered.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said

"The UK is at a constant but low level of risk of the introduction of Avian Influenza, and the report highlights the need for flock owners and poultry vets to remain vigilant for signs of disease, including the possibility of low pathogenic Avian Influenza. I would encourage all keepers to maintain good quality records and practise high standards of biosecurity."

The Protection and Surveillance Zones remain in place. Further surveillance, testing and epidemiological work on this outbreak are ongoing.

Notes to Editors

1. The report can be viewed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm

2. An indicative timeline to lifting Avian Influenza restrictions in Oxfordshire has been published to help poultry and egg producers and others whose business is affected by disease control restrictions. It can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm

3. Advice and information on H7N7 avian influence is available via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates, on 0844 884 4600.

4. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this usually requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed would be offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line with established protocols. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Public enquiries 08459 335577;

Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

Source: http://7thspace.com/headlines/285675/avian_influenza_update___protection_zone_to_lift.html

Defra has today confirmed that the Protection Zone put in place as part of control measures for the H7N7 avian influenza outbreak in Oxfordshire will lift at 00.01 Sunday 29 June provided that no new suspect cases are identified before then.

Active surveillance in the area has shown no evidence of disease spread and infection appears to be confined to the one infected premises.

Restrictions associated with the Protection Zone will fall, including the requirement to house birds, and Surveillance Zone controls will instead apply in the area. Restrictions on bird gatherings and movements of poultry and poultry products are still in place, and keepers should maintain good biosecurity practices and report any suspicion of disease immediately.

Notes to editors
1. The earliest that a Protection Zone can be lifted is 21 days after preliminary cleansing and disinfection has been completed on an Infected Premises. The earliest that a Surveillance Zone can be lifted is 30 days after preliminary cleansing and disinfection has been completed. Preliminary cleansing and disinfection was completed on 7 June so this is the earliest possible date to lift the Protection Zone.

2. Advice and information on avian influenza is available via the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/avianflu or via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates on 0844 884 4600.

3. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this usually requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed would be offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line with established protocols.

4. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website
http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development

 

[Francoise Ramona]

Re: Angleterre: H7 confirm? dans le Oxfordshire

Re: Angleterre: H7 confirm? dans le Oxfordshire

DEFRA l?ve des restrictions restantes de grippe aviaire
Traduction machine

08/07/2008 10:00 : 00
FWi

DEFRA a aujourd'hui lev? la zone de surveillance et les restrictions restantes de secteur de contr?le des maladies mises en place apr?s la manifestation de la grippe aviaire H7N7 sur une unit? libre de couche de gamme pr?s de Banbury.

La surveillance a prouv? que l'infection semble avoir ?t? contenue aux lieux simples et 30 jours se sont maintenant ?coul?s depuis que le nettoyage et la d?sinfection pr?liminaires ont ?t? accomplis sur celui des lieux.

Le dirigeant Alick Simmons de v?t?rinaire de sous-chef a dit : ? Cet incident a d?montr? encore le potentiel pour que la grippe aviaire soit pr?sent?e dans la volaille domestique au R-U.

? Le risque d'autres d'incidents, tandis que bas, les restes, et moi invitent des gardes de volaille ? maintenir les niveaux les plus ?lev?s du biosecurity et pour rapporter le soup?on de la maladie promptement, ? il a dit.

DEFRA lifts remaining avian flu restrictions
08/07/2008 10:00:00
FWi

DEFRA has today lifted the Surveillance Zone and remaining disease control area restrictions put in place following the outbreak of H7N7 avian flu on a free range layer unit near Banbury.

Surveillance has shown that infection appears to have been contained to the single premises and 30 days have now elapsed since preliminary cleansing and disinfection was completed on that premises.


Deputy chief Vet officer Alick Simmons said: "This incident has demonstrated again the potential for avian flu to be introduced into domestic poultry in the UK.

"The risk of further incidents, while low, remains, and I urge poultry keepers to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and to report suspicion of disease promptly," he said.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/08/111123/defra-lifts-remaining-avian-flu-restrictions.html

 

[Diane Morin]

Re: Angleterre: H7 confirm? dans le Oxfordshire

Re: Angleterre: H7 confirm? dans le Oxfordshire

Traduction automatique

Risque de grippe aviaire bas mais vrai

Nouvelles | 11 juillet 2008

Le risque d'un autre incident de la grippe aviaire est bas mais les gardes de volaille doivent rester vigilants, le sous-chef le vétérinaire qu'a averti.

Defra a aujourd'hui édité un rapport final d'épidémiologie dans la dernière manifestation confirmée dans Oxfordshire le 4 juin, cela conclut l'infection a été confiné à des lieux simples, et il n'y a aucune évidence d'une propagation de l'infection à aucun autre lieu.

Le vétérinaire sous-chef, Alick Simmons, a dit :

Cet incident a démontré encore le potentiel pour que l'influenza aviaire soit présentée dans la volaille domestique au R-U.
Le risque d'autres d'incidents, tandis que bas, demeure. J'invite des gardes de volaille à maintenir les niveaux les plus élevés du biosecurity et à rapporter le soupçon de la maladie promptement comprenant où les disques indiquent la mortalité accrue ou l'exécution réduite. ”

*******************************

Avian flu risk low but real

News | 11 July, 2008

THE risk of another incident of avian flu is low but poultry keepers must remain vigilant, the deputy chief veterinary officer has warned.

Defra today published a final epidemiology report into the last outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on June 4, that concludes the infection was confined to a single premise, and there is no evidence of a spread of infection to any other premises.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Alick Simmons, said:

“This incident has demonstrated again the potential for avian influenza to be introduced into domestic poultry in the UK.
“The risk of further incidents, while low, remains. I urge poultry keepers to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and to report suspicion of disease promptly including where records indicate increased mortality or reduced performance.”

http://www.farmersguardian.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=19928&c=1

 

[Giuseppe]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

INFORMATION BULLETIN - Ref: 222/08
Date: 11 July 2008 - Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Avian influenza - Final epidemiology report published

Defra has today published a final epidemiology report into the Avian Influenza outbreak confirmed in Oxfordshire on 4 June.

The report concludes that at the time of writing (2 July) infection was confined to a single premise, and there is no evidence of infection on any contact or geographically close premises, or evidence of spread of infection to any other premises to date

While it has not been possible to conclusively identify the source of the infection, the two most likely sources of the outbreak are thought to be:

* Unidentified Avian Influenza in domestic premises in Great Britain, associated either by proximity or potential contact, or

* Avian Influenza in wildlife in contact with the IP

Investigations are now complete.

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Alick Simmons, said
''This incident has demonstrated again the potential for avian influenza to be introduced into domestic poultry in the UK. The risk of further incidents, while low, remains. I urge poultry keepers to maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and to report suspicion of disease promptly including where records indicate increased mortality or reduced performance.''

Notes to Editors
1. The report can be viewed at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm
2. Advice and information on H7N7 avian influence is available via the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. Poultry keepers can also call the Animal Health recorded information line for the latest updates, on 0844 884 4600.
3. The Surveillance Zone and remaining disease control restrictions put in place following the outbreak of H7N7 avian Influenza in Oxfordshire were lifted on 8 July. The Protection Zone was lifted on 29 June. Some restrictions on trade with other countries remain. Further information is available at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/int-trde/cins/2008/08115.htm
4. Avian Influenza is a disease of birds and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this usually requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces. As a precautionary measure those who might have been exposed would be offered the appropriate treatment and protection in line with established protocols. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
-
Complete Report http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/pdf/epireport-080711.pdf
-
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2008/080711b.htm
------

 

[gsgs]

Re: New case of H7 bird flu in Oxfordshire

no sequences from Britain.

Now we have the bird-index, so we know some indication
how to distinguish wild-bird flu from chicken-flu.

We had the H7N7 in Netherlands 2003, which was very close to the
bird-index, closer than anything else in humans.
Humans got conjunctivitis, which is unusual. One vet died after
developing E627K.
This could be a strain closely related to mallards, waterborne transmission,
maybe that's the reason for the conjunctivitis.

It's important to study how these original-flu strains adapt to humans
or poultry. Please give us the sequences.

                             000000 0 0000 000 00 0000 0 00 
                             002356 0 3556 014 01 3344 2 01 
                             079562 5 9346 141 50 0445 7 83 
                             997537 4 1536 336 25 8628 3 57 
                             ------ - ---- --- -- ---- - -- 
                             DSIRQE K KHLL IAK YV NATP S PI 
>A/Index/birds/2000(H3N8a)   ...... . .... ... .. .... . .. 
>A/NL/219/03(H7N7)           YI.KRK R RYI. STR HM SVAS N L. 
>A/Ck/NL/1/03(H7N7)          Y.V... R RYIF ... HM .... N LV 
>A/Ck/NL/03010132/2003(H7N7) YI.KR. R RYI. ST. HM SVAS N L.


D9Y(PB2),S79I(PB2),R355K(PB2),Q563R(PB2),E627K(PB2)
K54R(PB1)
K391R(PA),H535Y(PA),L543I(PA)
I13S(HA),A143T(HA)
Y52H(NP),V105M(NP)
N308S(NA),A346V(NA),A442T(NA),P458S(NA)
S19N(M2)
P85L(NS1)

E627K(PB2),K54R(PB1),V105M(NP), in 1918flu



K54R(PB1) in birds:

R >A/Dk/Perak/2458/1989(H3N8),1989,10,2,5
R >A/Ck/HK/220/97(H5N1),1997,1,2,17
R >A/teal/HK/W312/97(H6N1),1997,8,2,18
R >A/parakeet/Chiba/1/97(H9N2),1997,0,2,19
...
R >A/Ck/Karachi/NARC-100/04(H7N3),2004,1,2,10
R >A/shoveler/Netherlands/19/99(H11N9),1999,11,3,2
R >A/Netherlands/219/03(H7N7),2003,0,3,1
R >A/Eurasian widgeon/Sweden/1/04(H6N2),2004,16,3,3
R >A/mallard/Italy/299/05(H7N7),2005,3,3,4
R >A/mallard/Sweden/45/05(H2N3),2005,3,3,3
R >A/blue Gs/WI/711/1975(H5N2),1975,15,4,7
N >A/canvasback Dk/ALB/102/1976(H3N6)08/13,1976,10,4,3
E >A/Dk/LA/17G/1987(H3N8),1987,10,4,17
R >A/mallard/Minnesota/371/98(H4N2),1998,3,4,3
R >A/Ck/Guatemala/45511-1/00(H5N2),2000,1,4,8
R >A/red knot/DE/1587/01(H10N7),2001,0,4,2
R >A/Northern shoveler/NC/6412-052/05(H7N6),2005,11,4,2
Q >A/green-winged teal/Minnesota/Sg-00228/06(H6N8)09/30,2006,8,4,4
R >A/cinnamon teal/CA/HKWF1111/07(H5N7)12/02,2007,8,4,5
R >A/ruddy turnstone/New Jersey/Sg-00516/08(H10N7)05/28,2008,9,4,6
R >A/ruddy turnstone/Delaware/Sg-00538/08(H1N5)05/31,2008,9,4,5
R >A/N.pintail/South Dakota/Sg-00456/08(H6N1)08/22,2008,6,4,5
R >A/mallard/Minnesota/Sg-00462/08(H6N1)09/16,2008,3,4,4
R >A/mallard/Minnesota/Sg-00464/08(H6N1)09/16,2008,3,4,4
R >A/red-necked stint/AUS/5745/1981(H12N9)03/05,1981,5,5,12
54 gsbi2.p13 100 E:10 K:2564 N:4 Q:1 R:85

E627K(PB2) in birds:

V >A/Tk/Israel/90710/00(H9N2),2000,2,2,13
K >A/Bar-h Gs/Qinghai/59/05(H5N1),2005,15,2,12
...
K >A/Dk/HK/702/1979-Qa adapted(H9N2),2000,10,2,10
G >A/Ck/Guangxi/4/99(H9N2),1999,1,2,25
K >A/tree sparrow/THA/VSMU-16-RBR/05(H5N1),2005,0,2,7
K >A/Ck/Italy/5093/99(H7N1),1999,1,3,8
K >A/Netherlands/219/03(H7N7),2003,0,3,5
G >A/mallard Dk/ALB/322/1988(H1N1),1988,3,4,4
K >A/laughing gull/NJ/276/1989(H6N8),1989,7,4,5
K >A/emu/TX/39924/1993(H5N2),1993,0,4,13
K >A/Ck/NY/21665-73/98(H1N1),1998,1,4,40
627 gsbi1.p13 212 A:1 E:2148 G:2 K:166 S:1 V:42

V105M(NP) in birds: many
...
105 gsbi5.p13 1578 A:5 H:1 I:90 K:3 L:4 M:1014 T:10 V:1465



54R(PB1) was in 1918flu and in early human H1N1, but swine had 54K.
7 birds have similar sequences to 1918flu in PB1 one of them has 54R :
blue goose/Wisconsin/711/1975
geese are more poultry-like, flu-wise

-----edit------
deleted:
Now Cancun made the human 54R, besides other mutations whose meaning is unclear.
I had confused that with V105M(NP)