December

Belize - Newcastle disease continues to spread
30 Dec 2008
LoveFM.com Belize [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, virulent Newcastle disease is continuing to spread and residents in the newly affected areas are concerned about the effects of the disease on birds and humans.
The director of Animal Health, Belize Agricultural Health Authority said that: "We have been responding to different calls from farmers that have reported that they have sick chickens. Of course some of these sick chickens can be showing symptoms of other diseases and not Newcastle. Our concern is that it is not something [like] influenza or other exotic disease. We do respond to the calls and investigate properly. So far we have been identifying cases in the Belize District, Cayo District, and the Stann Creek District. In the Belize District it is only from Burrell Boom, and we have a report from Double Head Cabbage. In the Cayo District I would say most of the villages have infected birds. They are calling us for vaccination; it is not because they have a problem, they just want to prevent it. Because of the Christmas [holiday] the labs are closed but as soon as the holiday is over we will have the vaccines available through the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry will be vaccinating."Once the birds have been infected with the disease, there is no real treatment to prevent death. According to the Director, those who handle infected birds have complained of a mild eye infection but the disease does not affect humans in any other way.

Russia – Zoonotic disease trends 2007-2008
30 December 2008
Official site of Rospotrebnadzor [in Russian, trans. & summ. Mods. NP/JW, edited] [Promed]
In 2008, Russia continued to record an increasing incidence of zoonotic and natural-focus infectious diseases.
Anthrax
Incidence of anthrax [among humans] in comparison with the first 11 months of 2007 has increased 7.7 times: 23 cases of anthrax for the first 11 months of 2008, versus only 3 cases for the same period of 2007.
Brucellosis
Incidence of primary brucellosis increased 46.9 percent. From January through November of 2008, 386 patients have been recorded, compared to 264 cases in the same period of 2007.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
The number of HFRS cases increased 1.7 times: for the first 11 months of 2008 it was 5.65 per 100,000 inhabitants, whereas for the same period of 2007 it was 3.29 per 100,000.
Rabies
The number of rabies cases [among humans] increased from 5 cases for the first 11 months of 2007 to 15 in 2008.
Trichinellosis In 2008, morbidity due to trichinosis doubled: 312 cases in 2008 against 155 in 2007 for the first 11 months.
Related stories
25 Dec 2008 – Zoonotic disease trends – Prediction 2009
Forum.msk.ru electronic newspaper [in Russian, trans. & summ. Mods.NP/JW, edited] [Promed] Anthrax
In 2009, the occurrence of epizootic foci of anthrax is most probable n territories of the Southern, Central, Volga, and Siberian Federal Districts, caused by cattle being pastured on livestock burial rounds, with animal cases leading to subsequent human infection.

Kyrgystan – Brucellosis (Naryn)
29 Dec 2008
FarmingUK [edited] [Promed]
[An] epidemic of brucellosis in Kyrgyzstan has affected 2000 humans. According to this story, the Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO) are at a loss knowing what to do as the hospitals fill up and nothing is being done to prevent the spread of the disease. It is reported that the small former Soviet nation of Kyrgyzstan that gained independence in 1991 is showing in the Naryn region, a 10 percent incidence of brucellosis in the human population according to the WHO. Brucellosis in humans causes loss of weight, followed by a slow agonizing death and abortion in women.

Philippines - DA prepares support program for hog industry amid Ebola Reston case
12 Dec 2008 [edited] [Promed]
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday said it is working on a support program to assist hog producers in farms where the Ebola Reston virus had been detected. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said incentives will also be provided to other growers to encourage them to participate in the concerted government program to stamp out the disease.
The planned program will include the acquisition of additional laboratory kits needed to check the presence of the virus among swine and a support package to help livestock growers whose infected hogs will be culled or destroyed by quick-response government teams led by the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to prevent the spread of the Reston disease among animals.
This developed as executives of international health institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) or World Animal Health Organization commended secretaries Yap of the DA and Francisco Duque of the Department of Health (DOH) for their respective offices’ quick and appropriate action in containing the latest resurfacing of the Reston virus, which was earlier detected in 2 swine farms in certain parts of Luzon.
Officials of the DA and DOH along with these international health institutions have pointed out Wednesday night that the Reston virus “does not pose a significant public health risk."
Related stories
14 Dec 2008 – International groups invited over Ebola threat
Philippine Daily Inquirer [edited] [Promed] The Department of Agriculture (DA) has invited international health organizations to conduct a risk assessment of the Ebola-Reston virus recently discovered in the country. Agriculture secretary Arthur C Yap said the assessment would determine the extent of the risk or threat of the virus to animal and human health in the Philippines.
The Ebola-Reston strain is different from the 3 other subtypes, which are all potentially fatal to humans. Unlike the Zaire, Ivory Coast, and Sudan strains, the Reston strain has not caused illness in humans who come in contact with infected animals. This particular strain was discovered in the Philippines in 1989 among crab-eating monkeys being exported by the Laguna-based Ferlite Farms to the Hazleton Laboratories in Reston, Virginia, USA. 15 Dec 2008- Ebola-Reston virus: disease situation in swine
UN Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO), EMPRES (Emergency Prevention System) [edited] [Promed]
Over the last few weeks, FAO has been engaged with officials at the Department of Agriculture in Manila and other national and international agencies (World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, US agencies -- Department of Agriculture and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Australia's Animal Health Laboratory) to better understand the laboratory findings of Ebola-Reston virus in pigs. It is the 1st time that this virus, a known primate pathogen, has been identified in a food-producing animal.
This laboratory finding came about after field investigations and sample collection was undertaken by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Department of Agriculture of the Philippines, because of suspected outbreaks of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which had been affecting several swine production areas in the Philippines characterized by greater virulence then that described decades earlier in North America and Europe. Such increased virulence in the PRRS virus (an arterivirus) has also been seen in China and Viet Nam recently.
The increased awareness and investigation, prompted the BAI to send samples to a laboratory with experience in PRRS characterization, as well as rule out other swine pathogens, such as porcine circovirus, classical swine fever (a pestivirus), or Nipah virus (a paramyxovirus) using classical and molecular diagnostic laboratory.
During the laboratory investigations, viral particles and generic sequencing results showed that several of the swine samples were indeed infected with PRRS virus, circovirus, and Ebola-Reston. No ebolavirus had ever been found in swine tissues before.
19 Dec 2008 - Philippines appeals for help in probing pig virus
[edited] [Promed] International Herald Tribune
The Philippine government has appealed for international help in investigating an outbreak
of the Ebola Reston virus that has for the first time infected pigs but is not harmful to humans,
officials said Friday [19 Dec 2008].
23 Dec 2008 – Detection of Ebola-Reston virus in pigs; FAO/OIE/WHO offer assistance to the Philippines
OIE press release [edited] [Promed]
Following the detection of the Ebola-Reston virus in pigs in the Philippines, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today [23 Dec 2008] that the government of the Philippines has requested the 3 agencies send an expert mission to work with human and animal health experts in the Philippines to further investigate the situation.
An increase in pig mortality on swine farms in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan in 2007 and 2008 prompted the Government of the Philippines to initiate laboratory investigations. Samples taken from ill pigs in May, June and September 2008 were sent to international reference laboratories which confirmed in late October that the pigs were infected with a highly virulent strain of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) as well as the Ebola-Reston virus.
Although co-infection in pigs is not unusual, this is the 1st time globally that an Ebola-Reston virus has been isolated in swine. It is not, however, the 1st time that the Ebola-Reston virus has been found in the Philippines: it was found in monkeys from the Philippines in outbreaks that occurred in 1989-1990, 1992, and 1996.
The Ebola virus belongs to the Filoviridae family (filovirus) and is comprised of 5 distinct species: Zaire, Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, Bundibugyo and Reston. Zaire, Sudan and Bundibugyo species have been associated with large Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) outbreaks in Africa with high case fatality ratio (25-90 percent) while Cote d'Ivoire and Reston have not. Reston species can infect humans but no serious illnesses or deaths in humans have been reported to date.
Since being informed of this event in late November [2008], FAO, OIE and WHO have been making every effort to gain a better understanding of the situation and are working closely with the Philippines Government and local animal and human health experts.
The Department of Health of the Philippines has reported that initial laboratory tests on animal handlers and slaughterhouse workers who were thought to have come into contact with infected pigs were negative for Ebola Reston infection, and that additional testing is ongoing. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Philippines Department of Agriculture has notified the OIE that all infected animals were destroyed and buried or burned, the infected premises and establishments have been disinfected and the affected areas are under strict quarantine and movement control. Vaccination of swine against PRRS is ongoing in the Province of Bucalan. PRRS is not transmissible to humans.
The planned joint FAO/OIE/WHO team will work with country counterparts to address, through field and laboratory investigation, important questions as to the source of the virus, its transmission, its virulence and its natural habitat, in order to provide appropriate guidance for animal and human health protection. Until these questions can be answered, the FAO and the WHO stressed the importance of carrying out basic good hygiene practices and food handling measures.
Ebola viruses are normally transmitted via contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected animal or person. In all situations, even in the absence of identified risks, meat handling and preparation should be done in a clean environment (table top, utensils, knives) and meat handlers should follow good personal hygiene practices (e.g., clean hands, clean protective clothing). In general, hands should be regularly washed while handling raw meat.
Pork from healthy pigs is safe to eat as long as either the fresh meat is cooked properly (i.e., 70 centigrades [160 DEG F] in all part of the food, so that there is no pink meat and the juices run clear), or, in the case of uncooked processed pork, national safety standards have been met during production, processing and distribution.
Meat from sick pigs or pigs found dead should not be eaten and should not enter the food chain or be given to other animals. Ill animals should be reported to the competent authorities and proper hygiene precautions and protection should be taken when destroying and disposing of sick or dead pigs. The Philippines Department of Agriculture has advised the Philippine public to buy its meat only from National Meat Inspection Services certified sources.
As a general rule, proper hygiene and precautionary measures (wearing gloves, goggles and protective clothing) should also be exercised when slaughtering or butchering pigs. This applies both to industrial and home-slaughtering of pigs. Children and those not involved in the process of slaughtering should be kept away.

Morocco - Peste des petits ruminants
2 Dec 2008
OIE Disease Information, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database), weekly disease information, 2008; 21(49) [edited] [Promed]
Summary
Report type: follow-up report No. 11
Start date: 12 Jun 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event: 18 Jul 2008
Reason for notification: First occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent: Peste des petits ruminants virus [PPRV] (lineage IV)
Nature of diagnosis: suspicion, clinical, laboratory (basic), necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1: Tizzi, Taoutoukoutt, Chichaoua, Tensift
Date of start of the outbreak: 10 Sep 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: farm
Species: sheep
Susceptible: 48
Cases: 1
Deaths: 0
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Outbreak 2: Tighisrite, Taoutoukoutt, Chichaoua, Tensift
Date of start of the outbreak: 10 Sep 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: farm
Species: sheep
Susceptible: 70
Cases: 18
Deaths: 6
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Outbreak 3: Ferte, Sidi Boutayeb, Boulemane, Centre Nord
Date of start of the outbreak: 5 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: farm
Species: goats
Susceptible: 189
Cases: 38
Deaths: 17
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Species: sheep
Susceptible: 50
Cases: 10
Deaths: 10
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Outbreak 4: Moualda, Ouled Ayad, Taounate, Centre Nord
Date of start of the outbreak: 13 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: farm
Species: goats
Susceptible: 4
Cases: 0
Deaths: 0
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Species: sheep
Susceptible: 120
Cases: 8
Deaths: 0
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 4
Total animals affected
Species: sheep
Susceptible: 288
Cases: 37
Deaths: 16
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Species: goats
Susceptible: 193
Cases: 38
Deaths: 17
Destroyed: --
Slaughtered: --
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive.
Epidemiological comments
A full-scale campaign of vaccination of sheep and goats began on 22
Sep 2008. Up to 26 Nov 2008, 20 183 878 heads have been vaccinated.
Control measures
Measures applied:
- quarantine
- screening
- vaccination in response to the outbreak(s)
Administrative division / species / total vaccinated / details
Centre Nord / goats / 3087 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Centre Sud / goats / 2918 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Est / goats / 3058 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Est / sheep / 12 677 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Sud / goats / 444 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Sud / sheep / 4078 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Tensift / goats / 145 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Tensift / sheep / 4784 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Centre / goats / 2152 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Centre / sheep / 78 131 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Centre Nord / sheep / 32 092 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Centre Sud / sheep / 46 138 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Nord Ouest / goats / 4049 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
Nord Ouest / sheep / 16 573 / monovalent live attenuated vaccine
- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
- modified stamping out
- no treatment of affected animals
Future reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

November

Uganda - Swine fever breaks out
30 Nov 2008
The New Vision (Uganda) [edited] [Promed]
Over 100 pigs have died of African swine fever. The veterinary officer said 5000 pigs could die if the disease, that struck Sipi and Kamoko sub-counties, is not contained.

Venezuela – Foot-and-Mouth disease in bovine (Bolivar)
23 Nov 2008
Nueva Prensa, Venezuela [in Spanish, trans. MPP, edited] [Promed]
An outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been found in several herds located in the rural sector of Cabeza Mala, Roscio municipality [Bolivar state]. An immediate response put in a roadblock at the entrance to this agricultural community and disinfecting the tires of vehicles entering this community. Although we have not received official information because of the date [Sunday], we know unofficially that there are several herds affected with FMD, for which health authorities should report on the situation and make necessary recommendations so that the population will refrain from consuming meat that may be contaminated with the virus. There were some cars on their way to buy cattle for slaughter early in the morning yesterday [23 Nov 2008], but they were turned back by the danger this outbreak presents for meat consumers. According to the information we have, there are at least three farms where cattle are sick, and therefore consumers should not buy beef or cattle in this village and its environs.

Russia - Classical swine fever (Nizhegorodskaya), OIE report
22 Nov 2008
OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease Information 2008; 21(47) [edited] [Promed]
Start date 01 Nov 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event 19 Nov 2008
Reason for notification : Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 10 Feb 2008
Causal agent: Classical swine fever virus
Nature of diagnosis : Clinical, Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 Settlement Tsentralny, Volodarsky, NIZHEGORODSKAYA OBLAST
Date of start of the outbreak 01 Nov 2008
Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : Farm
Species Swine
Susceptible 82
Cases 60
Deaths 60
Slaughtered 22
Epidemiology: Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection - uknown or inconclusive Epidemiological comments : The animals were not vaccinated against CSF.
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Croatia - Classical swine fever (Javnica), OIE report
22 Nov 2008
OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease
Information 2008; 21(47) [edited] 20 Nov 2008 [Promed]
Summary
Start date 20 Nov 2008
Reason for notification: Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence May 2008
Causal agent: Classical swine fever virus
Nature of diagnosis : Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks
Summary of outbreaks :Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak Location and Affected population
SISACKO-MOSLAVACKA (JAVNICA): 2 out of 17 wild boars sampled after regular hunting in hunting ground Majdan II (III/38) proved to be both serologically and virologically positive to classical swine fever.
Total animals affected
Species Wild species
Susceptible
Cases 2
Deaths 0
Epidemiology: Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection.
Unknown or inconclusive, contact with wild species, under investigation.
Epidemiological comments: The affected hunting ground is subject of regular surveillance for classical swine fever (CSF) in wild boar from 2005 and this finding is the first evidence of CSF virus in wild boar in the area. The hunting ground is situated near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be sent as soon as possible.
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Germany - Pig infection, trichina worms, returns to Germany
21 Nov 2008
The Earth News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Trichina worms, which infect pigs and cause a nasty rheumatic illness in humans, have returned to Germany, animal-health officials north of Berlin said Friday [21 Nov 2008]. Trichinosis infects people who have [eaten] undercooked pork containing the nematodes.
It is reported that the worms were found at a slaughterhouse in a pig from a private home, veterinarian Holger Vogel said in Anklam. Many area householders still keep pig-sties and raise pigs at home.He said the worms appeared to have been spread by rodents from nearby western Poland, where the nematodes are rife. It has spread to wild animals in the Western Pomerania area. Decades ago, Germany wiped out the disease in domestic animals, but it is still common in developing nations.

Swine health impact on human foodborne risk
20 Nov 2008
AASV - Pig Progress [edited] [iFSN]
Accordint to this story, a study has been carried out to measure the relationship between lesions suggestive of subclinical pig illness at harvest to carcass contamination and human foodborne risk. It is reported that over the course of eight visits between December 2005 and January 2006, 280 randomly selected carcasses were swabbed, during normal slaughter operations, at three points in the slaughter line: skin pre-scald; the bung or pelvic cavity following removal of the distal colon and rectum; and pleural cavity, immediately before the final carcass rinse. Each swab sponge was used on five carcasses in bung and pleural cavity sampling. Swab sponges were cultured quantitatively for Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., and Enterobacteriaceae spp., and qualitatively for Salmonella spp. Data on health indicators were collected for all pigs in the study (2,625 pigs) by experienced plant quality assurance personnel.
Campylobacter spp. were recovered from the pleural cavity in 58.9% (33/56) of pools (five carcasses/pool), and in 44.6% (25/56) of pools from the bung cavity. Enterococcus spp. were recovered from 66.1% (37/56) and 35.7% (20/56) of pleural and bung pools, respectively.
The most common lesion identified was the peel-out (pleuritis or adhesions), with a total of 7.1% (186/2,625 total head). Linear regression showed that for every percentage point increase in peel-outs, Enterococcus spp. contamination increased by 4.4% and Campylobacter spp. increased by 5.1% (p <0.05). This study showed a correlation between animal health and human health risk, as measured by carcass contamination. Therefore, animal management decisions on-farm, such as housing, antibiotic use, environment, and level of veterinary care, may directly impact public health.

United Kingdom - Tuberculosis in cattle up 28 percent
19 Nov 2008
Farmers Weekly [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among cattle has soared by 28 percent, according to the latest DEFRA statistics. Provisional statistics show a 24 percent increase in the number of new TB incidents in the first 9 months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Combined with a decrease in the number of herds tested over the same period, this equates to a provisional overall increase in the TB incidence rate of 28 percent. Monthly bovine TB figures were released by DEFRA on Wednesday (19 Nov 2008). They suggest some 47,564 tests will be carried out on herds during 2008, resulting in 3379 new herd incidents.

Russia - African swine fever (Krasnodar, Ingushetia) OIE report
13 Nov 2008
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database), weekly disease information 2008; 21(46) [edited] [Promed]
http://www.oie.int/wahis/public.php?page=single_report&pop=1&reportid=7509
Summary
Report type : follow-up report no. 9
Start date : 5 Nov 2007
Date of first confirmation of the event : 19 Nov 2007
Report date : 12 Nov 2008
Date submitted to OIE : 12 Nov 2008
Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence : 1977
Causal agent: African swine fever [ASF] virus
Nature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratory (advanced), necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
Related reports
- Immediate notification (4 Dec 2007)
- Follow-up report No. 1 (30 Jan 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 2 (16 Jun 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 3 (7 Jul 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 4 (16 Jul 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 5 (25 Jul 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 6 (24 Oct 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 7 (29 Oct 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 8 (05 Nov 2008)
- Follow-up report No. 9 (12 Nov 2008)
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1: "Kuban" pig farm, Novokubansky, Krasnodarskiy Kray
Date of start of the outbreak: 29 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: village
Affected animals
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed / Slaughtered
Swine / 6798 / 298 / 245 / 538 / 0
Outbreak 2 : Cossack Assinovskaya, Sunzhensky, Ingushskaya Respublika
Date of start of the outbreak : 29 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : village
Affected animals
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed / Slaughtered
Wild species /(unknown) / 1 / 1 / -- / --
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 2
Total animals affected
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed / Slaughtered
Swine / 6798 / 298 / 245 / 538 / 0
Wild species / (unknown) / 1 / 1 / -- / --
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or
inconclusive. Circulation of the virus in the wild animals
Control measures
Measures applied
- quarantine
- movement control inside the country
- screening
- vaccination prohibited
- no treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
- stamping out
- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
Diagnostic test results
Future reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Hong Kong finds melamine in fish feed from mainland China
12 Nov 2008
Herald Tribune [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Hong Kong says it has found the industrial chemical melamine in a sample of fish feed from mainland China. It is reported that the Center for Food Safety says that the feed contained melamine at a concentration of 6.6 parts per million. It says a Hong Kong fish farmer bought the feed in mainland China and delivered it to the city.The statement issued Tuesday [11 Nov 2008] says 8 fish at 4 farms that have used the contaminated feed were tested. No ill effects were found. It was not clear if any fish that consumed the tainted feed had been sold to markets.
Related stories
13 Nov 2008 – Toxic Chemical Is Found in Fish Feed in Hong Kong
The Wall Street Journal [edited] [Promed]

United Kingdom - Pets face risk from bovine TB [tuberculosis ]
10 Nov 2008
Western Morning News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, family pets could be at increasing risk from contracting TB as the disease spreads through wildlife and cattle herds. It is reported that the Environment Secretary has been urged to do more to collect data on the number of cats, dogs, and other household animals struck down with tuberculosis Cattle herds in the West Country are the hardest hit by TB infections, with some areas seeing the number of cases increase by more than a third year on year. In the first half of this year [2008], Cornwall saw 135 new cases confirmed, Devon 284, Somerset 68, and Dorset 22.

MRSA in pigs and pork in Europe and N. America
08 Nov 2008
Pig Disease Information Centre- Dr. Michael Meredith [edited][iFSN]
It is reported that MRSA is causing increasing concern to swine breeders and pork producers around the world, especially since it was reported to be spreading in breeding pyramids in The Netherlands. A European survey of MRSA infection in pigs is currently in progress, supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). According to this story, there has been mounting concern in the European Union after discovery of MRSA in Dutch and German pigs and EU farm workers and vets. Canada and USA pig herds have also been affected. The main concern about MRSA in swine is the risk it poses as a zoonosis risk to farmers, vets and meat industry personnel who may come into contact with infected animals. There is also concern about the effect on consumer confidence, although the real risk to consumers is very small, because the organism is easily destroyed by cooking and the main risk to humans comes from other human beings (hospital or community-acquired infection) and, to a lesser extent, from close contact with pets and horses. It is likely that some, or even many, animal infections may have come from humans in the first place.

Russia - Swine fever confirmed in another south Russian region - Stavropol
5 Nov 2008
RIA Novosti [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the African swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread to a 4th region in Russia's southern Stavropol Territory, the region's chief vet said on Wednesday [5 Nov 2008]. It is reported that vets have already begun culling pigs in the Yutsa village which has been affected by the virus. Over 11 000 pigs have already been killed in the area following the recent outbreak. Experts say that pork from the culled animals can be consumed once it has been correctly processed. 5000 pigs were culled or died from the virus this summer in Russia's North Caucasus republic of North Ossetia. The virus does not pose a threat to humans.

Thailand – Hemorrhagic septicemia in bovine (Prachin BuriI)
1 Nov 2008
Bangkok Post [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, livestock officials are rushing to vaccinate cattle in all districts after 24 buffaloes died of the fatal "swollen-neck" disease in rachin Buri province. It is reported that the disease, known as haemorrhagic septicemia [HS], claimed the lives of the animals in tambon Yanri of Kabin Buri district, as the province, earlier deluged by heavy rain and floods, has now entered the cold season.The situation prompted the Department of Livestock Development to declare tambon Yanri an outbreak zone and prohibit the transportation f cattle suspected of contracting the disease."The outbreak of haemorrhagic septicemia likely results from bacteria normally living in cattle and attacking them when they are weakened," said a livestock official.
The story goes on by explaining that officials are vaccinating cattle and buffaloes in a 5-km radius of Kabin Buri district. The disease cannot be transmitted to humans. However, villagers have been warned against eating the meat of cattle that had died from the disease or touching dead or sick animals as they may spread the disease to other cattle.

October

Scientists discover yet another new bluetongue strain
30 Oct 2008
Farmersguardian [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that scientists have discovered another new strain of bluetongue, this time in goats in Switzerland.

Namibia - African swine fever
30 Oct 2008
OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) weekly disease information 2008; 21(44) [edited] [Promed]
Start date : 1 Oct 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event : 14 Oct 2008
Reason for notification: reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence : 2005
Causal agent: African swine fever virus [ASFV]
Nature of diagnosis: clinical, laboratory (advanced), necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak location and affected population: Ozondjisse Farm No. 55,
Omaruru, Erongo: small-scale piggery. Pig houses not bio-secure (double-fenced) according to regulations.
Total animals affected
Species: swine
Susceptible : 174
Cases : 91
Deaths : 91
Destroyed: 27
Slaughtered : 0
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive. Vectors. Contact with wild species
Epidemiological comments : the farm is in an African swine fever in warthogs risk area. Pig farming is only recommended with appropriate biosecurity to prevent contact with warthogs or infected ticks.
Animals are dying at a rate of about 10 per day. Stamping-out is being delayed by difficulties in disposing the carcasses.
Future reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Russia – African Swine Fever (Stavropol) OIE
24 Oct 2008
OIE's WAHID interface [edited] [Promed]
Report type: Follow-up report No. 6
Start date : 05 Nov 2007
Date of first confirmation of the event : 19 Nov 2007
Reason for notification : Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 1977
Causal agent : African swine fever virus
Nature of diagnosis : Clinical, Laboratory (advanced), Necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 :
Location : Gorkaya Balka village, farm 1, Sovetsky, STAVROPOL'SKIY KRAY
Date of start of the outbreak : 15 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : Farm
Affected animals
Species/ Susceptible/ Cases/ Deaths/ Destroyed/ Slaughtered
Swine/ 460/ 120/ 120/ 0/ 0
Outbreak 2:
Location : Gorkaya Balka village, farm 2, Sovetsky, STAVROPOL'SKIY KRAY
Date of start of the outbreak : 15 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : Farm
Affected animals
Species/ Susceptible/ Cases/ Deaths/ Destroyed/ Slaughtered
Swine/ 440/ 41/ 7/ 0/ 0
Summary of outbreaks
Total outbreaks : 2
Total animals affected
Species/ Susceptible/ Cases/ Deaths/ Destroyed/ Slaughtered
Swine/ 900/ 161/ 127/ 0/ 0
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Possible contact
with animals from affected areas in North Ossetia
Control measures
Measures applied
- Quarantine
- Movement control inside the country
- Screening
- Vaccination prohibited
- No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied:
- Stamping out [See comment]
- Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
Related stories
27 Oct 2008 – Over 7000 pigs to be culled over swine fever in south Russia
Russian News & Information Agency (RIA) Novosti [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that authorities in south Russia's Stavropol Region plan to cull 7000 pigs to prevent the spread of African swine fever, first detected 2 weeks ago, a regional governor's spokesperson said on Monday [27 Oct 2008]. According to this story, some 2500 pigs have been already culled in the village of Gorkaya Balka, where the fatal virus was first reported on 15 Oct 2008. Some 117 pigs died and later tests confirmed the deaths were caused by the African swine fever virus [ASFV]. It is also explained that a state of emergency has been declared in the area, where 2 new outbreaks were reported at private farms earlier on Monday [27 Oct 2008]. The area has been quarantined, and the transport of livestock, poultry, and agricultural products has been banned.

India – Undiagnosed deaths in bovine (Orissa):
23 Oct 2008
Statesman News Service [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the bovine population of a village under Mahakalpada block here is under threat by a mysterious disease. As many as 32 buffaloes have perished since last week in Bajrabahakuda village while several people are battling to save their buffaloes from the deadly disease. Veterinary experts who rushed to the village yesterday suspect that the sick bovines have come under the grip of suspected foot and mouth disease.

China – Melamine in animal feed
20 Oct 2008
Associated Press [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, some 1500 dogs bred for their raccoon-like fur have died after eating feed tainted with the same chemical that contaminated dairy products and sickened tens of thousands of babies nationwide, a veterinarian said Monday [20 Oct 2008]. It is reported that the raccoon dogs -- a breed native to east Asia whose fur is used to make trim on coats and other clothing -- were fed a product that contained the chemical melamine and developed kidney stones. All of the dogs died on farms in just one village.

Chile – Infectious salmon anemia
18 Oct 2008
MercoPress [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Chile's government confirmed this week that infectious salmon disease (ISA) virus is present in the Magallanes Region (Region XII) at a salmon farm from Nova Austral in the Puerto Natales area, north of Punta Arenas. According to reports from the company, though no unusual deaths have been reported at the farm, they agreed to the elimination of 303,000 pre-smolts, to be carried out by staff from Chile's Fisheries Department. It is reported that the ISA virus has generated a great controversy in Chile, since farms want to move from infected areas to supposedly free regions such as Magallanes, where the local fish industry and environmentalists fear the spread of the disease.

Netherlands – Sheep and Goat vaccination – Q fever
17 Oct 2008
Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, press release [in Dutch, trans. Mod.AS, edited] [Promed]
Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), Verburg, announced that [the animals] in the large sheep and goat dairy farms will be vaccinated against Q-fever, starting Monday 20 Oct 2008. The number of Q-fever cases detected in humans in Brabant during 2008 exceeds any previously known figures. Most of these infections were subclinical or expressed mild flu symptoms, but infections have also led to pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization. The minister has opted for a vaccination program [of animals] to prevent human Q fever infection. She does this in addition to the measures already taken [regarding animals], namely mandatory disease reporting, manure handling steps, and hygiene-related advice.

bTB not a threat to human health
17 Oct 2008
Farmers Guardian [edited][iFSN]
There is no evidence to suggest the rapid rise in bovine TB incidence in cattle over the past two decades was affecting human health, Defra epidemiologists have said.
The Department’s 2007 report on zoonotics said there was no sign of an increasing trend in the number of human cases between 1994 and 2007 despite the resurgence of bTB in cattle herds since the late 1980s. There were 26 laboratory reports of bTB in England and Wales in 2007, an increase of one on 2006. “None of the cases in 2007 had a known current link with disease in cattle,” the report said. M. bovis , the cause of bTB, was reponsible for less than 1 per cent of all human TB cases in the UK. That is in line with the incidence in other industrialised countries with long-standing bTB eradication schemes, the report said. M. bovis used to be an important zoonotic disease usually transmitted to humans by consumption of unpasteurised milk and milk products. The advent of widespread milk pasteurisation and controls to keep infected meat out of the food chain has significantly reduced human infection, it said. Concerns about the risks posed by the rising incidence of bTB have been sparked recently by the case of a former veterinary nurse and her dog, from Cornwall, who contracted the disease last year. Scientists investigating the case believe badgers known to inhabit the women’s garden may have been the source and have warned of an ‘ongoing threat’ to humans and pets from the high levels of bTB circulating in cattle and badgers.
Other findings from Defra’s 2007 Zoonoses Report show:
• A 10 per cent increase to 55,590 in recorded Campylobacter cases in humans in the UK in 2007.
• A 6.2 per cent decrease in reported Salmonella cases to 13,213.
• A 9.8 per cent fall in E. coli VTEC O157 cases.

Mongolia – Sheep and Goat pox
11 Oct 2008
OIE's WAHID interface [edited] [Promed]
Start date: 2 Oct 2008
Date of 1st confirmation of the event: 10 Oct 2008
Reason for notification: Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 23 Oct 2007
Causal agent : Capripox virus
Nature of diagnosis: Clinical, Laboratory (basic)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 : Kherlen soum, DORNOD
Date of start of the outbreak : 2 Oct 2008
Outbreak status: Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: Village
Affected animals
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed / Slaughtered
Goats / 709 / 94 / 6 / 6 / 0
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection : Unknown or inconclusive
Measures applied
- Quarantine
- Movement control inside the country
- Zoning
- Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
- Dipping / Spraying
- No vaccination
- No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied:
- Vaccination in response to the outbreak(s)
- Modified stamping out
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
Related stories
18 Oct 2008 – Goat pox epidemic
China Food Industry Network [machine translation, abridged, edited] [Promed]
According to a news website report from Mongolia, officials have verified a goat pox epidemic in the country's eastern province of Kerulen County; the epidemic areas have been blocked [quarantined]. A team of professionals were sent to the affected areas. Vaccination has been applied, the epidemic brought under control, and, as of 15 Oct 2008, no new epidemic [foci have been identified].

Romania - Brucellosis ( Brucella suis )
10 Oct 2008
OIE's WAHID interface [edited] [Promed]
Report type: Immediate notification
Start date : 15 Jul 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event : 08 Oct 2008
Reason for notification : Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence: 2006
Causal agent : Brucella suis
Nature of diagnosis : Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Outbreak 1 : Fantanele, Fantanele, CONSTANTA [see map at the above URL]
Date of start of the outbreak : 15 Jul 2008
Outbreak status : Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : Farm
Affected animals
Species/ Susceptible/ Cases/ Deaths/ Destroyed/ Slaughtered Swine/ 22 232/ 1284/ 0/ 0/ 0
Affected population : swines in a comercial farm
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Unknown or inconclusive
Control measures
Measures applied
- Stamping out
- Quarantine
- Movement control inside the country
- Screening
- Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
- Vaccination prohibited
- No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied: No other measures
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Uruguay – Brucellosis
7 Oct 2008
Diario Metro, EFE News Agency report [in Spanish, trans. Mod.MPP/CopyEd.MJ, edited] [Promed]
The Uruguayan government confirmed that the outbreak of brucellosis was mistaken for foot-and-mouth disease [FMD]. The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries of Uruguay confirmed today [7 Oct 2008] that the focus of infection detected in the northwest of the country, near the border with Brazil, is brucellosis and not foot-and-mouth disease as some official media reported. The Minister of Livestock said it will open an investigation into the release issued Monday [6 Oct 2008] by the veterinary authorities of his ministry in which he warned that there could be an outbreak of FMD in the cattle population of Colonia de Palma. This was denied later, after the relevant health analyses were received. According to the Ministry of Livestock the outbreak of brucellosis in that locality of the Department of Artigas, located 40 kilometers (25 mi) from the border with Brazil had been reported days ago and [measures were being taken to control it]. Currently, Uruguay is free from foot-and-mouth disease and statement of an outbreak of the disease would impact very negatively on the sales of beef abroad, one of the major items of export from this country.

France – Bovine Tuberculosis (Brittany)
3 Oct 2008
Le Telegramme [trans. Mod.MPP, edited] [Promed]
A case of bovine tuberculosis, a rare disease in the region, was detected on a farm near Quimper, in the locality of Menesguen. The 146 animals of the farm will be slaughtered, and the farmer was placed under medical surveillance. This disease is indeed potentially transmissible to humans either by direct and prolonged contact or through consumption of raw milk. Yesterday [2 Oct 2008] evening, the prefecture indicated that the 2 nd hypothesis was rejected but that the farmer was subject to appropriate medical monitoring. The origin of this disease is unknown at this time. The specialized services believe it could be transmitted by wildlife. The presence of deer, not far from livestock, embodies this hypothesis that will be addressed by the veterinary services and the Office of Hunting. For now, no security perimeter was established around the farm.

Morocco – Peste des petits ruminants - OIE
3 Oct 2008
OIE WAHID interface, Morocco PPR Follow-up report No. 8
[Abridged and edited] [Promed]
< http://www.oie.int/wahid-prod/public.php?page=single_reportandpop=1&reportid=7394 >
Report type: Follow-up report No. 8
Start date : 12 Jun 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event : 18 Jul 2008
Report date: 30 Sep 2008
Date submitted to OIE: 02 Oct 2008
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent : Peste des petits ruminants [PPR] virus
Nature of diagnosis: Suspicion, Clinical, Laboratory (basic), Necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks:
[The reports provides the locations of 26 new outbreaks in the
following 6 provinces: Centre(1), Eastern (6), Centre north (3), Tensift (1), North-west (8) and Centre-south (7). A map, demonstrating the said outbreaks and administrative division, is included. The total number of animals in the said 26 outbreaks.
Epidemiology:
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments: In addition to perifocal vaccination, a full-scale campaign of vaccination of sheep and goats began on 22 Sep 2008. Up to 29 Sep 2008, 1 100 000 heads have been vaccinated.
Control measures
- Quarantine
- Screening
- Vaccination in response to the outbreak(s), applying a monovalent
live attenuated vaccine:
- Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
- Modified stamping out
Related stories
16 Oct 2008 - Peste des petits ruminants
OIE's WAHID interface, Peste des petits ruminants, Morocco,
(Follow-up report No. 9) [abridged, edited] [Promed]
Summary
Report type: Follow-up report No. 9
Start date: 12 Jun 2008
Date of 1st confirmation of the event: 18 Jul 2008
Summary of outbreaks:
Total outbreaks: 12
Total animals affected
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed / Slaughtered
Goats / 175 / 62 / 7 / - / -
Sheep / 917 / 76 / 32 / - / -
Outbreak statistics
Species / Apparent morbidity rate / Apparent mortality rate /
Apparent case fatality
Goats / 35.43 percent / 4.00 percent / 11.29 percent
Sheep / 8.29 percent / 3.49 / 42.11 /
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments: In addition to perifocal vaccination, a full scale campaign of vaccination of sheep and goats began on 22 Sep 2008. Up to 13 Oct 2008, 3 666 652 head have been vaccinated.

September

China- Melamine contamination in animal feed
25 Sep 2008
Reuters UK [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, two gorillas are suspected of becoming the latest victims of China's tainted milk-powder health scandal, showing the early signs of kidney stones, local media reported on Thursday [25 Sep 2008]. It is reported that gorillas, both from Hangzhou Wildlife World in eastern Zhejiang province and aged one and 3, had been diagnosed with crystallization in their urine. Both had been fed with milk powder made by Sanlu Group, at the heart of the scandal in which 4 infants have died and thousands have fallen sick with kidney stones..

United Kingdom – Koi Herpesvirus disease
25 Sep 2008
Interactive Investor, Thomson Financial News report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said movements of fish in and out of a fishery in East Sussex have been restricted, following the confirmation of Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease. Defra has issued a designated area order prohibiting the movement of fish to and from Moor Hall Pools, Moor Hall Farm, Ninfield, Nr Battle, East Sussex.

Uganda - Virus kills 10,000 goats in Kapchorwa
21 Sep 2008
The New Vision [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, over 10 000 goats have died of diarrhea in Kapchorwa district between August and September this year 2008. The Kapchorwa's veterinary officer said the goats developed chronic diarrhea, exhaustion and death.He identified the affected areas as Kaptanya, Ngenge, Binyiny, Kaproron and Kwanyiy sub-counties. The district has 68 000 goats and sheep, according to the veterinary department.The disease, also known as goat plague, is caused by a paramyxovirus of the Morbillivirus genus. It was first described in 1942 in Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa.

Pakistan – Undiagnosed deaths in livestock (Sindh)
16 Sep 2008
Daily Regional Times [edited] [Promed]
The District Officer of the Animal Husbandry Department has said that on the directives of the Sindh government, animal vaccination was being carried out in Badin and its adjoining areas and mobile teams also sent to control the livestock diseases in the area. Talking to journalists during his visit of different villages of the district on Monday [15 Sep 2008], he said that the government of Sindh had taken various measures to promote livestock sector. He expressed concern over the huge losses of cattle heads some days back due to sudden outbreak of livestock diseases in the coastal areas and different villages of Badin owing to consumption of contaminated water of ponds. He said after an emergency survey of these areas within 2 days, around 8000 livestock had been vaccinated so far to control these diseases. He said livestock breeders and farmers were also being provided free medicines.

Germany - Around 4800 pigs killed because of Brucellosis in Mecklenburg
15 Sep 2008
Myregio (Regional information, Mecklenburg/Western Pomerania, Germany) [in German, trans. & summ. submitter, edited] [Promed]
On an organic pig farm, in the Ludwigslust district [in the southwest of the north German state of Mecklenburg/Western Pomerania. - Mod. AS - Promed], the entire pig population had to be killed following an outbreak of brucellosis. The news was published by the paper "Schweriner llVolkszeitung" (Sat 13 Sep 2008). How the disease got onto the farm with locations in Bickhusen and Nostorf is not known. The disease was detected during routine checks in early August [2008]. 400 breeding pigs were immediately killed and removed, the remaining 4400 pigs were kept until reaching the minimum weight of 15 kg (33 lb) and were then slaughtered and processed.

Australia – Abalone viral Ganglioneuritis (Tasmania)
10 Sep 2008
Yahoo 7 News, Australian Associated Press (AAP) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, officials could move to close Tasmania's [AUD] 330 million [approx. USD 263.2 million] wild abalone fishery -- the largest in the world -- after a devastating virus was detected in specimens at a processing plant. It is reported that the abalone viral ganglioneuritis, which has a high mortality rate, has already devastated wild abalone fisheries off Victoria. The discovery of infected abalone at a southern Tasmanian seafood processing plant has officials scrambling to determine if the virus is present in wild populations off the state's southern coast.

Morocco - Outbreak of 'peste des petits ruminants' in Morocco
9 Sep 2008
FAO News Release [edited] [Promed]
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is helping Morocco deal with an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that threatens to kill millions of sheep and goats and could possibly spread to neighbouring countries. The outbreak has largely affected sheep, with 133 outbreaks in 29 provinces so far. The origin of the outbreaks is currently unknown, but it is possible the disease was introduced through the movement of live, infected animals. For North African countries, the control of animal movements over borders is difficult, especially in the southern part of the region where herders follow a nomadic lifestyle. Morocco's sheep population is 17 million and its goat population is 5 million. These animals play an important role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of families. With the holy month of Ramadan having begun in September, and the Eid Al-Adha celebration in December, trading in livestock, particularly sheep, will increase markedly in North Africa. Without proper control mechanisms, this could accelerate the spread of the virus, the FAO warns. These outbreaks can lead to serious economic losses, aggravated by imposed sanitary measures, controls on livestock movements, and trade restrictions. Risk is also high for southern European countries that maintain close trade relations with Morocco, Spain in particular.
Related stories
13 Sep 2008 - Peste des petits ruminants – Follow up report
OIE's WAHID interface, PPR in Morocco - summary [abridged, edited] [Promed] Start of event: 12 June 2008
Confirmation: 18 Jul 2008
Number of outbreaks [as of 13 Sep 2008]: 168
23 Sep 2008 - Periodic event summary: Peste des petits ruminants, Morocco
OIE's WAHID interface, PPR in Morocco - summary [abridged, edited]

August

Bhutan – Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) (Thimphu)
28 Aug 2008
OIE WAHID Information 2008; 21(35) [edited] [Promed]
Summary
Report type : immediate notification
Start date : 06 Aug 2008
Date of 1st confirmation of the event : 25 Aug 2008
Reason for notification : 1st occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent : porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Nature of diagnosis : clinical, laboratory (basic)
This event pertains to : the whole country
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 : (BH01) Wangchutaba, Bapisa, Thimphu, Thimpu
Date of start of the outbreak : 06 Aug 2008
Outbreak status : continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : farm
Species : swine
Susceptible : 236
Cases : 15
Deaths: 5
Destroyed: 0
Slaughtered: 0
Affected population : a government pig breeding farm situated at the outskirts of Thimphu city.
Species: swine
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive Epidemiological comments: since the farm is a government nucleus breeding farm, there is a system to replenish the stock from other countries.
Future Reporting: the event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Russia – Brucellosis in sheeps and humans (Altai)
25 Aug 2008
IA Newsline [trans. - Mod.AS] [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a total of 35 sheep have been tested positive for brucellosis on a private farm in the village Volchikha of Volchikhinskaya region. The farm is located in the territory of former bigger farm called Voskhod. There are 701 sheep on this farm and specimens have been taken from all of them. One sheep died before being tested. The regional office of ministry of emergencies said that there are 9 people who came in contact with these sheep. All these people have been tested for brucellosis as well, and 3 of them had positive results. Currently all sick and suspected animals have been isolated.

Israel - Bovine Viral Diarrhea (Hazafon)
24 Aug 2008
OIE WAHID Information 2008; 21(34) [edited] [Promed]
Report type: Immediate notification
Start date: 15 Jun 2008
Date of 1st confirmation of the event: 10 Jul 2008
Report date: 19 Aug 2008
Date submitted to OIE: 19 Aug 2008
Reason for notification: Unexpected increase in morbidity or mortality of a listed disease
Summary description: In June 2008, the disease was reported in a dairy herd in a group of first-time calvers. Initial clinical signs were fever, loss of appetite and an abrupt drop in milk yield followed a few days later by diarrhea which was sometimes bloody. At the same time, cases of pneumonia appeared in young calves located in a distant shed on the farm. This is the 1st record of severe acute bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in Israel, with
involvement of genotype 2. The herd comprises 350 Israeli Holstein-Friesian dairy cows and 300 heifers. The farm also raises male calves which are bought from 5 other dairy herds at one week of age and has a feedlot of mixed beef breed calves which are bought from several sources, 1100 calves altogether.The herd was not vaccinated against BVDV. Serum was harvested from convalescent cows, filtered, supplemented with antibiotics and used for passive immunization of calves.
Clinical manifestation and disease progression: Clinical signs of enteritis first appeared in one pen of the adult cows (1st-time calvers), but gradually spread to other groups over a period of 6 weeks, eventually affecting at least 30 percent of the adult herd. The course of disease in non-fatal cases was about 2 weeks until recovery. At the same time, dairy calves between 10 days and 3 months suffered from severe pneumonia without diarrhea. Only calves born on the farm and from another dairy farm died, whereas calves from the other 4 farms were not severely affected. Clinical signs were not observed in older milk breed calves and in the beef breeds. During June and July 2008, 79 cows and calves died or were removed from the farm. The farmer has reported a reduced conception rate during the outbreak. Sequencing identified the isolate from the cow's intestine as BVDV2. Morbidity and mortality have abated in the adults but continue in the young calves. The herd will be monitored for consequences of fetal infection and ear notch testing for PI (persistently infected) offspring will be implemented.
Causal agent: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), genotype 2
This event pertains to: whole country
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Unknown or inconclusive
Control measures: Quarantine, Screening, Vaccination in response to the outbreak (s), Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s), No treatment of affected animals
Administrative division: HAZAFON
Species: Cattle
Total Vaccinated: 2000
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Kenya and Uganda – Peste des Petits Ruminants livestock disease in worsening food insecurity, threatens to spread
18 Aug 2008
FEWSNET via Reuters alertnet [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a virulent disease affecting sheep and goats, continues to spread across pastoral and agropastoral areas of north western Kenya and north eastern Uganda. It is reported that despite attempts by governments, as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), African Union's Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR), NGOs, and other partners, to control the disease through vaccinations and increased awareness, the response to date has been insufficient and ineffective.
Related stories
5 Aug 2008 - Pastoralist livelihoods hurt by disease
Irin News [edited] [Promed]
Pastoralists in northern Kenya have said their livelihoods have been seriously affected by a viral disease that has killed 2.7 million goats and sheep in the past 2 years. PPR had spread fast due a shortage of vaccines, Kenya's livestock development minister Mohamed Kuti said. Lack of adequate skilled personnel and funding had aggravated matters.

Russia - African swine fever rampant in North Ossetia
11 Aug 2008
Podrobnosti.UA [Trans. Mod.NR, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the spread of African swine fever [ASF] in Northern Ossetia can pose a worse threat than avian flu. More than 1500 animals have already died as a result of this disease. In spite of the state of emergency declared in Northern Ossetia, the spread continues. Experts predict that the disease will soon cover the whole country without effective means to control it.The first cases of this exotic disease have been recorded also in the Orenburg region, and there is danger of the disease, carried by swine, [mechanically] by humans, animal feed and transport [vehicles]. Astrakhan veterinarians are already preparing for the possible advance of the deadly disease, and local officials there have increased security measures. The authorities are applying a radical approach, appealing to the local population with the proposal, as a matter of urgency, to slaughter their pigs and immediately consume their meat.
Related stories
5 Aug 2008 – Bashkiria introduced quarantine
Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper [Trans. Mod.NR, edited] [Promed]

Sweden – Salmonellosis in bovine and ovine
8 Aug 2008
Sott.net, Sveriges Radio report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, 5 farms have been mysteriously affected by an outbreak of Salmonella in Skane, southern Sweden. The Swedish Board of Agriculture has so far not discovered the outbreak's [source]. Speaking to Dagens Nyheter newspaper, the Board of Agriculture's veterinary inspector described the outbreak as one of biggest Salmonella outbreaks of the last decade. The farms are now been sanitised and a total of 700 calves, lambs, and bulls have had to be put down. The inspector believes that the infection could have come via wild birds or rodents, and they are currently investigating that possibility.

El Salvador – Outbreak of swine fever
3 Aug 2008
El Salvador.com [trans. by Mod.MPP, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) remain uncertain over a possible outbreak of swine fever. According to the head of the General Directorate of Animal and Plant Health (DSVA), they have not as yet confirmed that 15 pigs on a farm in San Miguel have died from this disease. This week, 35 more from the same farm were sacrificed because they were in contact with sick animals.. El Salvador was on the verge of being declared free from classical swine fever, so with this alert, they will lose their international accreditation. It is reported that the concern of the authorities is that without certification indicating that the country is free of swine fever, it is impossible to export pork-derived products.The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock indicated that the sick pigs were not produced in the country, and they suspect that the infection came from other Central American countries.
Related stories
13 Aug 2008 – OIE report
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database), immediate notification report [edited]
Report type : immediate notification
Start date : 28 Jul 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event : 1 Aug 2008
Report date: 8 Aug 2008
Date submitted to OIE : 8 Aug 2008
Reason for notification : reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence : 21 May 2008
Causal agent : classical swine fever virus
Nature of diagnosis : clinical, laboratory (advanced), necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
Total outbreaks : 1
Outbreak location and affected population : San Miguel (San Miguel): a traditional breeding farm where pigs do not move freely
Total animals affected
Species / Susceptible / Cases / Deaths / Destroyed / Slaughtered : Swine / 57 / 54 / 15 / 15 / 27
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive
Control measures
Measures applied : stamping out; quarantine; zoning; disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s); vaccination prohibited; no treatment of affected animals.
Other control measures implemented: destruction of corpses; inspection of farms in the protection zone; actions for health education and information.
Vaccination has been prohibited for the last 17 months in the country.
Measures to be applied: screening
Future reporting : the event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Viet Nam – Porcine Reproductive and respiratory syndrome
1 Aug 2008
VietNamNet Bridge [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a total of 12 provinces and cities in Viet Nam have blue ear disease in pigs. This disease is spreading its wings in the central province of Quang Nam. It is reported that local authorities have decided to buy 20 000 doses of blue ear vaccine. Another central province, Thua Thien-Hue, has said it will allocate VND 270 million (USD 15,900) to prevent this disease. So far, the province has culled more than 1800 pigs.

July

Netherlands - Q Fever (NOORD BRABANT, GELDERLAND)
31 Jul 2008
Eurosurveillance [edited] [Promed]
This is by far the largest community outbreak of Q fever ever reported in the literature. Other European countries such as Denmark and Germany have also reported a changing epidemiology of Q fever and an increase in cases in 2008 but not to the same extent as in The Netherlands. The sharp increase in cases in the spring and the widespread pattern of this community outbreak with more than 600 cases reported in 2008 is alarming. This high number of notified cases is partly explained by an increased awareness of Q fever among general practitioners (GP), specialists and medical microbiological laboratories, especially in the region where the 2007 outbreak occurred. We hypothesize that this has also led to a different diagnostic approach and earlier diagnosis of suspected cases, leading to less hospital admissions in the notified cases. Signals from rural GP practices indicate, however, that there is an unprecedented marked and striking increase in pneumonia and signs and symptoms associated with Q fever in their patient population [personal communication]. To date there has been no conclusive evidence as for the source(s) of the epidemic. Although a single animal source can cause many human Q fever cases, the larger geographic area in which cases occur in 2008, compared to 2007, points at multiple sources. Several studies to assess the risk factors for Q fever in the general population, high-risk groups, and in ruminants are ongoing or starting in the near future, including source investigations focusing mainly at small ruminant farms and pet farms.

Morocco - Peste des petits ruminants
29 Jul 2008
OIE's WAHID interface, follow-up reports [edited] [Promed]
Summary
Report type: Follow-up report No. 1
Start date: 12 Jun 06 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event: 18 Jul 2008
Report date: 29 Jul 2008
Reason for notification: First occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent: Peste des petits ruminants virus
Nature of diagnosis: Suspicion, Clinical, Laboratory (basic), Necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
New outbreaks:
Outbreak 1 Khlaif, Soualem, Settat, CENTRE_MOROCCO
Outbreak 2 Ait Ftoma, Sidi El Makhfi, Ifrane, CENTRE-SOUTH
Outbreak 3 Ait Ouaziz, Aghbalou, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 4 Ait Ali, Ben Smime, Ifrane, CENTRE-SOUTH
Outbreak 5 Jouala, Sahel, Settat, CENTRE_MOROCCO
Outbreak 6 Tanedra, Aguelmous, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 7 Tighessaline centre, Tighessaline, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 8 Kotma, Ouled Zmam, Béni Mellal, CENTRE_MOROCCO
Outbreak 9 Tizi Laassa, Aguelmous, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 10 Mikal, Ouazzane banlieue, Sidi Kacem, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 11 Imaziouen, My Ahmed Chrif, Al Hoceïma, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 12 Aguelmous centre 4, Aguelmous, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 13 Aguelmous centre 2, Aguelmous, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 14 Zbar, Houara ouled Rahou, Taza, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 15 Aguelmous centre 1, Aguelmous , Khenifra , NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 16 Belamoune Khoulane, Ain Kansara, Moulay Yacoub, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 17 Khoulane, Ain Kansara, Moulay Yacoub, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 18 Ouislane centre, Ouislane, Meknès, CENTRE-SOUTH
Outbreak 19 Iheddaren, Aguelmous, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 20 Dayat Hachlaf, Dayat Aoua, Ifrane, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 21 Touzelt, Sidi Boutmim, Al Hoceïma, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 22 Tghaitia, Fes, CENTRE-NORTH
Outbreak 23 Aguelmous centre 3, Aguelmous, Khenifra, NORTH-WEST
Outbreak 24 Khemis Sidi Abdeljelil, Matmata, Taza, CENTRE-NORTH
Summary of outbreaks:
Total outbreaks: 24
Total animals affected
Species/ Susceptible/ Cases/ Deaths
Sheep / 3593 / 726 / 207
Goats / 10 / 4 / 0
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection : Unknown or inconclusive
Control measures
Measures applied
-Quarantine
-Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
-Modified stamping out
-No vaccination
-No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied: Screening
Future Reporting:
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Swaziland - Rift Valley fever
29 Jul 2008
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database), immediate notification report [edited] [Promed]
Start date : 5 Jun 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event: 14 Jul 2008
Report date : 28 Jul 2008
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent: Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus
Nature of diagnosis: laboratory (basic)
This event pertains to the whole country
Outbreak 1: Serec, Hhohho
Date of start of the outbreak : 5 Jun 2008
Outbreak status : continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : farm
Affected animals
Species: cattle
Susceptible : 170
Cases : 22
Deaths : 10
Affected population: dairy animals kept intensively. All ages are affected. 12 animals aborted at 7-8 months and 10 calves died of pneumonia at 6-12 weeks. The herd was vaccinated against RVF on 1 Jun 2008.
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments: virus isolation was unsuccessful.
Investigations are underway to determine if there is natural infection in view of the history of vaccination.
Measures applied: quarantine, no vaccination, no treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied : no other measures
Future Reporting The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Netherlands - A substantial increase in the number of reported Q-fever cases
25 Jul 2008
Agrarisch Dagblad [trans. from Dutch by Mod.AS, edited]. [Promed]
According to this story, the number of reported cases of Q-fever has risen sharply in recent weeks again. The Public Health Service for Brabant had, in their last census on 21 Jul 2008, 491 known cases. That means that 5000 Brabanders have been actually infected, says the Ministry of Health. The disease spread rapidly in Noord-Brabant and, to a lesser extent, in the Nijmegen region. It is reported that at present, goats are seen as the main source of infection.

Philippines - 143 carabao deaths reported in two East Samar towns (East Samar)
23 Jul 2008
Philippines Information Agency [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, farmers in Arteche and Oras towns in Samar province are now alarmed about the occurrence of the disease resembling hemorrhagic septicemia which apparently caused the deaths of some 143 carabaos [water buffalo. - Mod.JW - Promed]. Prompted by the alarming condition, the Provincial Veterinarian reported that his office conducted immediately a series of Animal Health Missions in the rural barangays of the two towns on 1 Jun to 4 Jul 2008 where they gathered the aforesaid data. Also, their study revealed that some 231 farm animals were infected by the bacteria. But he also disclosed that 116 had been vaccinated and 213 of the animals had been treated.

Morocco – Peste des petits ruminants in ovine
23 Jul 2008
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) [edited] [Promed]
Report type: immediate notification
Start date: 12 Jun 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event: 18 Jul 2008
Reason for notification: first occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent: Peste des petits ruminants virus
Nature of diagnosis: suspicion, clinical, laboratory (basic), necropsy
This event pertains to the whole country
Total outbreaks: 2
Outbreak Location(s):
Centre-Morocco (Douar Sidi Bettache centre, Commune rurale Sidi Bettache, Benslimane)
Centre-North (Douar Ouled M'hamed, Commune rurale Ain Chkef, Moulay Yacoub)
Affected animals Species: sheep
Susceptible: 540
Cases: 72
Deaths: 22
Destroyed: 34
Slaughtered: 0
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive
Measures already applied:
- quarantine
- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
- modified stamping out
- no vaccination
- no treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied: screening
Future reporting: The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

United Kingdom - Bovine TB outbreak in Welsh goats
22 Jul 2008
BBC News website at the Royal Welsh Show [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) have been found in goats in Carmarthenshire. It is reported also that the Welsh Assembly Government confirmed the outbreak and said it knew of a similar case in England, but it is not clear if they are linked.

Russia – African Swine Fever in North Ossetia
21 Jul 2008
IA " Pravda.ru " [translated by Mod.NP, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) is continuing in North Ossetia. Though, by now, more than 1600 pigs have been destroyed, the epidemic has not been stopped and 369 animals have already succumbed to ASF. The first ASF cases in the territory of the republic were recorded in June 2008. Wild boar were a vector of the disease. The affected villages with pig mortality were located in the Prigorodny and Lagirsky districts, as well as in the municipality of Redant, city of Vladikavkaz-2. On top of the 1600 pigs already destroyed, more than 9000 additional pigs will have to be destroyed.
Related stories
25 Jul 2008 – African swine fever virus detected in [Orenburg] province
RIA (Russian News & Information Agency) Novosti [in Spanish, trans. Mod.MPP, [Promed]
25 Jul 2008 – African swine fever in Ingushetia, Orenburg, North Ossetia-Alania: OIE
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) reports, 2008 [Promed]
31 Jul 2008 – Swine fever deaths increase
Pigprogress.com [Promed]

Slovakia – Classical swine fever
18 Jul 2008
Pigprogress.net [edited] [Promed]
In Central European Slovakia a new outbreak of classical swine fever (CSF) has been reported. The outbreak was reported in an area where also professional production sites were struck by classical swine fever earlier this year.

The Netherlands - Netherlands ban endangers British export industry
18 Jul 2008
The Herald [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a voluntary ban by Dutch cattle importers on the live export of cattle from the UK threatens to devastate the British export industry. It is reported that the move comes after 12 calves, which were exported from a farm in England to six farms in the Netherlands had to be slaughtered after subsequent tests on the English farm detected tuberculosis [TB] in the herd. Moreover, a further 27 farms that have been in contact with the original six are now under restriction and Dutch vets are testing more than 4000 cattle for the disease.

Vietnam – Pig disease spreads again
16 Jul 2008
Thanh nien via Viet Nam's Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) website [edited] [Promed] According to this story, the blue ear pig disease has spread to three newly-hit central provinces, raising the total number of provinces affected by the disease to 10, a health agency announced on Monday [14 Jul 2008]. More than 3500 infected pigs must be destroyed in the three provinces of Quang Tri, Binh Dinh, and Phu Yen, the Animal Health Department said. Local health agencies said more than 3400 pigs were infected with blue ear disease, also known as the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), in Quang Tri alone. But the real number is surely higher as Hai Lang district residents had already sold thousands of their infected pigs to the market 2-3 weeks before local heath departments discovered the outbreak. In the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, which supplies pigs to neighboring Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province, the disease is still a problem. While the disease is spreading to more areas, many pig dealers have persuaded farmers to sell infected pigs to them at VND 27,000 per kilogram, slightly higher than the government compensation.They also spread rumors that in order to receive the support, pig breeders have to pay disinfectant costs, said the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The provincial department has required district-level People's Committees to strictly inspect local slaughterhouses for infected animals. The 10 affected provinces are, from north to south, Lao Cai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vinh Long, Soc Trang and Bac Lieu.

France - Mystery plague kills French oysters
12 Jul 2008
The Telegraph [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, oysters have been mysteriously dying in the worst crisis to hit France's shellfish industry in 40 years. In the last few days farmers have lost between 40 and 100 percent of their oysters aged one to two years old. It is reported experts are unsure if the shellfish are succumbing to a viral epidemic or to poor water conditions caused by global warming. It is added in this story that the crisis will have no impact on current oyster consumption, as the ready-to-eat, mature specimens have not been affected.

India – Undiagnosed bovine deaths (Tamil Nadu)
11 Jul 2008
IANS via NewIndPress.com [edited] [Promed]
At least 18 cattle have died of an unidentified bovine disease in the past week in Erode district of Tamil Nadu, an official said Friday [11 Jul 2008].But according to local TV channels, over 200 animals had died in the past fortnight. According to this story, the Cauvery and Bhavani rivers flowing through the region have been polluted by toxic waste dumped by thousands of textile dyeing units, despite the Madras High Court's repeated intervention on the basis of petitions filed by environmentalists.

Taiwan – Goat and sheep pox
6 Jul 2008
M&C Health News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Taiwan slaughtered 210 goats on two goat farms near Taipei [the capital] following a goat pox outbreak on 2 goat farms, a newspaper said on Sunday [6 Jul 2008]. It is reported that goats began to fall ill on the 2 farms in Taoyuan County in May 2008, and on 27 Jun 2008, laboratory tests confirmed goat pox had broken out on these farms.It was the first time that Taiwan ever had a goat pox outbreak.
Related stories
9 Jul 2008 – OIE report
OIE-WAHID website [edited] [Promed]
Summary
Report type : Immediate notification (Final report)
Start date : 24 Jun 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event : 27 Jun 2008
Date event resolved : 5 Jul 2008
Reason for notification : first occurrence of a listed disease
Causal agent: Capripox virus
Nature of diagnosis : Suspicion, Clinical, Laboratory (basic),
Laboratory (advanced), Necropsy
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
New outbreaks:
Outbreak 1: Rom-Chang Farm, T'ao-Yuan
Date of start of the outbreak : 24 Jun 2008
Outbreak status : Resolved 5 Jul 2008
Epidemiological unit: Farm
Affected animals
Species: sheep/goats
Susceptible: 142
Cases: 114
Deaths: 19
Destroyed: 123
Slaughtered : 0
Outbreak 2: Yu-Wen Farm, T'ao-Yuan
Date of start of the outbreak: 24 Jun 2008
Outbreak status: Resolved 1 Jul 2008
Epidemiological unit: Farm
Affected animals
Species: Goats
Susceptible: 68
Cases : 68
Deaths: 16
Destroyed: 52
Slaughtered: 0
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: Unknown or inconclusive
Control measures
Measures applied: Stamping out, Quarantine, Movement control inside the country, Screening, Zoning, Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s), Dipping/Spraying, Vaccination prohibited, No treatment of affected animals.
Measures to be applied : No other measures
Future Reporting
The event is resolved. No more reports will be submitted.

Burundi - Fatal chicken disease a blow to food security
3 Jul 2008
Irin, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [edited] [Promed]
Food security in Burundi's Kayanza province is under threat because of an untreatable disease that has killed more than 1000 chickens in one commune, according to a senior official. "The disease has also been reported in other parts of the country but total numbers of dead chickens are not [yet] available," the director of the Animal Health Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Stockbreeding told IRIN. "With the pandemic among the chickens, the population will face a significant lack of animal proteins and many people will suffer from the shortage, as chicken is widely raised and consumed in Burundi," he added. He said the illness, which has similar symptoms to Newcastle Disease, was affecting the economic lives of people raising chickens or trading in meat and eggs. "Egg production has dropped by 80 percent," he said. He added that the meat of infected chickens did not pose a threat to human health as long as it was well-cooked. And although the disease itself can be passed on to humans, the only effects are mild conjunctivitis. Laboratory tests were being carried out to determine the precise identity of the disease, although he ruled out the possibility of it being avian influenza.No treatment is available for the disease, and although chicks can be vaccinated, doing so would be impractical in a country where most poultry is kept by individual households.

Russia – African Swine Fever - North Ossetia-Alania
2 Jul 2008
GST NA, [trans. Mod.NR, edited] [Promed]
116 pigs died of African swine fever in the Prigorodniy and Alagisrkiy districts of North Ossetia. The diagnosis has been confirmed based on pathology. Strict quarantine measures have been set up to prevent further spread.

Kuwait - Disease outbreak summary - Bovine tuberculosis, Al Jahrah, July-December 2007
1 Jul 2008
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) [edited] [Promed]
New outbreaks: 2
Total outbreaks: 2
Affected species
Species: cattle
Susceptible: 1261
Cases: 522 (confirmed infection without clinical signs)
Deaths: 0
Destroyed: 0
Slaughtered: 522
[Promed comment : The information above, derived from an updated page of WAHID, adequately provides the requested clarification. It is now apparent that the right number of slaughtered animals was 522 and not 5 as initially reported]

China – Porcine Reproduction and respiratory syndrom (Fujian)
1 Jul 2008
JiangxiPig.Com [trans. from Chinese Rapp.DS, abridged, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, hog dumping is occurring in southern markets due to disease. "High Fever Disease" is showing signs of resurgence in southern areas and has reached very high levels in some places, including Zhangzhou, in the Fujian province. As a result, there is a certain level of dumping in some affected areas.

June

Greece – Brucellosis (Kavala)
19 Jun 2008
Eurosurveillance, Volume 13, Issue 25 [edited] [Promed]
Epidemiological situation in Greece
Between 2000 and 2007, the mean yearly incidence rate of brucellosis in Greece was 2.9/100 000 population. The annual incidence rate shows a decreasing tendency: 5 in 2000, 3.7 in 2001, 3 in 2002, 2.2 in 2003, 2.1 in 2004, 3.1 in 2005, 2.6 in 2006, and 1.38 in 2007. The data indicate that the disease mainly affects rural areas of the mainland, all cases either engaged in a high-risk occupation (shepherds, workers in animal husbandry, vets) or sharing unpasteurized milk or dairy products with friends and relatives (3-5).
Outbreak in Thassos
No cases of human brucellosis were reported in Thassos in 2007 or during the first quarter of 2008, until early May 2008, when a considerable number of cases were notified to the Department of Epidemiologic Surveillance and Intervention, of the HCDCP MHSS. The onset of symptoms of the first case was 1 Apr 2008. As of 17 Jun 2008, 55 human cases have been reported: 53 had consumed unpasteurized milk and/or dairy products: 8 had a high-risk profession (six herd owners and two butchers), and 9 had had systematic contact with sheep and/or goats. A total of 50 cases and five cases were permanent residents of Thassos and Kavala respectively, the age ranging from 8 to 88 years old, with a median of 46 years, sparing only 0-4 years old (26 cases were male, 29 female).
Laboratory results
All cases reported tested positive for brucellosis, except for 1 patient who met the clinical and epidemiological criteria while the laboratory result was pending when reported. Eight were asymptomatic while testing positive, 6 of who reported consumption of non-pasteurized milk/dairy products, and reported their husbands' illness and high-risk profession.
There is a widespread custom among local residents of Thassos of consuming unpasteurized milk and its products around Easter-time in their households. This does not affect tourists from Greece or abroad visiting the island.
Control measures
Soon after the 1st human case was notified early in May 2008 in Thassos, the above spontaneous usual procedures resulted in positive herd serologies. The HPH officials, being aware of the local habit, distributed advice to all health authorities, and to all residents, door to door, suggesting the destruction of any improperly processed milk products in households.
Currently, the slaughter of seropositive animals and vaccination has been applied to all herds of the island, which is the control program already operating across mainland Greece, and this will continue until the island is again free of brucellosis.
Coordinated HPH and VPH inspections in all restaurants, groceries, hotels, and other settings proved that only licensed products were circulated in the market. A rapid telephone survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted by the Unit for Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases, HCDCP, and all interviewed cases confirmed that these household products were not offered to any tourist in any setting.
Conclusions
Brucellosis is a disease of public health priority in Greece. The HPH and VPH authorities at the central and local levels have a close collaboration and integration, aiming at the target of eradicating the disease which, judging by both reported cases and comments from leading hospitals microbiologists, is thought to be in decline regarding annual incidence in the country. According to the information we have on this outbreak at the time of writing, it is unlikely that any tourists were exposed to brucellosis on Thassos. In addition, the public health measures applied after this local outbreak ensure that there is no future risk for tourists visiting the island.

United Kingdom – S Staphylococcus Aureaus (Methicillin-Resistant ) in human and livestock (Scotland)
2 Jun 2008
Soil Association Press Release [edited] [Promed]
Following the publication in a Sunday paper of information concerning the first 3 identified cases of farm-animal MRSA [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus] in humans in the UK, the Soil Association is calling on the Government to publish interim results of its testing for MRSA in pigs, which has been ongoing since the beginning of the year [2008] and introduce a comprehensive testing programme for MRSA in other farm-animal species.

May

OIE – Animal Health 2007-2008
30 May 2008
OIE press release [edited] [Promed]
Approximately 600 participants representing the 172 OIE Member Countries and Territories, intergovernmental (FAO, WHO, World Bank, WTO etc.), regional and national organisations took part in the 76 th Annual General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), 25-30 May 2008.
Official OIE sanitary status recognition of Members
The International Committee approved the 2008 list of countries or zones that had applied for an official OIE recognition of their sanitary status concerning one or several of 4 priority diseases: bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), foot and mouth disease (FMD), contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and rinderpest.This year [2008] the OIE recognized a record number of sanitary statuses on BSE. Following the recognition of 30 Members this week, the OIE now recognizes 41 Members as having a "controlled risk" or a "negligible risk" status. The OIE is the sole world organisation to grant an official status on freedom from specified animal diseases including BSE. A total of 5 Members or zones of Members were newly recognized as free of FMD with or without vaccination. [The full list, updated 26 May 2008, is available at < http://oie.int/eng/info/en_fmd.htm >].The OIE granted 13 new national free statuses on rinderpest. The organisation reiterated the objective, shared with the FAO, to declare the world free of rinderpest in the short term.
More commitment from OIE Reference Laboratories and Members to the OFFLU network
Delegates adopted a resolution requiring Members reporting outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza to rapidly share biological material and data with the international scientific community. Members are encouraged to use the OIE/FAO OFFLU network as a way of generating and disseminating this information, thus allowing the early preparation of human vaccines. [For the OFFLU website, see < http://www.offlu.net/ >].The Session further insisted that it is mandatory for all OIE Reference Laboratories to gather, process, analyse and disseminate epidemiological data concerning the disease they are responsible for.
Global animal disease notification
The worldwide zoosanitary situation, covering around 100 terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases, was examined in detail. The Session highlighted that notification of disease outbreaks from Members has dramatically improved since the launch of the new online system WAHIS in 2006. To the benefit of the world epidemiological situation, Members assimilated the system and it meets all expectations regarding the swiftness, number and quality of notification reports.The WAHID database now captures all the information provided by WAHIS and makes it accessible to anyone worldwide.
Additions to the Terrestrial and Aquatic Animal Health Codes
Consistent with the framework of its usual standard-setting activities, the Committee updated and adopted new international standards, aimed at providing better safeguards for the sanitary safety of world trade, as well as guidelines to better implement surveillance of animal diseases and zoonoses worldwide.Significant standards were also adopted in the field of animal welfare, including a new scientific definition of animal welfare and new guidelines for aquatic animals.

South Africa – Rift Valley Fever in livestock
27 May 2008
OIE WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database) Disease Information 2008; 21(23) [edited] [Promed]
Report type Follow-up report No. 5
Start date 14 Jan 2008
Date of first confirmation of the event 06 Feb 2008
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence Jan 1999
Causal agent Rift Valley fever virus. Genus: Phlebovirus. Family: Bunyaviridae Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced), Necropsy This event pertains to the whole country
Related reports: Immediate notification (08 Feb 2008); Follow-up report No. 1 (28 Feb 2008); Follow-up report No. 2 (14 Mar 2008); Follow-up report No. 3 (23 Apr 2008); Follow-up report No. 4 (16 May 2008); Follow-up report No. 5 (27 May 2008)
New outbreaks
Outbreak 1 (Krokodildrift NWP) Krokodildrift, Madibeng, NORTH WEST PROVINCE
Date of start of the outbreak: 23 Apr 2008
Outbreak status : Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : Farm
Specie s Cattle
Susceptible 73
Cases 22
Deaths 6
Destroyed 0
Slaughtered 0
Affected population : Susceptible population consisted of 70 cattle and 3 sheep. Clinical cases occurred in cattle only.
Epidemiology : Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection. Vectors
Epidemiological comments : Vaccination has been applied on all infected farms.
Control measures : Measures applied –Quarantine - Vaccination in response to the outbreak(s)
Future Reporting: The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.

Mayotte – Rift Valley fever in bovine
22 May 2008
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database), weekly disease information 2008; 21(20) [edited] [Promed]
Report type : immediate notification
Start date : 4 Mar 2008
Date of 1st confirmation of the event: 4 Mar 2008
Report date: 14 May 2008
Reason for notification: 1st occurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence : none
Causal agent: Rift Valley fever virus
Nature of diagnosis : laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Summary of outbreaks
Outbreak 1 : M'Tsangamouji, Ile de Mayotte (France)
Date of start of the outbreak: 4 Mar 2008
Outbreak status : continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit : farm
Affected animals
Species : cattle
Susceptible: 67
Cases: 12
Deaths : 0
Destroyed: 0
Slaughtered : 0
Affected population : adult zebus raised in an enclosure in a communal farm.
Species : cattle
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection : illegal movement of animals
Epidemiological comments : diagnostic tests were performed on serum collected in November 2007. The frequent imports of live cattle to Comoros from Madagascar and Tanzania (since 2002) led to consider the risk of introduction of the disease in Mayotte by illegal imports of live cattle from Anjouan (antibodies against Rift Valley fever virus were also detected on goats).
The detection of IgM in 3 zebus suggests a viral circulation in October 2007. A wider seroepidemiological investigation conducted in collaboration with the CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development) is underway to determine the geographic distribution of the infection throughout the whole territory of Mayotte.

Bosnia – Brucellosis
22 May 2008
FluTrackers.com, Agence France-Presse (AFP) report [edited] [Promed]
An alarming rise in cases of Bosnians infected with the rare animal disease brucellosis requires urgent action to prevent it from spreading, an epidemiologist warned Thursday (22 May 2008). At least another 1000 people in the Muslim-Croat Federation had been infected by brucellosis but were not registered since they were yet to see a doctor, the epidemiologist estimated. He said also that the situation is identical in the Republika Srpska, the Serb entity.According to this story, a precise figure on those currently infected with the animal disease is unknown.

African swine fever in the Caucasus
22 May 2008
FAO, EMPRES Watch, April 2008 [abridged, edited] [Promed]
GEORGIA
Although ASF was not reported to the OIE until 5 Jun 2007, the first clinical cases were seen before May 2007 in the area surrounding the port of Poti, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Afterwards, the disease spread eastwards and north following the main transportation routes. This was the first official report of ASF occurrence in the Caucasus region. Sequence analysis of the Georgian ASF virus isolate revealed a close relationship to virus strains from Southeast Africa (Mozambique, Madagascar and Zambia).Early detection was based mainly on clinical findings, and only a small proportion of these outbreaks were confirmed by laboratory investigations. Delayed recognition and response to the new disease appears to have allowed infection to become widespread. By the second week of June 2007, 52 out of 65 districts were suspected to be affected, more than 30,000 pigs had died, and a total of 3900 pigs had been culled. However, it was reported that only clinically ill animals within an infected herd had been culled, which may have contributed to ASF persisting and becoming endemic in the country. Most pigs affected were on open grazed fields or in free range systems. During January 2008, active infection was reported from three regions.
ARMENIA
Armenia 1st reported ASF on 6 Aug 2007 in the northern districts bordering Georgia. The source of the ASF virus entry into Armenia was probably the ASF epidemic in Georgia. By 25 Nov 2007, the number of suspected ASF cases in the 2 northern districts of Armenia had risen to 41. In total, around 3600 pigs died of ASF, and 4300 were culled. During November 2007, new outbreaks occurred in Yerevan and Ararat districts. During January [2008], no outbreaks were reported, but one case was diagnosed in February 2008.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
On 4 Dec 2007, the Russia Federation reported to the OIE its 1st ASF outbreak since the 1970s. The report stated that 5 wild boar in the Republic of Chechnya, bordering Georgia, were positive.Although the precise method of introduction into the country is unknown, it is likely to have been related to the outbreaks in neighbouring Georgia. If wild boar become infected, the virus could potentially become endemic in the region, as occurred on the Iberian Peninsula and occurs in Sardinia today. So far, the competency of possible Ornithodoros tick vectors in the affected regions is unknown.
AZERBAIJAN
ASF was officially confirmed in Azerbaijan on 28 Jan 2008 in the village of Nic, Gabala District (northwest of the country, about 180 km east of the Georgian border). The pigs were typically kept in backyard holdings and temporarily left outside during the day on pasture/communal land. In Azerbaijan, pigs are kept mainly for family consumption or small-scale local trade.Nagorno-Karabakh has been experiencing ASF outbreaks since November 2007.
Main challenges in the area and the risk for the region
The spread of ASF within the region was facilitated by late detection of the disease and limited ability of the veterinary services to control swine movement or marketing practices. As a result, the chance of ASF becoming endemic is high. Even with a late aggressive response, finding all free-ranging pigs and eliminating the disease in this population will be difficult. If not contained, ASF could easily spread to other countries in the region and would have a protracted direct effect on the productivity of the livestock industry, and indirectly on the food supply, and thus, food security.Infection in the wild boar population would complicate short and long-term control. In addition to the above difficulties, potential vectors ( Ornithodoros ticks) may be present in the Caucasus region.

Portugal – Scrapie
22 May 2008
OIE, WAHID (World Animal Health Information Database), weekly disease information 2008; 21(22) [edited] [Promed]
Report type: immediate notification (final report)
Start date : 24 Jan 2008
Date of 1st confirmation of the event : 29 Feb 2008
Date event resolved : 13 Mar 2008
Reason for notification : reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence : 2004
Causal agent : prion
Nature of diagnosis : laboratory (basic), laboratory (advanced) This event pertains to the whole country
Outbreak 1 (01/2008): Valbom, Pinhel, Guarda, Guarda
Date of start of the outbreak: 24 Jan 2008
Outbreak status : resolved (13 Mar 2008)
Epidemiological unit : farm
Affected animals : dairy sheep crossed with Assaf
Species : sheep
Susceptible: 273
Cases : 7
Destroyed : 273
Species: sheep
Control measures
Measures applied: stamping out, quarantine, movement control inside the country, screening, disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s). No vaccination, no treatment of affected animals
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments: the outbreak was fully resolved in March 2008. Measures taken to bring outbreak under control included quarantine, controlling the movement of sheep inside the country, active screening and disinfection of the infected premises however no vaccinations were administered nor treatment of infected animals. Proper surveillance and tracking of this disease in Portugal may be appropriate to enable a fast response and possibility to quickly locate source if outbreak should occur again.

Russia – Brucellosis in ovine and caprine - Quarantine imposed (Altai krai)
14 May 2008
IA Regnum [translated by Corr.ATS, edited] [News source provided by Promed]
According to this story, a total of 116 sheep and 12 goats have been identified as infected by brucellosis in the village Kuchuk of Altai krai. The cases have been confirmed by laboratory tests. Currently, the sick animals are isolated. All the yards are equipped with disinfection entry areas and the population is informed about the restrictions due to brucellosis. Local veterinarians are working in the village.

Australia – Melioidosis in goats - Northern Territory
13 May 2008
ABC Rural [edited]
According to this story, hundreds of feral and domestic goats have been dying from disease on breeding blocks near Katherine in the Northern Territory. The harsh weather conditions and the recent transport of more goats to the region are believed to be causing the common diseases.

Kuwait – Tuberculosis, Bovine
11 May 2008
Arab Times, Kuwait [edited]
According to the chairman of the Cooperative Societies Union (CSU), results of tests conducted on local dairy products were negative for bovine tuberculosis. It is reported that the chairman confirmed that the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) took the necessary precautionary measures immediately after receiving reports that some cows at the cattle farms in Sulaibiya are infected with the disease. According to this story, on the other hand, the chairman of the Union of Fresh Dairy Products revealed the PAAAFR has agreed to slaughter 1300 cows in Sulaibiya, which were found infected with the disease. It is also reported that meanwhile, the chairman of the Board of Directors of Ardiya Cooperative Society said the co-op and its branches removed locally-produced fresh milk and its byproducts from their shelves to ensure the safety of consumers.

Kenya Under Fresh Threat From Rift Valley Fever
7 May 2008
Business Daily (Nairobi) via AllAfrica - East Africa [edited]
According to this story, experts are warning that the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) may hit Kenya again and other neighbouring countries.It is reported that the new warning follows an acute outbreak of the viral disease on the Island of Madagascar, off the coastline of East Africa and that the situation in Madagascar poses a direct threat to neighbouring nations such as Kenya, especially because surrounding regions in Central Africa are anticipated to witness an increase in precipitation above normal rains in the next few months -- a condition that suits the spread of the disease.

April

Viet Nam reports additional provinces hit by pig disease
22 Apr 2008
China View, Xinhua News Agency report [edited]
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), known as "blue ear" disease, has recently stricken 2 more Vietnamese provinces, raising the total number of affected localities [provinces] to 10, local newspaper Pioneer reported Tuesday [22 Apr 2008].Specimens from ill pigs in Yen Mo in the northern province of Ninh Binh and Y Yen of Nam Dinh province tested positive to PRRS virus, the paper quoted the country's Department of Animal Health as reporting.Now, PRRS is hitting the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh in the northern region, and Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, Nghe An, Lam Dong, and Thua Thien Hue in the central region, said the department.

Nagorno- Karabakh – African Swine Fever
17 Apr 2008
IA Kavkazskiy Uzel [trans by Promed , edited]
According to this story, the Vice-Premier and Minister of Farming and Agriculture of Nagorno-Karabakh announced that new cases of African swine fever [ASF] have been registered in the Hadrut region of Karabakh. 47 million AMD [Armenian Drams; USD 151 000] have been allocated from the state budget for compensation to the owners of infected swine. Infected animals have been culled earlier this year [2008]. The Minister said that an accurate analysis of the outbreak's dimensions is difficult to perform, since animal owners present inflated losses. This also makes the process of compensation more complicated. The epidemic of ASF caused major losses in Georgia at the end of the last year [2007]. Then, it spread to Armenia, killing large numbers of swine.

Bangladesh – Bacterial Leaf Blight in rice
14 Apr 2008
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited]
Over the past week the retail price of rice has held steady. But in Dhaka long queues continued outside government open market sales centres. Although this month's [April 2008] 'boro' rice harvest, which accounts for some 60 percent of the country's yield, is expected to be a bumper one, severe crop losses as a result of monsoon floods last year [2007], coupled with a devastating cyclone, have helped keep stocks low.Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), a serious rice disease, also poses a threat to stocks, but an agriculture adviser interviewed was optimistic this week, saying 'boro' production would exceed the target this year [2008] thanks in part to proper remedial measures having been taken. His optimism was echoed by researchers and agricultural experts at Bangladesh Agricultural University who said the BLB outbreak in many areas would probably not cause extensive damage to the 'boro' yield. However, Bangladesh's is far from being out of the woods, with government officials predicting the "crisis" likely to last quite some time.

Yemen – Screwworm Myiasis, Animal
13 Apr 2008
FAO AGA NEWS, March 2008 [edited]
Outbreaks of Old World Screwworm (OWS) have been reported in western Yemen, in February 2008, near the border area with Saudi Arabia and across the relative green upland areas of the country. The OWS fly causes myiasis, a disease caused by the fly's larvae feeding on the host's necrotic or living tissue, and which may affect both humans and animals. Within Yemen, the affected areas hosts almost 50 percent of the total animal national stock, estimated at 15 million sheep, 1.4 million cattle and 250 000 camels.The recent events in Yemen are of direct relevance to all the countries in the Arabian Peninsula as there is mounting evidence of a progressive spread of OWS, across the Middle East. Incursions of OWS have been reported in Bahrain in 1977, in Oman in 1983, in the United Arab Emirates in 1988, in Iran in 1994 and in Iraq in 1996. This spread is possibly related to a combination of factors including movements of people and livestock, land use and climatic change.
Related stories
31 Mar 2008 - IRIN, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Hong Kong - Botulism caused wild ducks' death
11 Apr 2008
Hong Kong's Information Services Department [edited]
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has confirmed botulism was the cause of death of 51 wild ducks found in Lok Ma Chau. Carcasses of 8 northern shovelers [_Anas clypeata_] and 43 Eurasian wigeons [_Anas penelope_] were collected at the wetland compensation area of the Mass Transit Railway Lok Ma Chau Spur Line on 25 Mar 2008. These wild ducks are common winter migratory birds found in Hong Kong. They had all tested negative for the H5 virus. Botulism is a disease caused by toxins produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum .

Uganda - Nagana Hits Tororo District
8 Apr 2008
New Vision (Kampala) via Allafrica.com [edited]
According to this story, an outbreak of Nagana is threatening food security in Tororo, the district veterinary officer has said. He said the disease, which is spread by tsetse flies and affects cattle, had wiped out livestock in key areas that supply food to the district and affected crop production since farmers use ox-ploughs. Nagana weakens the animals rapidly, causes loss of appetite and makes them develop scarred hides. West Budama county is the most affected. In Paya sub-county, the infection rate is 11.4 percent, Mulanda sub-county 15.5 percent, Nabuyoga sub-county 15.7 percent and Kirewa sub-county with 14.6 percent.The district agricultural officer said the biggest proportion of crops, including maize, millet and beans come from West Budama.

Finland - Enzootic bovine leucosis [EBL]
3 Apr 2008
OIE , World Animal Health Information Database, weekly disease information 2008; 21(14) [edited]
Reason for notification : reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence : 1996
Causal agent : enzootic bovine leukosis virus
Nature of diagnosis : laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to the whole country
Outbreak 1: Muhos testing station, Oulu
Date of start of the outbreak : 3 Jan 2008
Outbreak status: continuing (or date resolved not provided)
Epidemiological unit: farm
Affected animals
Species: cattle
Susceptible: 27
Cass : 1
Deaths: 0
Destroyed : 0
Slaughtered: 1
Affected population : a 13 month old bull intended for artificial insemination
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments: the bull tested positive during the quarantine required for moving from the rearing station to the artificial insemination centre. Before final results were available, the bull was slaughtered [for] other reasons. Consequently, no virus isolation could be carried out afterwards. Other bulls in the same group have tested negative but are still under movement restrictions. Also, the positive bull and the herd of origin tested negative before the bull entered the rearing station in spring 2007. The farm of origin, including the dam of the infected bull and another calf of the dam were tested again in February 2008 with negative results but are still under movement restrictions. The tracing of the origin of the infection continues. Finland officially declared its whole territory free from enzootic bovine leukosis since 1999.
Control measures
- quarantine
- movement control inside the country
- disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
- no treatment of affected animals.

Kenya - Outbreak of peste de petits ruminants - 13 million livestock at risk as deadly disease spreads
1 Apr 2008
Daily Nation [edited]
An estimated 13 million sheep and goats in Rift Valley Province are at risk following an outbreak of a viral disease which has killed hundreds of animals. Veterinary officers in the province told the Nation yesterday [31 Mar 2008] that the outbreak of peste de petits ruminants [PPR] was of great concern to them, as the country had no vaccine to contain it. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development has placed an order for one million doses of vaccines from Ethiopia and Sudan. The provincial director of veterinary services said that the disease was first detected in Oropoi and Lokichoggio divisions of Turkana North District in March 2006. He said that following the outbreak the veterinary department treated 1.4 million sheep and goats in Turkana District, where hundreds of animals had died, after vaccines were procured from outside the country.

March

Australia - Another NSW cattle tick case
31 Mar 2008
ABC.net Australia [edited]
New South Wales (NSW) cattle producers are being warned to keep a close watch on their stock, after a 2nd case of cattle tick fever was found on the state's north coast. More than 10 heifers have died as a result of the outbreaks. The NSW Department of Primary Industries says this latest case at Alstonville is related to the previous one near Muwillumbah, and likely to be linked to Queensland cattle. Regional animal health leader, Paul Freeman, says surrounding properties have been quarantined, but more outbreaks could occur.

Virus kills Chile's salmon and indicts its fishing methods
27 Mar 2008
The New York Times [edited]
A virus called Infectious Salmon Anemia, or ISA, is killing millions of salmon destined for export to Japan, Europe, and the United States.

New Caledonia – Australia – Tick Fever
21 Mar 2008
Pacific Magazine [edited]
New Caledonia and Australian experts have on Thursday [20 Mar 2008] announced they had agreed on a joint approach that would avoid the mass cull of thousands of cattle after the introduction of a tick fever imported with Australian infected bulls in November last year [2007]. A team of top experts, sent by the Australian government, has been assessing the situation in New Caledonia for the past 5 days. Their main mission was to assist local authorities to contain and possibly treat a contamination from the Australian-introduced tick fever, known as babesiosis. New Caledonia's government had passed emergency regulations that de facto set up exclusion zones for New Caledonia's 17 cattle farms that have been in contact with one or several of the 43 Australia-imported animals. All pastures are also closed to grazing for up to 10 months so that any tick that could be there cannot contaminate more animals. Buffer "protection" and "surveillance" zones also surround the exclusion zones so as to prevent any contamination to neighbouring farms. Furthermore, New Caledonia's quarantine services will remain closed for the next 2 months, which in effect means no animal, whatever its race, can be introduced into the French Pacific territory.
Related sources
12 Mar 2008 - Tick disaster after fresh AQIS bungle -The Australia News
20 Mar 2008 - Plans to eradicate tick disease in New Caledonian cattle
Rural Press National News Service, Parliament House Bureau, Canberra Via: North Queensland Register
31 Mar 2008 - Bovine babesiosis, New Caledonia [Official confirmation of earlier postings]
OIE WAHIDWorld Animal Health Information Database) Disease Information 2008; 21(14)

Australia - Warning on fish disease
20 Mar 2008
ABC network Australia [edited]
New South Wales recreational fishermen heading out for a spot of Easter fishing are being warned to check their catch for signs of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome or 'red spot disease.' The fish must not be eaten or thrown back but euthanized, by quickly removing the head and disposing in landfill. The disease strips the slimy layer on the fish, allowing a fungus to develop and red lesions and deep ulcers to appear.

Thailand – Tularemia (Prachuap Khiri Khan)
18 Mar 2008
Bangkok Post [edited]
The Public Health Ministry yesterday [17 Mar 2008] declared tularemia an emerging disease in Thailand after its 1st victim was diagnosed in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The disease Control Department director-general was reported as saying a 37 year old woman who suffered from cancer was Thailand's 1 st tularemia, or rabbit fever, fatality. Tularemia is a disease borne by rodents and rabbits, and is endemic in North America and Europe. The director-general also dismissed concerns about an outbreak, saying that there is no threat of human-to-human transmission and that relatives of the dead, who live under the same roof, should not worry. The ministry is waiting for the results of another lab test from the USA to see if the rabbit fever is of strains A or B which are more dangerous. The results are expected in 2 weeks.
Related articles
18 Mar 2008 - Bloomberg

Russia – Brucellosis , Ovine
12 Mar 2008
IA riag.ru , [translated by Mod.NR - Promed, edited]
As previously reported by "IA riag.ru", one of the sheep farms in the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region was found infected with a dangerous disease agent, brucellosis. As explained by the District's veterinary officer, in December 2007, a farmer introduced 100 sheep from the Volgograd region without the prescribed permits and in violation of all veterinary rules. Out of 82 tested animals, 25 were found brucellosis positive. Prior to the established diagnosis, 18 sheep were gone. The owner said that they had been consumed by the family, stating that they were not sold in Moscow. Currently, family members and all neighbors are being examined. The Prosecutor's office has been informed about the case, since the farmer had managed to transport animals across nearly half of Russia without proper documentations, passing through tens of police posts. As the farmer explains, he successfully offered bribes in every road post. After the final analysis, the unaffected sheep will be sent to an abattoir and slaughtered for meat, while the infected sheep sent to a rendering plant.

Yemen - Myiasis affects thousands of animals
2 Mar 2008
UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) [edited]
The General Department for Animal Resources (GDAR) at Yemen's Ministry of Agriculture has warned that more than 8000 livestock in 3 of the country's provinces have been affected by myiasis, a disease by which human or animal tissue is infested with fly larvae or maggots.The potentially fatal disease has been found in 838 villages in Saada and Hajjah provinces and at least 5 villages in al-Hudeidah province in northwest Yemen since it first appeared in the country in December 2007, GDAR added. According to Ghaleb al-Eryani, director-general of GDAR, there are 15 million sheep, 1.4 million cattle, and 250 000 camels in Yemen. So far, the number of affected animals has reached 8500. Government sources say that teams have sprayed 120 000 animals and 9000 barns in Saada and Hajjah. In al-Hudeidah Governorate, where the disease has spread to more than 5 villages, officials at Tehama Development Authority (TDA), a government body there, have declared a state of emergency because the province is home to almost half the whole country's livestock.

February

Ethiopa (South) – Animal disease – Extended dry season
29 Feb 2008
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [edited]
The situation in Borena zone with regard to animal health, food security and water for human and animal consumption is deteriorating on a daily basis. The extended dry season follows insufficient rainfall during the hagaya rain (October-December), and conditions have been exacerbated by overstocking of livestock and encroachment of land by farms and bush trees. According to Woreda officials in Arero, limited availability of water for animals is contributing to poor health of livestock and reported cases of livestock diseases, including anthrax, black leg, bloody diarrhea, and FMD. The number of reported livestock deaths is increasing on a daily basis. The Sub-Regional office WFP has registered 4660 livestock deaths since mid-February 2008.

Russia – Rabies (Republic of Alta), cattle
18 Feb 2008
Amic.ru, News Agency, [trans. Corr.ATS- Promed, edited]
According to this story, an emergency situation at the municipality level has been declared in Altai, which has biological and social implications. The press secretary of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Altai, Svetlana Lyashko, stated that a cattle die-off has occurred in 2 village settlements in the republic. Laboratory examinations confirmed rabies. The local authorities have initiated an emergency plan to control the spread of the infection.
Related Sources
14 Feb 2008 - Russia- Rabies, human suspected (Kaluga Oblast) Regions.ru, Federation News

Honduras – Poultry Deaths (La Paz)
15 Feb 2008
La Prensa Grafica (El Salvador) [in Spanish, trans. CopyEd.MJ- Promed, edited]
The [Salvadoran] Government reported yesterday [Thu 14 Feb 2008] that a team of technicians had been sent to Honduras to investigate the suspicious deaths of 200 poultry. The [Salvadoran] government has clearly indicated it has not taken a stance on whether it is avian influenza. A barrier has been implemented in the zone, and residents have been advised to abstain from eating eggs or poultry meat for 2 weeks.
Other sources
14 Feb 2008 - Proceso Digital (Honduras)

January

India - Undiagnosed deaths, caprine – West Bengal
25 Jan 2008
The Times of India (TOI) [edited]
Hundreds of goats have died of an unknown disease over the past 4 days in Birbhum's Rampurhat block II.

Year 2007

EU lifts restrictions on exports of bovine meat from Cyprus
20 Dec 2007
Financial Mirror [edited]
According to this story, the European Union Standing Veterinary Committee decided to lift the restriction measures on exports of bovine meat from Cyprus. The restrictions were imposed after foot and mouth disease [FMD] was detected in Cyprus. The Cyprus government had asked that exports of bovine meat resume. The meat exported will come from areas outside the 10 km [6.2 mile] surveillance zone and under strict sanitary conditions. The same committee had lifted on 3 Dec 2007 the prohibition of dispatching pig-meat from Cyprus from the zones beyond the 10 km zone, around the infected holding where FMD was detected. Cyprus Veterinary Services culled recently thousands of animals, which tested positive for FMD, as part of efforts to eliminate the virus and its destructive consequences for the island's farming sector and the economy.

Sudan – Rift Valley Fever
5 Nov 2007
OIE press release [edited]
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) monitors the situation caused by Rift Valley Fever outbreaks, which occurred over the last few weeks in Africa, particularly in Sudan. The OIE recalls the importance of the use of vaccination of susceptible animals as a control measure. This recommendation of the OIE has been recently re-endorsed by the OIE national Delegates of Africa and Middle East during the workshop on RVF held in Cairo (Egypt) on 13-15 Jun 2007. Animal vaccination and, when possible, vector control need to be applied well in advance of expected risk periods for vector activity and occurrence of the disease. Outbreaks of RVF have a significant impact on the trade of ruminants, especially from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East, with a consequent significant loss of income for livestock owners in the affected areas and countries. By recommending the correct implementation of standards and guidelines, the OIE stands for safe trade and against unjustified sanitary barriers. Should countries at risk make the request, the OIE would be in favour of an appropriate animal vaccination campaign to be carried out in areas at risk with the support of the international community.
Related stories
10 Nov 2007 - Sudan – Rift Valley Fever
Reuters alertnet
According to this story, Sudan on Saturday [10 Nov 2007] denied there were any confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever [RVF] in animals, after almost 250 human cases were recorded, with a death rate of about 30 percent. The disease could devastate livestock in the country, where much of the population relies heavily on cattle farming. But Sudan's minister for animal resources said there were no clinical signs of the virus.Clinical signs usually show a high rate of abortions or deaths of young lambs. In animals other than sheep, however, the disease often shows no symptoms, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. The minister said 329 samples had been taken from the suspected infected area in White Nile state and had been sent to South Africa for final tests. Results were expected in the next week. In humans, at least 84 have died from almost 250 cases showing haemorrhagic fevers in the White Nile, Sennar and Jazeera states. WHO had said in mid-October 2007 it was investigating an epidemic of haemorrhagic fever which had killed 30 people in Sudan and had confirmed it as Rift Valley Fever on 2 Nov 2007. The virus is transmitted by animals or mosquitoes to humans. There is no human to human transmission.

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