Zoonotic Bird Flu News since 1 Dec 2021 till 5 Jan 2022

New Dutch H5N1 bird flu outbreak will see 190,000 chickens culled [Yahoo News, 5 Jan 2022]

by Bart Meijer; Editing by Mark Potter

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Around 190,000 chickens on two neighbouring farms in the east of the Netherlands will be culled after the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus was detected on one of the farms, Dutch health authorities said on Tuesday night.

It is the second bird flu outbreak reported in the Netherlands this week, after a similar discovery in the northern province of Friesland led to the culling of around 225,000 chickens there.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is often carried by wild birds in the autumn and winter.

It has been spreading quickly in Europe in recent months, putting the industry on alert after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds.

Fourth outbreak of bird flu [The Portugal News, ５ Jan 2022]

A fourth outbreak of bird flu in Portugal has been detected on a chicken and duck farm in Setúbal.

The Directorate General for Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) confirmed this latest outbreak on 3 January and said it involves around 60 birds on a homestead in Santiago do Cacém.

Other outbreaks have been reported on bird farms in Santarém, Palmela (Setúbal) and Óbidos (Leiria) affecting a total 24,239 birds.

Bid to stop bird flu spread in county [The Spalding and South Holland Voice, 5 Jan 2022]

Poultry keepers across Lincolnshire are being urged to step up their efforts in a bid to halt the spread of avian flu.

The UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss is warning people not to be complacent as the country faces its largest ever outbreak of the disease with more than 60 cases confirmed nationally since the start of November.

In Lincolnshire there are currently nine infected sites which have been identified.

The government has introduced new housing measures which means that any birds, including chickens, geese and ducks, must be kept indoors while following strict biodiversity measures.

“If you do not do this, the disease could kill your birds and you could be fined,” said the chief vet.

“Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months, and other wildlife, spread the disease so it is vital to not allow wild birds to mix with your chickens, ducks, geese or other birds.

“People can also spread the disease on their clothes and shoes, so before going into bird enclosures you should wash your hands and change or disinfect your footwear,” she added,
The UK health security has confirmed the risk to public health is very low and it doesn’t affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.

“Many poultry keepers have excellent biosecurity standards but unfortunately the number of cases we are seeing suggests that not enough is being done to keep bird flu out.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you must take action now to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease,” said the chief vet.

It is also important that people do not touch or pick up dead or sick birds – including, swans, geese or ducks. Contact the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 for further help or advice.

Bird keepers should report signs of disease on 0300 00 200301.

Poultry keepers must also:
* Net or house all poultry to keep them separate from wild birds
* Clean and disinfect clothing, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds
* Change footwear before entering sheds housing poultry or captive birds – or thoroughly disinfect.
* Reduce the movement of people, equipment and vehicles from areas where the birds are kept
* Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds.

10,000 ducks culled as bird flu hits Pallippad, Ambalappuzha again [The New Indian Express, 5 Jan 2022]

The avian influenza virus was found on the samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD) for testing.

ALAPPUZHA: The Rapid Response Team (RRT) appointed by the Animal Husbandry Department began culling ducks in the bird flu affected areas of Pallippad and Ambalappuzha North panchayats of the district on Tuesday. Over 10,000 ducks were culled on the day.

The avian influenza virus was found on the samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD) for testing. The samples of ducks reared by Shinu Abraham, of Parayankeri in Pallippad, and Siyo Thomas, a native of Chennithala, who caged ducks at Ambalappuzha North panchayat were sent to NIHSAD. There are around 7,100 ducks in the 1-km radius of the hotspot area of Pallippad and 11,000 in Ambalappuzha, said an official.
Meanwhile, District Collector A Alexander convened a meeting to take stock of the situation.

The outbreak has so far been confirmed in seven grama panchayats in Alappuzha. Avian flu was first confirmed in ducks at Kunnumma South (ward 10) in Thakazhy panchayat on December 8. Later, it was reported from Nedumudi and Karuvatta on December 14, followed by cases in Purakkad and Cheruthana.

Last week, more than 16,000 ducks within a 1-km radius of another hotspot in Ambalappuzha North panchayat were also culled. The RRTs culled around 90,000 birds, mostly ducks, in the bird flu affected areas of the district in December.

The duck farmers of the district suffered losses after the spread of the disease in Kuttanad.

The sale of ducks and eggs also nosedived during the Christmas-New Year season.

More protection zones introduced as bird flu confirmed in Lazonby [ITV News, ５ Jan 2022]

Bird flu has been confirmed at a premises near Lazonby in Cumbria.

A three kilometre protection zone and a 10 kilometre surveillance zone has been put in place, with temporary road signs along the boundaries.

These restrict access to locations where birds are kept and impose restrictions on the movement of birds.

People in direct contact with the premises have been contacted and offered appropriate preventative treatment.

Other precautions include the humane culling of birds at risk of infection.

I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low. However, it is important people do not touch or pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.

Colin Cox, Director of Public Health for Cumbria County Council

It's the third confirmed case of Avian Influenza in the county, following previous cases near Silecroft, Copeland in November, and Aspatria, Allerdale in December. Protection and surveillance zones remain in place at both locations.

It was also detected at commercial premises near Gretna in Dumfries and Galloway. The zones for this one extend over the Scottish border, meaning measures will impact people in areas near Longtown, Cumbria.

In response to the UK-wide outbreak of Avian Flu, nationwide housing measures came into force on Monday 29 November, meaning it’s now a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.

Bird flu: Winsford swans and geese put down over suspected outbreak [BBC News, 5 Jan 2022]

A possible outbreak of bird flu is being investigated after 46 wild birds had to be euthanised at a marina.

The RSPCA said 37 geese and nine swans had been found "showing signs of distress" at Winsford Marina in Cheshire since Friday.

A spokeswoman said the birds "were in such a suffering state that the kindest thing to do was to put them to sleep".

She said the deaths had been referred to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The UK is currently facing its largest ever outbreak of the H5N1 virus, with over 60 cases confirmed since the start of November.

The first detection of the strain was in rescued swans and captive poultry at a swan sanctuary in Worcester on 15 October.

The chief veterinary officer told the BBC in December that there was a "phenomenal level" of avian flu in the UK, following the extension of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, requiring all bird owners to keep their flocks indoors, which had been introduced on 3 November.

The RSPCA spokeswoman said officers had "attended the Winsford area during the past week following reports that a number of swans appeared to be showing signs of distress".

"Unfortunately, a number of the birds appeared to be very sick and in an extremely poor condition and sadly, the kindest option was for these birds to be put to sleep," she said.

The RSPCA spokeswoman said Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) were "aware of the situation and a number of the birds have been sent for testing for bird flu".

"We will continue to monitor the situation and offer help where required."

She added that in line with government guidance, the RSPCA was "advising the public not to touch, move or transport sick or dead birds amid a growing number of incidents of the highly infectious avian influenza virus".

A Defra spokeswoman said the department was "aware of a number of wild bird deaths reported from several locations in England".

"These deaths are currently under investigation as part of the APHA's on-going wild bird surveillance programme," she said.

She added that dead wild waterfowl or other dead wild birds should be reported to Defra and "members of the public should not pick up any dead or visibly sick birds".

Bird flu in Lincolnshire: One million culled in bid to halt spread [BBC News, 5 Jan 2022]

About one million birds have been culled to stop the spread of bird flu in Lincolnshire, the BBC estimates.

The virus was first confirmed in Lincolnshire on 11 December and 12 outbreaks have so far been confirmed in the county.

It comes amid England's largest outbreak of the H5N1 virus, with 63 confirmed cases since November.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has not confirmed the number of culled birds.

Professor Ian Brown, of the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said: "There is a high density of poultry farms in Lincolnshire and the virus has found its way in because it has been able to breach the biosecurity barrier of the farms."

The estimated number of birds culled at each farm is based on the unit size multiplied by the number of birds allowed per square metre, the BBC said.

The latest outbreak of the virus was first discovered in North Yorkshire on 21 November, and was detected in Lincolnshire in December.

Exclusion zones have been put in place around Lincolnshire sites, including near Mablethorpe, Alford and South Elkington.

There have also been two outbreaks near Pocklington, in East Yorkshire.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, requiring all bird owners to keep their flocks indoors, is in force across the UK, said Defra.

The UK's chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss has said: "We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country, with a high number of cases in Lincolnshire."

Wild birds migrate to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter so it is vital to not allow wild birds to mix with chickens, ducks, geese or other birds, she said.

The infection could also be spread on people's clothes and shoes, she added.

Bird flu: 107,000 turkeys infected in fifth outbreak this week [The Jerusalem Post, 5 Jan 2022]

By TZVI JOFFRE

In total, about 232,000 birds have been found to be infected with H5N1 avian influenza since Sunday.

About 107,000 turkeys were found to be infected with avian influenza in an outbreak discovered at a farm in Aviel, located northeast of Caesarea, the latest one in the continuing spread of the virus around northern Israel.

This is the fifth outbreak reported since just the beginning of this week. In total, about 232,000 birds have been found to be infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus since Sunday.

"The current wave of bird flu incidents has been with us for about three weeks. Throughout this period, ministry workers continue to work night and day to eradicate the spread of the virus, and continue to protect our health and the health of the animals around us," said Agriculture Minister Oded Forer. "The workers are available and act immediately while minimizing the suffering of animals."

The veterinary services are operating in an emergency format and continuing to actively locate outbreaks in northern Israel and isolate the hotspots.

Forer recently instructed his office to raise the egg quotas for farmers in Israel and to open the market for imports due to expectations of an egg shortage in the coming months. The minister is operating an inter-ministerial command room to handle the continuing bird flu outbreak in the country.

Over 8,000 migratory cranes have died due to the virus in a continuing outbreak in the Hula Valley. A number of additional outbreaks have been reported at farms in northern Israel in recent weeks and months.

On Monday, Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg signed a ban on hunting until the end of the hunting season on January 31 due to the risk of humans being infected by sick birds in close contact.

Hundreds of thousands of birds migrate through Israel on their way to Africa during this season, raising the risk of bird flu outbreaks. The Agriculture Ministry has called on all farmers to follow directives and ensure that their birds are kept separate from wild birds.

Amid the spike in bird flu outbreaks, the Health Ministry stressed that the public should only buy poultry and eggs from regulated places and ensure that eggs have a seal of inspection – and make sure to properly, hygienically and thoroughly cook poultry and eggs and keep a distance from wild birds.

A large number of bird flu outbreaks have been reported throughout Europe, Africa and Asia in recent weeks, mostly due to the H5N1 subtype, according to the World Organization for Animal Health.

The OIE has urged countries to increase surveillance for HPAI outbreaks, as the virus has been reported in over 40 countries since July.

The H5N1, H5N3, H5N4, H5N5, H5N6 and H5N8 subtypes of HPAI are circulating in bird and poultry populations across the globe, sparking concern at OIE which called this an “unprecedented genetic variability of subtypes... creating an epidemiologically challenging landscape.”

Germany’s Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, told the German Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) that Europe is experiencing its “strongest avian flu epidemic ever.”

The institute added that “there is no end in sight” as the virus spreads throughout the continent and around the world, with new cases reported on a daily basis.

New Dutch H5N1 bird flu outbreak will see 190000 chickens culled [WTVB News, 5 Jan 2022]

by Bart Meijer & Mark Potter

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Around 190,000 chickens on two neighbouring farms in the east of the Netherlands will be culled after the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus was detected on one of the farms, Dutch health authorities said on Tuesday night.

It is the second bird flu outbreak reported in the Netherlands this week, after a similar discovery in the northern province of Friesland led to the culling of around 225,000 chickens there.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is often carried by wild birds in the autumn and winter.

It has been spreading quickly in Europe in recent months, putting the industry on alert after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds.

New bird flu has higher risk of spread to humans – animal health director [WTVB News, 5 Jan 2022]

By Sybille de La Hamaide

PARIS (Reuters) – A wave of bird flu in Asia and Europe has a greater risk of spreading to humans because of a high number of variants, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said.

The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has raised concern among governments and the poultry industry after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds and trade restrictions.

“This time the situation is more difficult and more risky because we see more variants emerge, which make them harder to follow,” OIE Director General Monique Eloit told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.

“Eventually the risk is that it mutates or that it mixes with a human flu virus that can be transmitted between humans then suddenly it takes on a new dimension,” she added.

Fifteen countries had reported outbreaks of bird flu in poultry between October and the end of December, mostly the H5N1 strain. Italy was the worst hit in Europe with 285 outbreaks and nearly four million birds culled, OIE data showed.

Outbreaks generally start in the autumn, when the infection is spread by migrating wild birds.
H5N1 is one of the few bird flu strains that has passed to humans. In total around 850 people have been reported to be infected with the strain, of which half died, the OIE said.

Last year several people were infected by the H5N6 strain in China, raising concern among some experts, who say a previously circulating strain appears to have changed and may be more infectious to people.

Eloit stressed, however, that most countries had learned to contain outbreaks and transmissions to humans would be sporadic as bird flu is usually passed through close contact.

“If there are one, two or three humans infected it is worrying but it is not necessary to cry wolf too quickly about the risks of extension. It will depend on how the people have been infected,” she said.

Memory of the day: Hong Kong begins the killing of 1.25 million chickens to stop the spread of bird flu in 1997 [Egypttoday, 29 Dec 2021]

CAIRO – 29 December 2021: In the following lines, ET sheds light on the most important world events that took place on December 29.

1890 - Wounded Knee Massacre erupts, in which at least 150 Lakota Indians are killed by the US Army.

1997 - Hong Kong begins the killing of 1,250,000 chickens to stop the spread of bird flu.

2001 - A big fire in the historical district in the center of the Peruvian capital Lima kills 280 people and injures thousands.

High pathogenic avian influenza detected in Canada [The Poultry Site, 29 Dec 2021]

The outbreak took place on an exhibition farm

On 20 December, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of high pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1, at a multi-species exhibition farm in the Avalon Peninsula on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As the infected birds were located on an exhibition farm, and no other cases resembling Avian Influenza have been reported in the vicinity of the farm, Canada's status as 'free from AI' remains in place in accordance with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidance, reported CFIA.

The exhibition farm does not produce birds for sale.

Initial tests for the disease were conducted on 16 December by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, after the farm experienced sudden deaths of birds over several days.

In an abundance of caution, the CFIA has placed the farm under quarantine and established a 10 km zone with movement control measures and enhanced biosecurity to limit any potential spread of the disease.

Avian influenza circulates naturally in avian fauna and recent detections of high pathogenic AI in Europe indicate an even higher risk of the disease in North American poultry flocks this year. CFIA said this makes it more important than ever for anyone raising poultry to remain vigilant against AI and ensure they have effective biosecurity measures in place. Biosecurity is a key tool for preventing the transmission of this disease to North American farm birds.

While this detection should have no impact on trade, it does serve as a strong reminder that avian influenza is spreading across the globe, and that anyone with farm animals must practice good biosecurity habits.

Meanwhile, officials from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the CFIA, and the owner of the infected birds are working closely together to manage this particular situation.

Slovenia reports H5N1 avian influenza case [The Poultry Site, 28 Dec 2021]

The outbreak took place on a small poultry farm

Slovenia reported on Monday an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza at a small poultry farm in the east of the country, the STA news agency reported, quoting the country's agency for food safety and veterinary and plant protection.

A veterinarian reported on Sunday an increase in deaths of poultry at a farm in Slovenska Bistrica. The authorities said all necessary measures have been implemented in infected areas and called on farmers to immediately report any new suspicious cases, reported Reuters.

Many cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been reported across Europe since the beginning of December.

South Korea reports another suspected bird flu case [News Today, 28 Dec 2021]

Seoul: South Korea on Monday reported another suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a duck farm in a southwestern county, the Agriculture Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the latest case was reported at the farm raising about 10,000 ducks in Busan, 280 km south of Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported.

There is no poultry farm within one kilometer of the farm in question. Health authorities have cordoned off the site and taken other precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of the disease outside the farm, the authorities said.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can cause severe illness and even death, especially in domestic poultry. The country has been reporting a slew of bird flu cases since November this year.

Meanwhile in northern Israel, 5,000 cranes were found dead at the Hula Lake Reserve, amid an outbreak of avian flu that has also seen the culling of more than half a million chickens and turkeys, the Times of Israel reported.

Three other outbreaks of bird flu were discovered in chicken coops in Ein HaHoresh in the Hefer Valley, the Ram-On moshav in Gilboa and in Givat Yoav in the Golan Heights, Ynet reported on Monday.

The centres have been isolated and there is active monitoring of additional farms in the area.

Bird flu outbreak in Israel kills more than 5200 cranes, with mass culling of poultry underway [The Washington Post, 28 Dec 2021]

By Miriam Berger

Israel is battling the coronavirus and a surge in flu cases. But it’s an outbreak of the H5N1 avian flu among migratory cranes and domestic poultry that is drawing global concern.

The bird flu, as its also called, is spreading fast in northern Israel, where at least 5,200 cranes have died of the disease and hundreds of thousands of chickens have been culled in an effort to contain its advance.

The avian flu is confined mostly to birds. It rarely jumps to humans, but when it does it can be lethal. As of October, the World Health Organization had confirmed 863 cases of H5N1 in people, 456 of whom died, around the world since 2003.

Israel has not recorded any infections in humans this year. Those who have possibly been exposed to the virus are receiving preventive antiviral treatments.

Other countries, including Britain, China, Norway and South Korea, have also reported major or higher-than-unusual H5N1 outbreaks in recent months. In November, Britain declared a bird flu prevention zone, requiring all farmers to follow stricter biosecurity protocols after several outbreaks.

Israel is a central stop along the route of many species of birds migrating from Europe and Asia to Africa, a convergence that raises the risk of avian flu spreading from wild birds to captive poultry populations in the country.

Each year, about 500,000 cranes migrate through Israel, some 30,000 of which stayed to winter over there this year. The yearly stopover, often part of journeys lasting thousands of miles, draws the attention of bird enthusiasts, who travel to observe the large, long-legged and long-necked birds.

The H5N1 outbreak has wrought “the most serious damage to wildlife in the history of the country,” Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg said in a tweet Sunday.

She shared a photo of dead cranes peppering a lake in Israel’s Hula Nature Reserve, a hot spot for migratory birds.

“The extent of the damage is still unclear,” Zandberg said.

Israel reported its first cases of bird flu in 2006, and has seen outbreaks nearly every year since, according to the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The extent of this year’s train of transmission is not yet clear, but regulations require poultry and wild birds be kept separated to limit the chance of transference.

Word of Israel’s latest outbreak began to spread on Dec. 19, when the Agriculture Ministry reported that H5N1 had been detected in a farming community, Margaliot, near Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. The ministry said it had closed off the area and halted egg production.

Crowded and unregulated chicken coops are a “ticking bomb” for developing diseases, Agriculture Minister Oded Feror said in a statement at the time.

That same day, Israeli media reported that about 100 cranes had died in a bird flu outbreak in Hula Lake in a nature reserve in northern Israel. Authorities closed down the area to the public and days later temporarily shut the entire nature reserve.

Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority shared photos of workers in hazmat suits collecting the bodies of dead cranes from the water.

In the following days, outbreaks were detected in at least three other farms in the north as the Agriculture Ministry underwent mass testing.

The parks authority said Thursday that an estimated 1 in 5 cranes in Israel were likely to be infected with the virus, Israeli media reported. There have also been reports of deaths from the virus among other bird species.

Israel’s Agricultural Ministry has warned the public to buy only eggs with the required regulatory stamp and to consume thoroughly cooked eggs to prevent any further spread. The public has also been warned to keep a distance from wild birds.

On Tuesday, the ministry told chicken farmers in Margaliot to monitor cats that spend time around the coops, as felines can also become infected with the virus.

Israeli media outlets reported that the mass culling of chickens has created a shortage of between 15 million and 20 million eggs a month. About 200 million eggs are consumed monthly in Israel.

Bird flu detected in dead knots washed up on the Wadden Sea [Phys.org, 27 Dec 2021]

On 17 and 18 December 2021, a few hundred dead knots (Calidris canutus) were discovered on Schiermonnikoog and in Oost-Groningen. At the behest of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) examined a few dead knots, an oystercatcher, and a curlew who were found in the same location. The avian influenza H5N1 virus was detected in the birds examined. It is suspected to be the highly pathogenic variant, but this is under further investigation.

Most of the dead birds were found along the shoreline. The knots most likely died above the sea, and some of them washed ashore. The Wadden Sea is an important resting area for wild birds in the Netherlands. Knots also winter in the Netherlands, on mud flats of tidal areas, sometimes in enormous groups.

It is not the first time that large groups of dead wild birds with avian influenza have been found in the Wadden Sea. At the end of April 2021, hundreds of dead wild geese, barnacle geese in particular, were found along the coast of Friesland and Groningen. HPAI H5N1 viruses, as well as some HPAI H5 viruses of which the N-type could not be determined, were detected in the barnacle geese examined.

Slovenia reports H5N1 bird flu in small poultry farm [WTVB News, 27 Dec 2021]

by Daria Sito-Sucic & Louise Heavens

SARAJEVO (Reuters) – Slovenia reported on Monday an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus at a small poultry farm in the east of the country, the STA news agency reported, quoting the country’s agency for food safety and veterinary and plant protection.

A veterinarian reported on Sunday an increase in deaths of poultry at a farm in Slovenska Bistrica. The authorities said all necessary measures have been implemented in infected areas and called on farmers to immediately report any new suspicious cases.

Many cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported across Europe since the beginning of December.

Massive New Bird Flu Outbreak Could Be 2022's Deadly Pandemic [Daily Beast, 27 Dec 2021]

BY Noga Tarnopolsky

In the Galilee, migrating cranes infected with H5N1 are dying by the thousand, raising fears of a global pandemic.

Israel’s National Security Council has assumed control of a massive bird flu outbreak in the Galilee, which scientists warn could become a “mass disaster” for humans.

Over half a billion migrating birds pass through the area every year, heading for warm African winters or balmy European summers, making this a catastrophic location for a major bird flu outbreak—right at the nexus of global avian travel.

The virus can be deadly if it infects people. The World Health Organization says more than half of the confirmed 863 human cases it has tracked since 2003 proved fatal. Most strains or variants of avian flu, H5N1, are relatively difficult to transmit to people.

Yossi Leshem, one of Israel’s most renowned ornithologists, told The Daily Beast, however, that it is the ability of these viruses to mutate into new strains that poses such a threat, as we have seen with the coronavirus.

“There could be a mutation that also infects people and turns into a mass disaster,” said Leshem, a zoologist at Tel Aviv University and director of the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration at Latrun.

So far, at least 5,400 wild cranes have died infected with the new H5N1 avian flu, which Israeli authorities fear could expand into a global emergency.

Of the 30,000 Eurasian cranes passing this winter at the Hula Nature Reserve, 17 percent are dead, and scientists fear the worst for their surviving brethren, at least 10,000 of which appear to be ailing. The infection of the cranes is the same strain of avian flu which infected chicken coops throughout northern Israel, and led to the cull in recent days of nearly 1 million birds.

Israelis will be without their beloved chicken schnitzel—and without eggs—until a supply chain of imported birds is established.

The deaths of thousands of wild birds in the Hula Nature Reserve, one of the world’s premier bird sanctuaries, “is an extraordinary event with global ramifications,” warned Tel Aviv University Professor of Zoology Noga Kronfeld Shor in an interview with Reshet Bet Radio.

Shor, who is also the chief scientist at Israel’s Ministry of the Environment, noted that the carcasses of other waterbirds, such as pelicans and egrets, have already been found.
Israelis have been warned not to approach any wild bird that looks sick, and not to touch any bird droppings.

Yoav Motro, a specialist in vertebrates and locusts at Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture, said that for now, H5N1 is presenting “like the opposite of COVID. Compared to COVID, the chances of [humans] catching this are very, very slight—but unlike COVID, the risks of dying from it if you do catch it are very high.”

“It is a tragic ecological event,” he said. “And we simply do not know how it will end, or where it will lead.”

Israeli scientists don’t yet know the full scale of the die-off in Israel because of the dangers inherent in fishing around marshes and wetlands. Observing birds that shy away from human contact and the urgent matter of retrieving bird carcasses is proving even more challenging because of the lack of waterproof protective gear currently available in the arid country.

While the disaster is evident in the Hula Valley, in Israel’s fertile north, crane mortality has also been observed in other sites, though not yet in Jerusalem, according to Yotam Bashan of the Jerusalem Bird Observatory.

“There is no way to know what is going to happen,” Motro said in an interview with The Daily Beast. “When you identify avian flu in chicken coops you kill all the chickens and disinfect the coops. In the wild, at this level of infection, I don't know where it will lead. I’m worried.”

Shalom Bar Tal, an experienced wildlife photographer, told The Daily Beast that he was one of the only people allowed nocturnal access to observe the dead and dying birds. “It could turn into an ecological disaster no less significant than the corona epidemic,” he said.

For now, no Israeli is known to be infected with H5N1, but Israelis who were exposed to wild birds are taking the antiviral Tamiflu.

Both Motro and Bar Tal noted the heartrending scenes of weak, infected cranes leaning over their dead. Cranes mate for life and live in strong family units, Motro said. “That means that when one dies, the rest of the family—I don’t know how to define it—but it mourns.”

The cranes’ close physical proximity to one another and tight-knit family structure almost ensures, he said, that when one crane dies, “a close family member will be the next to die.”
“There is no treatment,” he said, “no way to help.”

We can only hope it doesn’t mutate and jump species.

Flu Scan for Dec 27, 2021 [CIDRAP, 27 Dec 2021]

US flu markers rise higher; Avian flu in 3 countries

US flu activity shows another jump, first two peds deaths reported

United States flu activity jumped again the week ending Dec 18, with eight states reporting high or very high activity and the first two pediatric flu deaths reported for the season, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its regular update.

Most flu markers showed steady rises, with eastern and central states seeing the biggest increases, with H3N2 as the dominant strain and infections continuing to affect a wider range of adult age groups after illnesses targeted younger people earlier in the season.

States or jurisdictions reporting high or very high activity—a marker that reflects clinic visits for flulike illness—include New Mexico, Kansas, North Dakota, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. The CDC has said that other respiratory viruses are circulating and may be influencing flulike illness patterns.

Hospitalizations are starting to rise, and 1,265 people were admitted to the hospital for lab-confirmed flu during the week that ended Dec 18. Regarding the first two pediatric flu deaths of the season, one involved H3N2 and occurred during the week that ended on Dec 11. The other occurred the following week and was linked to unsubtyped influenza A.

The CDC also provided its first genetic flu virus characterization, noting that most H3N2 viruses are closely related to the vaccine strain, but there are some antigenic differences that are emerging as H3N2 viruses continue to evolve.

Dec 27 CDC FluView

Canada, Portugal, and Taiwan report H5 outbreaks in birds.

In the latest avian influenza developments, Canada reported a highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreak in captive birds at a multispecies exhibition farm on the island portion of New Foundland and Labrador, and Portugal reported more H5N1 in poultry.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed H5N1 after the farm experienced sudden deaths of birds over several days. The event is considered a nonpoultry event, and the facility doesn't produce birds for sale.

Portugal's outbreak began on Dec 22 at a commercial turkey farm in Leiria region, killing 1,459 of 18,100 birds, according to a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Elsewhere, Taiwan reported highly pathogenic H5N2 events in poultry and wild birds, according to separate notices from the OIE. There were nine poultry outbreaks, mostly at farms, but also at a slaughterhouse and at a site where discarded chickens were found. The outbreaks occurred at different locations in November and December, and taken together, the virus killed 2,755 of 66,408 susceptible birds. Taiwan also reported separate detections of H5N2 and H5N1 in wild birds.

Dec 22 CFIA statement
Dec 24 OIE report on H5N1 in Portugal
Dec 24 OIE report in H5N2 in Taiwanese poultry
Dec 24 OIE report on H5N2 in Taiwanese wild birds
Dec 23 OIE report on H5N1 in Taiwanese wild birds

In its latest avian influenza overview, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said between Sep 18 and Dec 8, 27 European Union countries and the UK reported 867 highly pathogenic detections in poultry, wild, and captive birds. Italy had the most events in poultry, followed by Hungary and Poland.

It said the frequent incursions in poultry flocks raised concerns about biosecurity gaps. Genetic analysis shows that viruses belong to clade 2.3.4.4b. Tests suggest H5N1 viruses in Sweden, Germany, Poland, and the UK have been circulating in Europe since October 2020. However, viruses from North, Central, and East Europe show a novel reassortant that was introduced in October 2021.

Also, H5N1 was found in mammals in Sweden, Estonia, and Finland, and in some instances, the viruses have an adapative marker associated with increased virulence and replication in mammals.

Bird flu: Essex wildlife hospital says 10 swans have died in area ‘amid outbreak’ [Evening Standard, 16 Dec 2021]

By Josh Salisbury

An Essex animal hospital says at least ten swans have died in the surrounding area amid a suspected bird flu outbreak.

The South Essex Wildlife Hospital, based in Orsett, said it was forced to put down a dying bird who had been taken home by a witness “who couldn't bear to watch the bird suffering and being eaten alive by rats”.

Official advice is to “not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds”.

The injured bird later tested positive for avian influenza, the hospital said. It said that eight dead swans had been found in Hullbridge, Essex, and two more in Canvey.

Sharing pictures of the animals, the hospital said: “The photos show the dead and dying swans suffering from avian influenza at Hullbridge Essex.

“We are powerless to help them due to the risk of transmitting the virus to our hospital and causing an outbreak in our animals.”

It added that “the situation has been repeatedly reported to the authorities and we await further instruction”.

According to an assessment from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) dated December 13, 320 wild birds have tested positive for the “highly pathogenic avian influenza” to date.

Many of those cases were identified in mute swans in England, with 143 confirmed cases. The analysis stated the risk level to wild birds was “very high”.

New housing requirements were introduced on November 29 for bird keepers across the UK to keep their poultry and captive birds indoors to limit the spread of the disease.

The risk to human health from the virus is very low, states official guidance.

Wild birds are thought to spread the disease to captive birds, and the new measures were brought into force after bird flu was uncovered In a number of poultry locations.

When bird flu is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds, ‘lockdown’ control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease.

Aomori prefecture records first bird flu outbreak since 2016 [The Japan Times, 12 Dec 2021]

AOMORI – Aomori Prefecture said Sunday that it has confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza believed to be highly pathogenic at a chicken farm in the town of Sannohe.

It is the prefecture’s first bird flu outbreak at a chicken farm since 2016.

At the farm, about 7,000 birds will be culled.

The prefectural government has banned 26 farms within 10 kilometers of the Sannohe farm from moving eggs and chickens out of the area. Two of the 26 are in the neighboring prefecture of Iwate.

The Sannohe farm reported an increase in the deaths of chickens there to a local livestock health center Saturday.

Infections were confirmed through testing, and subsequent genetic testing found that the virus is likely to be highly pathogenic, according to the prefecture.

White-tailed eagle found dead on Isle of Skye tests positive for bird flu [The National, 11 Dec 2021]

By Xander Richards

A WHITE-TAILED Sea Eagle found dead on the Isle of Skye tested positive for bird flu, reports say.

The eagle was found dead on the island's northern Trotternish peninsula - which has long been a stronghold for the species.

Local website Skye Birds reported that analysis from Scotland's Rural University College (SRUC) pathology unit found the bird was positive for avian influenza.

The site said that, while details are awaiting publication by the UK Government’s Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA), it is believed to be the first case in Scotland involving a White-Tailed Eagle.

White-Tailed Eagles are the largest bird of prey in the UK, growing slightly longer and heavier than their Golden cousins.

Reports have said the death may be linked to the fact that eagles “predate and will eat carrion of Greylag Geese”.

The news comes as bird flu was found at a third premises in Scotland amid the “largest-ever outbreak in the UK”.

The Scottish Government said that the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed at premises near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway on December 9.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone (SZ) have been declared around the premises, which means movement restrictions within these zones – on things such as poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter, and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.
Avian flu was previously confirmed at premises near Gretna in Dumfries and Galloway on December 3 and at premises near Arbroath, Angus, on November 4.

Officials said public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We know that avian influenza is here in Scotland. In order to try to keep their birds safe and stop the spread of the disease, producers and bird keepers are reminded to comply with the order to house birds, which came into effect on November 29, or to ensure their birds are kept separate from wild birds.

“It’s important that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds to Defra’s national telephone helpline. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find.”

Bird keepers have been told to report any suspicion of disease in Scotland to their local Field Services Office.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “We have already made clear that all bird keepers – whether major businesses or small keepers with just a few birds – must ensure that their biosecurity is up to scratch to protect their birds from disease.

“Any dead wild swans, geese, ducks or birds of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of other species (including gulls) in the same location at the same time, should be reported to Defra’s national telephone helpline.

“Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.”

Minister confirms UK has been hit by record bird flu outbreak [The Guardian, 9 Dec 2021]

By Matthew Weaver and Severin Carrell

George Eustice says restrictions in place since start of November require all birds to be kept indoors

The UK has been hit by a record outbreak of avian flu that has led to 500,000 captive birds being culled in recent months.

The environment secretary, George Eustice, told the House of Commons: “This year we are now seeing the largest ever outbreak in the UK of avian influenza, with 36 confirmed cases.”

He said an avian influenza prevention zone had been declared across the UK at the start of November, requiring strict biosecurity measures and all birds to be kept indoors.

He added: “Our chief veterinary officer continues to lead the response to this episode.”

Earlier the chief vet, Christine Middlemiss, said she was “very concerned about what’s happening”.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme after confirming more outbreaks overnight, she said: “We now have a total of 40 infected premises in the UK – that’s a really high number for the time of year for anything we’ve experienced before.” By comparison, there were 26 outbreaks last winter.

Middlemiss said: “All the birds on the premises have to be culled because of the ongoing risk of infection that they pose. The total number is something like half a million will now have been culled.”

She said food supplies would not be hit. “That sounds a huge number, and for those keepers affected it is really devastating, but it’s a relatively very small number in terms of egg supply, meat, chicken and so on.”

The disease is spread by migratory wild birds from Europe, where high infections levels are also being recorded.

A rare white-tailed eagle found dead on Skye is among the wild birds to have tested positive for avian flu, after a postmortem by the pathology unit at Scotland’s Rural College.

It is thought to be the first detected avian flu case involving an eagle in Scotland. The adult eagle, from a well-established territory on Trotternish, was found dead on 14 November.

Ornithologists believe it may have fed on infected greylag geese.

Middlemiss said almost 300 wild birds had been found with the disease at more than 80 locations. There was “a lot of virus out there”, she said. The risk to human health is low but infected birds should not be touched.

She said: “It used to be that we would have a reasonable-sized outbreak and then have two or three quiet years. But that’s not happening now. We’re seeing this across the whole of Europe.

We need to understand better why we’re getting these ongoing infections every year.”

Asked if the disease was still spreading, Middlemiss said: “We’re continuing to get the new detections. I confirmed another two last night and that’s the rate we’ve been going at for the last week or so. We’re seeing this as a huge pressure of infection from our wild birds.”

Middlemiss urged people with garden bird feeders to “practice routine hygiene precautions” including proper handwashing.

She added: “If you keep chickens and you want to feed wild birds, you need to make sure that everything is completely scrupulously clean and absolutely separate so that you don’t take infection into your own birds and make them sick.”

Asked if the climate crisis was to blame for the increased infection, Middlemiss said: “We don’t know specifically, but it’s certainly one of the thoughts that our experts are having. The birds migrate to the north of Russia over the summer and mix with other birds on other global flight pathways and exchange the viruses. So it’s quite plausible that with climate change and change in pathways that different mixing is going on.”

What is bird flu and why is it back in the news? [The Guardian, 9 Dec 2021]

BY Kevin Rawlinson and Matthew Weaver

With the UK hit by a record outbreak, here’s a quick guide to the viral disease also known as avian influenza

What is avian flu?
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a contagious viral disease in animals, caused by a virus loosely related to human influenza. Some strains of the disease have been passed to humans but this is very rare, and usually occurs only after very close contact with infected birds or animals. While all bird species and, less commonly, pigs are thought to be susceptible, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to infection. Outbreaks can rapidly result in epidemics among bird populations. Public health authorities are concerned about the potential of the virus to mutate into subtypes capable of causing human disease. As a result they warn there is always a threat of a new influenza pandemic emerging.

Why is it in the news again?
The UK has been hit by a record outbreak that has resulted in 500,000 captive birds being culled this autumn. An avian influenza prevention zone was declared across the UK at the start of November, requiring strict biosecurity measures and all birds to be kept indoors.

What are the most dangerous strains?
The NHS says there are four strains that have caused particular concern in recent years. The first, identified in 1997, was H5N1, followed by H7N9 in 2013, H5N6 the following year and H5N8 in 2016. The H5N1 form has been the cause of most concern in recent years and the UK government has said particular safety measures were put in place in parts of North Yorkshire on 21 November after confirmed and suspected cases of that strain in poultry in the area.

Where has it appeared?
The chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss, has said there are 40 infected premises in the UK. They include 38 in Great Britain – of which 33 are in England – and two in Northern Ireland. By comparison, there were 26 outbreaks last winter.

A rare white-tailed eagle found dead on Skye is among the wild birds to have tested positive, after a postmortem by the pathology unit at Scotland’s Rural College. It is thought to be the first detected case involving an eagle in Scotland. The adult eagle, from a well-established territory on the Trotternish peninsula, was found dead on 14 November. Ornithologists believe it may have fed on infected greylag geese.

Some 22,100 ducks were culled at a commercial premises in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, while culling and an exclusion zone was also being applied to a second site in Broughshane, Co Antrim, described as a “small backyard flock”.

If it just affects birds, why the panic?
It doesn’t. World Health Organization (WHO) figures show that from 2003 to 2021 there were 863 confirmed cases of the H5N1 virus in humans. Of these cases, 456 people died. While transmission is rare, it has happened.

So far, most of the human deaths have been in countries in Asia, in communities in which people live in close proximity to poultry. Although it does not easily infect humans, every time it does it increases the chance that the virus could mutate into a form that could be passed from one infected human to another. The WHO fears this could lead to a flu pandemic.

How do you catch bird flu?
It is very unlikely you will catch the virus unless you have been in close contact with infected birds or someone with confirmed or suspected bird flu. The virus is found in secretions from the eyes and respiratory tract, and droppings of infected birds. Humans can catch the virus by inhaling droplets sneezed by infected birds or the dust from their bedding or droppings.

What are the symptoms in humans?
They vary depending on the strain. Most infections have flu-like symptoms including fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and aches and pains. Symptoms of the H5N1 subtype are more severe and frequently result in death. Other symptoms can include conjunctivitis – red, sore and discharging eyes.

How does it spread?
WHO scientists have said they believe it is likely the virus is carried by migrating birds. More recently the UK government has said it “spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces”. Officials added: “It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear … Avian influenza isn’t an airborne virus.”

It can spread to humans who touch infected birds, droppings or bedding or who kill or prepare infected poultry for cooking, the NHS has said. People cannot catch bird flu by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas affected by an outbreak, health officials have said.

What measures is the UK taking?
The government has said the chief veterinary officers for each of the UK’s constituent nations have “agreed to bring in new housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza following a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain in recent weeks”. It added: “The new housing measures, which will come into force on Monday 29 November, mean that it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.”

How do you spot the virus in birds?
Symptoms in infected birds include a swollen head and blue discoloration around the neck and throat. They will also show signs of breathing problems including gaping beaks, coughing, sneezing and rattling wheezing. Poultry farmers will also notice a loss of appetite in the infected birds and a decrease in egg laying.

People are advised not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds they find. In Great Britain, dead wild waterfowl or other wild birds should be reported to Defra. Some will then be collected and tested to help scientists understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.

What drug treatments are available to humans?
There is no vaccine for avian flu. If a person were infected, the NHS has said they would be either told to stay at home or put into isolation in hospital. They would then be treated with an antiviral medicine such as oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) or zanamivir (known as Relenza).

Scientists have found that such treatments “help reduce the severity of the condition, prevent complications and improve the chances of survival. They are also sometimes given to people who have been in close contact with infected birds, or those who have had contact with infected people, for example family or healthcare staff,” the NHS said.

Case of avian flu recorded in East Staffordshire [Staffordshire Live, 6 Dec 2021]

By Jenny Moody

A warning has now been issued to all bird owners

A case of bird flu has been recorded in East Staffordshire, it has been confirmed.

A warning has been issued by Staffordshire County Council after a case in a 'backyard flock' was reported in East Staffordshire. This refers to poultry such as chickens that are often kept in back gardens by their owners.

It comes as people who keep birds and poultry across Staffordshire are being asked to keep their birds indoors to help limit the spread of avian flu.

The new measures, which came into force last week, means it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures, a spokesman for the council has said.

The new rules apply to anyone keeping birds, whether it is a few hens in a back garden, rearing game birds or a large commercial farm with tighter restrictions being placed on those bird keepers in closer proximity to the outbreak in East Staffordshire.

There has also been a case in two wild birds with bird flu at Chasewater Country Park.

Visitors to Staffordshire’s country parks and areas with open water are also being advised to follow any local guidance and not to touch or try to rescue sick or injured birds. Anyone spotting dead birds should report them to the park rangers or to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.

Victoria Wilson, the council's cabinet member responsible for animal health, said: "Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in the number of cases of the disease which is why the additional measures on keeping captive birds indoors have been introduced.

"It's really important that everyone who keeps birds follow the official advice if we are to limit the spread and eradicate the disease.

"While the risk to the public from this strain of avian flu is very low, people visiting our country parks should follow any local advice. Please do not touch or try and rescue dead or sick birds as they could be infected. Instead contact Defra on 03459 335577."

The A(H5N1) strain is highly pathogenic to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered very low.

Public concern as video shows another case of bird flu in swan at Belfast Waterworks [Belfast Telegraph, 6 Dec 2021]

By Niamh Campbell

A dead swan at the side of the lake at the Waterworks in Belfast where a episode of bird flu has been killing the swans

A video circulating on social media of a swan in Belfast’s Waterworks park exhibiting signs of bird flu has caused concerns among members of the public.

The clip, posted on Facebook on Sunday, shows a swan repeatedly spinning round in circles, then dipping its head underwater seemingly uncontrollably.

The user that posted the video commented: “Why is this allowed to happen? A vet needs to be appointed ASAP to euthanize these ill birds.”

He claimed there were four or five swans showing signs of infection at the Waterworks at that time, as well as “multiple dead swans stacked against the portacabins”.

Also posting on Facebook on Sunday, the Debbie Doolitte Wildlife group said it had received "multiple reports of sick or deceased swans and geese in the Belfast Waterworks”.

"As feared the avian flu is spreading through the resident birds at quite a rate. There was also reports of sick geese in Newtownabbey and another near Dundonald,” they stated.

On Saturday, the Department for the Environment confirmed that avian influenza was detected in six wild birds found at the Waterworks, the Harbour Estate in Belfast and at Monlough Lake close to Carryduff.

The latest cases follow the culls of two separate flocks in Northern Ireland suspected of having bird flu.

This included 27,000 ducks being culled after a suspected case in a commercial flock in Co Tyrone as well as 30 birds owned by a hobby keeper in Broughshane, Co Antrim.

The public have been advised that there is little risk to human life, but that anyone that finds a dead wild bird should report it to the Department’s helpline on 0300 200 7840.

The H521 strain of avian influenza is often fatal to birds that contract the disease.

Local SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said he had also contacted Belfast City Council about the issue and in a reply, the council said it is "getting signs put up".

PBP councillor Fiona Ferguson called for a “clear message” from the council.

”It is clearly unacceptable that young children, or anyone, is having to witness birds in such distress as they pass through the park,” she stated.

"Unfortunately, the advice from the council seems to be that there isn't much they can do, beyond removing deceased birds, while the department wants to focus on captive birds and turkey farms. But the impact on local residents in North Belfast and our wild bird population cannot be ignored or deprioritised.

"We will continue to press for urgent action on this issue."

Sinn Fein councillor Conor Maskey said on Twitter that the response to date in dealing with avian flu within the Waterworks has been “woeful”.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the Avian flu outbreak that has impacted the bird population in Waterworks Park. In line with health and safety guidance from the Public Health Agency, our park wardens are removing any deceased birds from the site.

”The main species of bird affected at the Waterworks are swans. We're continuing to work alongside the Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs and the Public Health Agency (DAERA) in response to this issue. We would appeal to park users to follow public health guidance to avoid contact with wild birds and not pick up any sick or dead birds.”

DAERA has also been contacted for further comment.

New bird flu outbreak, two more suspected cases detected in northern France [WTVB News, 6 Dec 2021]

by Pascal Rossignol, Benoit Van Overstraeten and Tassilo Hummel

PARIS (Reuters) – Local authorities in northern France said on Monday a new bird flu cluster had been detected over the week-end in the region, adding that two additional possible bird flu cases in poultry farms were currently under investigation.

Several outbreaks of severe bird flu in Europe and Asia have been reported recently to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in a sign the virus is spreading quickly again.

The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has put the poultry industry on alert after previous outbreaks led to the culling of tens of millions of birds. Outbreaks also often lead to trade restrictions.

S. Korea reports suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu at egg farm [The Korea Herald, 4 Dec 2021]

South Korea on Saturday reported suspected cases of highly pathogenic bird flu at a local egg farm.

The suspected cases of the avian influenza were discovered at an egg farm in Cheonan, 92 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the government's avian influenza response headquarters.

Tests for the avian influenza are currently under way, and the results will be announced in up to three days, the headquarters said.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can cause severe illness and even death, especially in domestic poultry. (Yonhap)

Japan Confirms Another Bird Flu Outbreak [Jiji Press, 3 Dec 2021]

Kumamoto, Dec. 3 (Jiji Press)--The prefectural government of Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, said Friday that it has confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza believed to be highly pathogenic at a chicken farm in the town of Nankan.

It was this season's fifth bird flu outbreak confirmed at a poultry farm in Japan and first in the prefecture.

The prefectural government will cull some 67,000 chickens at the farm.

According to the prefecture, a local livestock health center received a report from the farm Thursday that an increasing number of chickens there had been found dead.

After simple testing showed positive results, the bird flu virus was found likely to be highly pathogenic in genetic testing.

Importation of domestic, wild birds stopped due to bird flu [MoINQUIRER.net, 2 Dec 2021]

By JORDEENE B. LAGARE

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has temporarily barred the importation of domestic and wild birds and their by-products from Hungary and Japan following bird flu outbreaks in those countries.

The order suspended the processing and evaluation of applications for the required sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances, but allowed shipments that were already processed before Nov. 1 for Hungary and Oct. 27 for Japan.

More confirmed cases of avian flu discovered in Bury [Bury Times, 1 Dec 2021]

By Ted Stirzaker

TWO more cases of avian flu have been reported in Bury, according to experts.

The contagious H5N1 virus, deadly to birds, have been confirmed by the agency, in a Canada goose and a swan.

This follows the confirmation of a case involving a great crested grebe, which was found in Bury last week and the discovery of several outbreaks across the country in recent weeks.

A number of dead geese were found at the Lido in Bury's Clarence Park.

But these have not yet been officially confirmed as avian flu cases.

Lesley Jones, Bury Council’s public health director, said: ““I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.

“However, it is important people do not pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.

“If you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

“I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases to their nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

In a joint statement issued this week, the UK’s four chief veterinary officers said: “We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease and are now planning to introduce a legal requirement for all poultry and captive bird keepers to keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds."

An order was then made that from Monday to all bird keepers that they must be kept indoors and away from wild birds.

The four officers added: "We have not taken this decision lightly, taking this action now is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

Since November 3, Defra have enforced an Avian Influenza Zone (AIPZ), since a strain of the virus was found in Warwickshire.

Bird Flu Confirmed In Agar Malwa District Of Madhya Pradesh After Nearly 50 Crows Found Dead [India Times, 1 Dec 2021]

By Bobins Abraham

An outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza, (bird flu) has been confirmed in Agar Malwa of Madhya Pradesh after nearly 50 crows were found dead there in four days.

“We had sent the samples of the dead crows for a laboratory test. The examination of these samples confirmed the presence of H5N8 virus (a variant of avian influenza or bird flu),” Agar Malwa district collector Avdhesh Sharma said.

He said 48 crows and a cockle were found dead in the Agar Malwa district in the last four days.

Samples taken for testing
“We have taken the samples of poultry. Officials of the departments concerned have been directed to follow the guidelines (of the Union Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying),” the collector said.

Bird Flu: Temporary control zone introduced in NI after outbreak confirmed near border [Farming Life, 1 Dec 2021]

By Joanne Knox

An Outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in a commercial poultry premises close to the border between Monaghan and Armagh.

As a result, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has introduced a three-kilometre and 10-kilometre disease control zone to mitigate the risk of spreading the disease.

Northern Ireland Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Huey, stated: “Following this third confirmation in County Monaghan, officials in DAERA will continue to work very closely with their counterparts in DAFM.

“The location of this infected premises lies close to the border between Monaghan and Armagh.

“As a consequence, DAERA must take appropriate disease control measures to mitigate for onward disease spread.

“I have therefore declared a temporary control zone (TCZ-B) in that part of NI which lies within 10km of the infected premises.

“The declaration of the TCZ-B will involve premises within this zone having to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, recording movements on/off holdings and a requirement to seek licensing for any movement of poultry or poultry related products into or out of the zone.

“You should contact the movement licensing centre for a specific licence application form, at least 48 hours in advance of any planned move.”

Mr Huey continued: “It is vitally important that all bird keepers adhere to strict biosecurity measures of the avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) in place throughout Northern Ireland, and the requirements of the housing order which is also in force.

“Bird keepers are now legally required to keep birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds. “Excellent biosecurity remains the most effective defence for reducing transmission of avian influenza to poultry or captive birds.

“Please make use of the biosecurity checklist that has been developed by the department to help review your biosecurity and give you the assurance that your birds are protected.”

DAERA reminds you that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to register your birds (unless they are kept within your own home).

This enables them to contact you with important disease information, giving you the best opportunity to protect your birds.

Hungary reports H5N1 bird flu in turkey farm [WTVB News, 1 Dec 2021]

by Anita Komuves & Louise Heavens

BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungary has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus at a turkey farm while authorities also found the virus in a dead swan in the country’s eastern region, the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nebih) said on Wednesday.

The outbreak in the county of Bekes led to the slaughter of nearly 5,000 turkeys on a farm where the virus was detected on Tuesday.

On Wednesday H5N1 was also detected in neighboring Hajdu-Bihar county in a dead swan.
Two weeks ago more than 38,000 ducks were slaugthered on one farm, as well as around 500 geese on a second farm due to a bird flue outbreak in the southern Bacs-Kiskun region.

DA bans poultry imports from Japan and Hungary | Jasper Y. Arcalas [Business Mirror, 1 Dec 2021]

BY JASPER Y. ARCALAS

The Philippines has slapped a temporary import ban on poultry products from Hungary and Japan due to confirmed outbreaks of bird flu in the two countries.

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar issued Memorandum Orders (MO) 72 and 73 that ordered the temporary import ban of domestic and wild birds and their products from Japan and Hungary, respectively.

The import ban on Japanese poultry products came just two months after the Philippines’s previous ban on the East Asian country was lifted.

In both MOs, Dar noted that the two countries reported confirmed outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu last month to the international and local authorities.

Japan reported several outbreaks of HPAI that started last November 10 to the Philippine Bureau Animal Industry (BAI), while Hungary reported H5N1 outbreaks last November 17 to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

“There is a need to prevent the entry of HPAI virus to protect the health of the local poultry population,” Dar said in the two MOs issued recently.

With the import ban, the government has suspended the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPS-IC) for poultry products from the two countries.

However, all shipments in transit/loaded/accepted unto port before the official communication of the import bans to the Hungarian and Japanese authorities shall be allowed to enter the country provided that they were produced before a given date.

Japanese poultry products produced before October 27 may enter the country while Hungarian poultry products produced before November 1 will be permitted, according to the documents.

The MO also stipulated that all other shipments accepted at the port of origin the day after the date of the official communication of the import bans to Japanese and Hungarian authorities are “advised not to sail.”

“Shipments which have not complied with the conditions set forth in Item 3 to Item 4 shall be dealt with as per DA AO 9 S. 2010 Section VII.D,” the documents read.

“Importation of meat products of poultry is subject to the conditions provided in Article 10.4.18, 10.4.19 and 10.4.24 of OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code [2021],” they added.

Last month, the government reinstated the temporary import ban on poultry products from the Netherlands, which was the second time this year, due to confirmed outbreaks of bird flu.

New Coronavirus News from 11 Dec 2021

Hippos, hyenas, and other animals are contracting COVID-19 [National Geographic, 11 Dec 2021]

BYNATASHA DALY

More species are found to be susceptible to the coronavirus, with most cases detected in zoos.

Ngozi and Kibo, ages 22 and 23, developed a cough, lethargy, and runny noses at home in Colorado in November. Soon it was determined that their run-of-the-mill symptoms were signs of a global first: These Denver Zoo residents became the first hyenas in the world known to be infected with COVID-19.

The milestone, nearly 20 months into the pandemic, is part of a pattern in recent months. On October 6, a binturong (“bearcat”) and a fishing cat tested positive at Chicago Zoo, followed a week later by a coati. Two hippos at a zoo in Belgium fell victim on December 5. All were the first of their species to contract the virus.

They’re now part of a group of 315 animals from 15 species in the United States confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The list also includes cats, dogs, tigers, lions, snow leopards, gorillas, otters, a cougar, a ferret, white-tailed deer. (Infected mink, nearly all on fur farms, are not included in the total).

What do we know about which animals can get the virus? And what does it mean for them—and us?

Are certain animals more susceptible?
These cases have affected mainly carnivorans. (Carnivorans belong to an order of mammals that includes wild and domestic cats, dogs and wolves, bears, and more. Carnivore is a generic term for any animal that primarily eats meat. Sharks, for example, are carnivores but not carnivorans).

The hyenas, the binturong, the coati, and the fishing cat are all carnivorans, as are domestic and big cats, which have been testing positive since early in the pandemic.

This doesn’t necessarily mean carnivorans are more susceptible—there aren’t enough data to judge yet, says Elizabeth Lennon, a veterinarian at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

It’s a different story with big cats, however. Ninety have tested positive in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “I think that if you look at the big picture in all of the zoos, you can confidently say there is some increased susceptibility to clinical disease in large felids,” Lennon says.

Some species are more susceptible to certain variants.

Take mice. They evaded the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, but we know they can be infected with the beta variant.

As variants emerge in humans, the virus could be expanding its host range—mutating to infect more species and potentially circulating “silently” among them, creating a new reservoir, says Diego Diel, associate professor and director of the virology laboratory at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

But the opposite is also true: It’s possible that new variants would be harmless to certain species, Diel says, because “as the virus becomes more effective in transmitting between humans, it may become less effective in moving between animals.”

As of now, there’s no evidence that with the exception of mink, any species, including pets, can transmit the virus to humans, or that variants have emerged after mutating in another species.
Most animals don’t seem to get seriously ill from COVID-19.

The majority of animals in the U.S.—including Ngozi and Kibo, the hyenas—have had only mild symptoms and made full recoveries.

The most serious cases have occurred in snow leopards and mink. At Lincoln Children’s Zoo, in Nebraska, three snow leopards died in November from complications from COVID-19. It’s unclear if they had underlying conditions. And thousands of mink have died at 17 fur farms in Utah and other states. Millions more have been euthanized on farms in Denmark and the Netherlands.

Buddy, the first dog to be confirmed positive for COVID-19 in the U.S., died in July, but he likely had lymphoma, which experts say may have played a role.

Studying COVID-19 in animals matters.

“As soon as you have more than one species that can maintain and transmit a virus, that has significant implications in control strategies and prevention strategies as well,” Diel says. It’s therefore crucial to find out whether any species could become a reservoir for the virus.

“Animals pose different and unknown risks,” Lennon says. “It’s certainly important that surveillance in many different species continues, because the virus is so widespread,” which increases exposure and transmissibility.

Testing skews toward animals that have shown signs of illness.

The number of animal infections in the U.S. probably exceeds the 315 recorded cases, Diel says. If animals don’t show symptoms, it’s unlikely they’ll be tested, and that makes it difficult to learn about potential silent spreaders—animals that may contract the virus and pass it on without ever exhibiting symptoms.

The white-tailed deer is one species scientists are monitoring closely. This year, a study analyzing blood from more than 600 deer in four U.S. states found antibodies to the coronavirus in nearly 40 percent of the samples. Last month, COVID-19 was detected in three deer in Quebec, Canada. None of the animals seemed sick.

There’s no evidence that deer can pass the virus to humans or other species. But the specter of a silent reservoir gives scientists pause. “That’s why everyone’s been so concerned about these deer studies,” Lennon says. If a virus quietly spreads and even mutates in a large animal population, “it’s much harder to control and eradicate.”

The overwhelming majority of zoo animal cases in the U.S. have been reported by accredited facilities that have strict health protocols.

Bronx Zoo, where the first tigers and lions tested positive in April 2020, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where the first gorilla tested positive in January 2021, and Lincoln Children’s Zoo, home to the three snow leopards who died, are all members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a U.S. nonprofit that sets standards for animal care and safety.

The AZA’s more stringent veterinary protocols mean that caregivers are more likely to detect illness in their animals and to conduct testing, says Dan Ashe, president of the AZA. “They’re constantly monitoring the animals,” he says. “If something doesn’t seem right, they are asking the questions.”

Standard practices during the pandemic include wearing personal protective equipment and minimizing close contact with animals, according to veterinarians at several AZA-accredited zoos with positive cases. “Our members have taken a lot of measures to provide protection, and we’re still seeing infections,” Ashe says. “So it’s hard to believe it’s not happening at other facilities where contact is much more—shall we say—liberal.”

We have no idea what might be happening at “roadside” zoos that offer visitors hands-on interactions with animals.

Many roadside zoos, such as those featured in Netflix’s Tiger King, offer hands-on contact with animals, especially lion and tiger cubs—species known to be susceptible to the virus. These zoos must be licensed by the USDA to exhibit animals but are not accredited by the AZA, which doesn’t allow contact between big cats and the public. (Read about Tiger King fans who waited in an hours-long line to have the chance to pet tiger cubs during the height of the pandemic.)

The care standards set by the USDA fall well below those of the AZA, and roadside zoos are notorious for lax veterinary care and safety protocols. It’s unclear whether any big cats at roadside zoos or cub-petting facilities have been tested for the virus or have died from it.

“I think the risk is higher” at roadside zoos, Diel says. “A requirement for transmission is close contact, and in every situation where you … broaden the number of people that have contact with animals, that increases the risk.”

We need more data, and we need to keep studying.

Although COVID-19 is primarily a human disease, Lennon says, the growing number of species known to be susceptible to the virus should be a call to action. “We need to be doing a lot of surveillance in different species and in new variants” such as Omicron, she says. “This virus from the get-go has surprised everyone at every turn … We can’t let our guard down at any point, as we keep learning over and over.”

Japan's low COVID-19 death rate may be due to genetics, top research institute says [The Japan Times, 11 Dec 2021]

The reason that Japan has fared far better than the West when it comes to COVID-19 cases and deaths may come down to simple genetics, according to research by a leading Japanese institute.

Most Japanese have an inherited component of the immune system that can more effectively kill various coronaviruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, scientists with Riken research institute have said, adding that this could be one of the factors behind the low number of cases and deaths in Japan during the pandemic compared with the U.S. and Europe.

Many scientists have speculated there may be an X-factor when it comes to the mysteriously low COVID-19 infection and death rates in Japan and neighboring China, South Korea and Taiwan. Higher rates of mask-wearing, along with genetic and immunological characteristics, have often been cited as possible reasons. Riken's research, if proven, would point to the latter.
Humans have two types of adaptive immune systems that fend off pathogens based on memory from past infections with seasonal coronaviruses, a group of viruses that includes ones that cause the common cold, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Natural antibodies work as a first line of defense against the pathogens. Then, when a virus enters the body, the other defense mechanism — a powerful immune response composed of T cells inside white blood cells that bind to and kill infected cells — kicks in.

The key to preventing serious COVID-19 cases is activated T cells, and that's where human leukocyte antigen (HLA) comes in. This complex set of genes helps T cells identify infected cells in order to destroy them.

A human body contains tens of thousands of HLAs and each individual has multiple HLA types, which are genetically inherited.

Until now, research into HLA types and their relationship with the COVID-19 virus had been conducted mainly on people in Europe and the U.S., and it had remained unclear whether the memory T cells from past cold infections would reawaken T cells and trigger a “cross immunity” to kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and its variants.

A team of scientists at Japan's government-backed Riken research institute studied the HLA-A24 molecule, which is found in around 60% of Japanese but only about 10% to 20% of people in Europe and the U.S. They then investigated the spike protein of the virus that causes COVID-19 and identified an antigen component, or epitope peptide, called QYI that binds to HLA-A24, activates the T cells and multiplies them. Basically, it signals to the body's immune system that there is an intruder that must be fought off.

The institute is calling their discovery a world first.

The team also found that a similar epitope exists in seasonal coronaviruses and binds to HLA-A24, which triggers and multiplies T cells to fight against them. Researchers say this proves the existence of cross immunity against the common coronaviruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 on a molecular level.

The discovery of the epitope that causes a strong immune response, which was published online in the scientific journal Communications Biology earlier this month, could lead to the development of a new COVID-19 vaccine and drugs that would be especially beneficial for people who do not see a rise in antibody levels despite getting vaccinated due to conditions such as blood disorders or cancer, says Shin-ichiro Fujii, team leader at Riken Center for Integrative Medical Sciences Laboratory for Immunotherapy.

“(Despite the vaccination), those people see a sharp decline in antibody levels and a very high share of them have died (after getting infected with COVID-19),” he said. “The analysis of people with cancer using the epitope that’s discovered showed that 60% to 70% of them can activate killer T cells. We believe that this method could be used as the next cure for those for whom the vaccine does not work.”

As of Saturday, Japan had reported under 18,500 COVID-19 deaths and about 1.73 million cases of the virus since the start of the pandemic, according to Our World in Data. That compares with about 797,000 deaths and nearly 50 million cases in the U.S. and approximately 147,000 deaths and 10.8 million cases in Britain.

Genetic factor may soften COVID blow for Japanese: study [Nikkei Asia, 11 Dec 2021]

BY HIROKO FUJII

Research suggests T cells that remember cold viruses react to SARS-CoV-2

TOKYO -- A genetic feature linked to white blood cells found in more than half of Japanese people may help the body fight back against COVID-19, activating immune cells that recognize seasonal cold viruses, according to a study by Japan's Riken research institute.

The research, published online in the British journal Communications Biology, is part of an effort to dig deeper into what appear to be relatively low rates of death and serious illness from COVID-19 in Japan.

The study centers on "killer" T cells, part of the immune response when a virus invades the body. These cells seek out and destroy virus-infected cells, identifying them via peptides, or fragments of proteins from specific viruses.

The Riken team looked at a type of human leukocyte antigen called HLA-A24. HLAs, proteins located on the surface of white blood cells, play a key role in the body's defense mechanism that activates T cells.

HLA-A24 is found in about 60% of ethnic Japanese people. When a peptide called QYI derived from the SARS-CoV-2 virus's spike protein was introduced to blood samples from donors with HLA-A24, killer T cells in the samples responded by multiplying.

The team found that the cells reacting to that peptide also responded similarly to similar peptides from other coronavirus families, including seasonal coronaviruses. The study concluded that in people with HLA-A24, killer T cells that remember past infections with seasonal coronaviruses also mount an immune response against the virus that causes COVID-19.

While HLA-A24 is common among some Asian groups, it is scarcer in the West, generally appearing in around 10% to 20% of European and American populations.

"It could be considered an 'X-factor,'" said Shin-ichiro Fujii, team leader at Riken's immunotherapy laboratory, who was involved in the study.

But this test examined only particular cells, and further research looking at how the immune systems of people with HLA-A24 respond when infected with SARS-CoV-2 is still needed.

The winter Omicron wave is coming — quickly [Axios, 11 Dec 2021]

By Caitlin Owens

Data flooding in from South Africa and Europe is clear: The Omicron variant is spreading extremely quickly, including among vaccinated people.

Why it matters: If this trend holds up, that means a lot of people — around the world and in the U.S. — are about to get sick, even if only mildly so.

Driving the news: An early estimate published yesterday by the UK found that two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are only about 30% effective against symptomatic infection with Omicron, and the AstraZeneca vaccine isn't effective at all.

• A booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine, however, increases effectiveness to 70-75%.
• Experts expect the vaccines to retain higher levels of effectiveness against severe disease, although this hasn't yet been measured.
• Compared to the Delta variant, the risk of reinfection with Omicron is three to eight times higher. This level of immune escape is part of why the variant's transmission has also spiked.

Between the lines: Researchers are estimating that it's taking only between two and three days for the number of Omicron cases to double — meaning it's spreading incredibly fast.
• The UK report estimates that "if Omicron continues to grow at the present rate, Omicron case numbers are projected to reach parity with Delta cases in mid-December."
• The U.S. isn't likely to be too far behind the UK.
Yes, but: In the UK, there are no hospitalizations or deaths associated with Omicron so far.
• Among 43 U.S. cases, only one resulted in hospitalization, the CDC said yesterday.
• That could be because people getting breakthrough infections have milder symptoms, or because the virus overall causes less severe disease, but it's too soon to draw any firm conclusions.

What they're saying: "Omicron would have to be very much milder than Delta, in order to avoid an increase in hospitalisations and deaths," tweeted Meaghan Kall, one of the authors of the UK report.
• "Remember, a small percentage of a big number is still a bigger number than we would like to see."
What we're watching: Only about 26% of vaccinated Americans have received a booster shot, and only 61% of the overall U.S. population is vaccinated, per the CDC.
• If Omicron keeps spreading like it has been, that means U.S. case numbers are also about to skyrocket, save massive behavioral changes.
• The best thing you can do to prepare is get vaccinated or get a booster shot.