February 9, 2012

India's Orissa experiences new outbreak of avian influenza

India has reported a fresh outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state of Orissa, according to Secretary to the Government of India's Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Rudhra Gangadharan.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 4 on February 4. The outbreak took place at a government poultry farm in the state.

Out of 34857 susceptible birds, 5015 cases were reported. All 5015 birds were found dead.

Epidemiological investigation is ongoing. Stamping out of all domestic poultry is being applied in an approximately 3-km radius zone around the outbreak followed by compensation to the owners.

An intensive surveillance campaign has been launched in a 10-km radius zone including, closure of poultry markets and prohibition on sale and transportation of poultry products in the infected zone and disinfection of premises after culling and sealing of premises where appropriate.

Restocking will be applied in accordance with a specified protocol.

The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.