March 26, 2014

North-Eastern Mexico detects bird flu

In north-eastern Mexico, a flock of imported parakeets has tested positive for the H7N3 sub-type of the avian flu virus.

The veterinary authority sent an immediate report dated March 22 to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The report outlines the detection of a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus on a farm with exotic birds in Pesqueria in the state of Nuevo Leon on February 13. All 1,987 birds were destroyed and the outbreak was described as 'resolved' on February 28.

Following the epidemiological surveillance activities on notifiable bird flu within the national poultry farming and in poultry for import, the report says that low-pathogenic avian influenza subtype H7N3 virus has been identified in a lot of monk parakeets (Myiopsitta M. monachus) imported from South America, using virus identification test, virus isolation, intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) and gene sequencing.

Birds have been quarantined and depopulation, washing, cleaning and disinfection activities as well as the introduction of sentinel birds have been implemented in the affected production unit.