First detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 in poultry in Denmark

The first detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 has been done in a backyard holding near the city of Kerteminde in Funen County.

The holding consisted of 102 poultry (41 ducks, 51 chickens, 5 geese, 3 guinea fowls and 2 peacocks). 47 of the animals had died. The remaining 55 animals have been killed today.
(18 May 2006).

The detection has been done by PCR followed by sequencing at the Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research. Virus isolation is initiated.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is setting up protection and surveillance zones around the holding and also establish A and B areas and implementing the necessary measures in accordance with Commission Decision 2006/135/EC.

Area A covers the following 11 municipalities: Kerteminde, Langeskov, Munkebo, Nyborg, Odense, Otterup, Ringe, Ryslinge, Ullerslev, Ørbæk and Årslev.

Area B covers Funen County.

An overview map of Denmark and a map with zones and areas are attached to this letter.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will keep you informed.

Information about a positive finding has been distributed to the European Communities, the OIE and to all Danish diplomatic representations.

Further information

On line information about the latest situation will be available on the website of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration where there is a daily update of the AI situation in Denmark. The address is: http://www.fvst.dk/