Second case of high pathogenic avian influenza (H5) found in wild birds in Denmark
A second case of high pathogenic avian influenza type H5 has been found in Denmark.
On 17 March 2006 the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has found high pathogenic avian influenza (H5) on the Island of Ærø in the southern part of Denmark. The exact spot is the harbour of Ærøskøping, where 9 dead tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) have been discovered.
The birds were detected as a result of the existing Danish surveillance system against bird flu.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Research Institute will continue investigations in order to clarify whether it is the H5N1 type already detected in other wild birds in several other EU countries.
A protection zone (minimum 3 km) and a surveillance zone (minimum 10 km) have been es-tablished surrounding the location where the infected birds were found.
All poultry within the zones must be kept inside and all poultry holdings – including hobby holdings – must be registered. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will inspect all poultry holdings in the protection zone in the near future in order to look for possible further spread of bird flu.
Restrictions on movement of eggs and poultry have been imposed within the zones.
All hunting within the zones is also prohibited.
Information about the positive finding has been distributed to the European Communities and to all Danish diplomatic representations. OIE will be informed.
The first finding
On 15 March 2006 the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration published the first finding of the high pathogenic avian influenza (H5) in a wild bird (common buzzard) in the southern part of Denmark. A protection zone (minimum 3 km) and a surveillance zone (minimum 10 km) surrounding the location of the infected bird were immediately established.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Research Institute has finalised its investigations and confirmed on 16 March 2006 that it is the H5N1 type already detected in wild birds in several other European countries.
Virus has been send to the EU´s reference laboratory in United Kingdom for final confirmation. The result of these tests is expected within one or two weeks.
Further information
Discovery of new cases of avian influenza in Danish wild birds will no longer be communicated directly to the responsible authorities in other countries. On line information about the situation in Denmark will be available on the website of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration http://www.fvst.dk/ where there is a daily update of the AI situation in Denmark.
In accordance with the OIE Terrestrial Code, finding of highly pathogenic H5N1 in wild birds does not lead countries to adopt trade restrictions in poultry and poultry products.
In case avian influenza is found in commercial or backyard poultry holdings information will immediately be directed to the relevant foreign authorities.