South Africa : Four HPAI Outbreaks in Western Cape Province

Via The Poultry Site :

" SOUTH AFRICA : The South African veterinary authorities have reported four new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at several farms in the Western Cape Province.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 9 yesterday, 5 December. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, serotype - H5N2, was identified as the causal agent of the outbreak. Commercial ostrich farms were mainly affected.

According to the report, all tests proved HI positive, and no PCR positives were discovered. A total of 2931 birds were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 490 cases were identified. No deaths were recorded and no birds were destroyed.

The source of the outbreaks remain inconclusive. The OIE reports that initially, no clinical signs or mortalities were seen."