194 Avian Influenza Cases Confirmed: Novel H5N2 Virus Detected at Changhua Free-Range Chicken Farm

Today (1/18) the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine released the latest update on the avian influenza outbreak. As of 6 p.m. on January 17, 104th year of the Republic of China calendar, samples from 216 farms in 9 counties and cities had been submitted for testing, and 194 farms were confirmed to have H5 subtype avian influenza, an increase of 52 farms from yesterday. County and city animal disease control agencies are carrying out follow-up culling operations and full-site cleaning and disinfection. As of 6 p.m. on January 17, 104th year of the Republic of China calendar, culling had been completed at 92 farms, totaling 140,704 birds.

A novel H5N2 virus was detected at a Changhua free-range chicken farm, indicating that the new virus has crossed from waterfowl to landfowl. In addition to causing high mortality in landfowl, it can easily reassort genetically with local avian influenza viruses and become endemic, causing a greater impact.

Novel H5N2 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Nucleic Acid Detected at a Free-Range Chicken Farm in Changhua County; New Virus Has Crossed from Waterfowl to Landfowl

At a farm raising 50 free-range chickens in Shengang Township, Changhua County, samples were collected and submitted for testing on January 15, and H5 subtype avian influenza virus was detected on the 16th. The specimens from that farm were confirmed yesterday by the Animal Health Research Institute as novel H5N2 subtype avian influenza, indicating that the new virus has crossed from waterfowl to landfowl. In addition to causing high mortality in landfowl, it can easily reassort genetically with local avian influenza viruses and become endemic, causing a greater impact.

The Changhua County Government culled 47 free-range chickens that same day. Because the farm was an open-style backyard operation, it was prone to contact with wild birds. The Centers for Disease Control called on poultry farmers to strengthen on-farm bird netting, access control and disinfection and other biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease introduction.

H5 Subtype Avian Influenza Virus Nucleic Acid Detected at a Layer Farm and a Free-Range Chicken Farm in Pingtung County

At a layer farm in Pingtung County, the old H5N2 subtype avian influenza virus was detected on January 9. During enhanced surveillance of surrounding farms, H5 subtype avian influenza virus nucleic acid was detected at a layer farm and a free-range chicken farm, and follow-up sequencing and subtyping will continue.

The Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine said that starting tomorrow, waterfowl sent to slaughterhouses for slaughter must all be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a veterinarian to ensure the outbreak does not spread. Violators will be fined between 50,000 and 1,000,000 yuan in accordance with Article 43 of the Statute for Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases. If a slaughterhouse slaughters poultry not accompanied by a health certificate, once discovered it must suspend slaughter for one day and may resume operations only after thorough cleaning and disinfection.

In addition, if the capacity of rendering plants to handle animal carcasses becomes insufficient, municipalities and counties (cities) should immediately activate incinerators at their own location or coordinate with environmental protection agencies in neighboring counties and cities to handle disposal.

In response to the possible impact on the supply of poultry meat during the Lunar New Year holiday, the Council of Agriculture will launch various response measures including emergency imports to maintain market supply and demand.