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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
9.7K
Avian influenza overview August - December 2020
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|December 21, 2020
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus detections surged in European wild birds and poultry in late 2020. Continued wild bird migration poses a high risk for further spread, necessitating enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a significant threat to avian populations and potentially public health.
- Wild birds are known reservoirs and vectors for HPAI viruses, facilitating their spread across geographical regions.
- Previous outbreaks highlight the importance of understanding transmission dynamics between wild birds, poultry, and captive birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze HPAI virus detections in wild birds, poultry, and captive birds in EU/EEA countries and the UK between August and December 2020.
- To identify circulating HPAI virus subtypes and genotypes, and investigate potential sources of infection.
- To assess the ongoing risk of HPAI spread and provide recommendations for control measures.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance data collection from 15 EU/EEA countries and the UK.
- Virus isolation and subtyping (A(H5N8), A(H5N5), A(H5N1)).
- Genotyping to identify virus origins and reassortment events.
- Epidemiological analysis of outbreak data, including affected species and potential transmission routes.
Main Results:
- 561 HPAI virus detections were reported, predominantly in wild birds (n=510), with Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands most affected.
- The majority of detections were A(H5N8) subtype, with evidence of multiple introductions and reassortant viruses.
- 43 HPAI outbreaks occurred in poultry, with indirect contact with wild birds identified as the most likely source of infection.
- Two human cases of zoonotic avian influenza (A(H5N1) and A(H9N2)) were reported, with very low risk to the general population.
Conclusions:
- The autumn migration of wild waterbirds presents a high risk for continued introduction and spread of HPAI A(H5) viruses in Europe.
- Effective control requires strict biosecurity measures, particularly in high-risk areas, and robust surveillance.
- While the risk to humans is low, vigilance is necessary, especially concerning zoonotic potential and emerging virus strains.
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