Highly pathogenic avian influenza,
Mexico
Information received on 09/01/2013 from Dr Hugo Fragoso Sánchez, Director general de salud animal, Servicio nacional de sanidad, inocuidad y calidad agroalimentaria (SENASICA), Secretaría de Agricultura, ganadería,desarrollo rural, pesca y alimentación (SAGARPA), Mexico, Mexico
Summary
Report type Immediate notification
Date of start of the event 03/01/2013
Date of pre-confirmation of the event 07/01/2013
Report date 08/01/2013
Date submitted to OIE 09/01/2013
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 29/09/2012
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
Serotype H7N3
Nature of diagnosis Clinical, Laboratory (basic)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Related reports Immediate notification (08/01/2013)
Follow-up report No. 1 (16/01/2013)
Follow-up report No. 2 (18/02/2013)
Follow-up report No. 3 (28/02/2013)
Follow-up report No. 4 (23/03/2013)
Follow-up report No. 5 (17/04/2013)
Follow-up report No. 6 (23/04/2013)
Follow-up report No. 7 (07/05/2013)
New outbreaks (2)
Outbreak 1 (foco 1) San Francisco de los Romo, San Francisco de los Romo, AGUASCALIENTES
Date of start of the outbreak 03/01/2013
Outbreak status Resolved (08/01/2013)
Epidemiological unit Farm
Affected animals
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 146755 2990 740 0 146015
Outbreak 2 (foco 2) Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, AGUASCALIENTES
Date of start of the outbreak 05/01/2013
Outbreak status Resolved (08/01/2013)
Epidemiological unit Farm
Affected animals
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 138000 0 0 138000
Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 2
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 284755 2990 ** 740 0 284015
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Birds ** 0.26% ** 100.00%
*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
**Not calculated because of missing information
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
  • Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments The last outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza serotype H7N3 occurred in September 2012 in the northeastern part of the State of Jalisco. Following control and eradication measures, passive and active surveillance was strengthened and on 3 January 2013 SENASICA was informed of an increase in mortality and a decrease of egg production on a commercial layer farm in the State of Aguascalientes. Timely notification from the farmer and surveillance activities allowed immediate depopulation of the two affected production units, reason why both outbreaks identified are closed. The first outbreak had a population of 146,755 birds aged 21-80 weeks, of which 2,990 sick and 740 dead. Clinical signs were conjunctivitis, edema, cyanosis and palpebral, comb and chin swelling as well as opisthotonos and sudden death. Additionally, during post-mortem inspections, hemorrhages were identified in trachea, lungs and tonsils. Control measures included vaccination of laying and breeding hens within the zone around the outbreaks and the buffer zone and the strengthening of biosecurity and control of poultry goods movements. The second outbreak was detected during active surveillance conducted in the State of Aguascalientes and the virus was isolated in another commercial layer farm with a population of 138,000 birds over 81 weeks old, which was also depopulated. In both outbreaks, cleaning and disinfection of facilities and equipment as well as destruction of hen manure have been carried out. After depopulation, sentinel birds will be introduced in order to confirm the absence of infection and viral circulation. Active and passive surveillance continues at national level. Epidemiological investigation is on-going.
Control measures
Measures applied
  • Stamping out
  • Quarantine
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Screening
  • Zoning
  • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
  • Vaccination prohibited
  • No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
  • No other measures
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
Biosecurity Laboratory Level 3, Mexico-United States Commission for the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease and Other Exotic Diseases of Animals (National laboratory) Birds virus isolation 07/01/2013 Positive
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
Map of outbreak locations