Epizootic ulcerative syndrome,
Malawi
Information received on 12/08/2020 from Dr Patrick Chikungwa, Director of Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation an Water Development, LILONGWE, Malawi
Summary
Report type Follow-up report No. 2
Date of start of the event 16/06/2020
Date of confirmation of the event 17/07/2020
Report date 11/08/2020
Date submitted to OIE 12/08/2020
Reason for notification First occurrence of a listed disease in the country
Causal agent Aphanomyces invadans
Nature of diagnosis Suspicion, Clinical, Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced), Necropsy
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Related reports Immediate notification (24/07/2020)
Follow-up report No. 1 (04/08/2020)
Follow-up report No. 2 (11/08/2020)
Follow-up report No. 3 (26/08/2020)
Follow-up report No. 4 (21/09/2020)
Follow-up report No. 5 (28/10/2020)
Outbreaks There are no new outbreaks in this report
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
  • Contact with infected neighbouring establishment
  • Fomites (humans, vehicles, feed, etc.)
  • Horizontal spread through water
Epidemiological comments Mapping was done in the district from 30th to 31st July 2020. It was found that the rivers and swamps in the district has infected fish (Clarias spp). There is wide spread of the disease in the river system both in natural waters and ponds. Some samples were sent for histopathology within the country at University of North Carolina (UNC) project lab in Lilongwe 27th July 2020 and the samples had granulomas visible. The samples sent to University of Zambia indicates positive of epizootic ulcerative syndrome on PCR (results received on 5th August 2020). surveillance is underway in the neighboring districts.
Control measures
Measures applied
  • Emergency harvest
  • Quarantine
  • Surveillance within infected and/or protection zone
  • Surveillance outside infected and/or protection zone
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
  • No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
  • Process to inactivate the pathogenic agent in products or by-products
  • Disinfection
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
University of Zambia (ACEIDHA) (Regional Reference Laboratory) Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 05/08/2020 Positive
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.