Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1 Thailand, July 2004

The government of Thailand confirmed the occurrence of Newcastle disease in Mukdahan province on July 12, 2004 (Figure).  This is the first reported occurrence of Newcastle disease in Thailand since 1996.  A total of 3,196 native poultry, ducks and geese were depopulated within 24 hours of diagnosis; an additional 8 birds died.  The farm was quarantined and countrywide movement restrictions imposed.  The outbreak was detected as a result of surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 (HPAI).

Between July 7-13, 12 cases of HPAI have been reported in seven Thailand provinces (Figure).  Four outbreaks have occurred in two northern provinces (Sukhothai and Uttaradit); eight outbreaks have occurred in five central provinces (Arngthong, Ayutthaya, Nakorn Sawan, Pathumthani, Sukhothai, Supanburi).  From March through June 2004, Thailand reported 11 cases of HPAI.  During the July outbreak, over 30,000 birds have been destroyed, and an additional 1,800 birds died due to illness.  Affected birds included laying hens and ducks, broilers, and native chickens.  In addition to depopulation, countrywide control measures underway include quarantine and restricted movement of poultry; vaccination is prohibited.

From mid-December 2003 through February 2004, outbreaks of HPAI in poultry were detected in Thailand and seven other Asian countries:  Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Republic of Korea, and Vietnam.  A total of 34 human cases and 23 (68%) deaths due to HPAI subtype H5N1 occurred in Thailand and Vietnam.

Figure.  Location of Newcastle disease outbreak (black dot) and July 2004 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1 (white dots).

Thailand exported nearly 12 percent of world stocks of duck meat and 4.3 percent of world stocks of chicken meat in 2002.  A majority of Thailand’s exported chicken meat went to Japan (56 percent) and the European Union (28 percent).  Because Thailand is not considered free of exotic Newcastle disease by the USDA, US imports of poultry or poultry products from Thailand are restricted.  During 2002 through November 2003, the US imported processed shell eggs and egg products, and feathers and down.  These processed products are not a disease transmission risk and are legally imported products. 

For information on Thailand’s poultry production and exports, please see the impact worksheet, “Highly pathogenic avian influenza, Thailand” at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/iw_2004/hpai_thailand_104_files/hpai_thailand0104.htm.  For summary information on poultry production in Asia related to the 2003-2004 HPAI outbreaks, please see the impact worksheet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/iw_2004_files/hpai_asia_summary_0104_files/hpai_asia_summary_0104.htm.

Source: World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), World Health Organization

If you need more information or if you want to comment on this worksheet, you may reply to this message, or contact Kathy Orloski at (970) 494-7221 or Judy Akkina at (970) 494-7324.