Summary of Selected Disease Events

October-December 2004

I.      OIE Listed Disease

Bluetongue disease, Portugal and Spain

Portugal: Portugal reported bluetongue disease (BT) virus serotype 4 in sheep, goats and cattle in the Alandroal, Campo Maior, Juromenha, Vidigueira, and Idanha-a-Nova municipalities in southeastern Portugal.   As of December 24, 2004, there were 18 animals dead.  Most of the susceptible animals were sheep.  Onset of clinical signs occurred on November 19, 2004.  It had been 45 years since Portugal reported the last case of bluetongue disease to the OIE.  Control measures include quarantine, ban on susceptible species movement and surveillance for insect vectors. 

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet (Short Report) on BT in Portugal at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.

Source: OIE

Spain:  On October 12, 2004, authorities in Spain confirmed an outbreak of bluetongue disease (BT) virus serotype 4 in sheep and goats.  The disease was detected on October 4, 2004 in the Cadiz province in southern peninsular (mainland) Spain.  As of December 9, 2004, there have been 546 sheep and goat deaths due to BT.  The outbreaks are mostly in the southeast portion of Spain in the Andalucia Autonomous Community and the Extremadure Autonomous Community.  The last outbreak of BT on peninsular Spain occurred between 1956 and 1960.  On October 14, 2004, the European Union Commission issued a Decision banning the movement of species susceptible to BT from the Spanish provinces of Cadiz, Seville, and Malaga and certain districts of the Provinces of Cordoba, Granada and Huelva.  This ban included live animals, sperm, ova and embryos of susceptible animals.  Control measures in Spain include stamping out, vaccination, vector control and animal movement restrictions.

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet (Short Report) on BT in Spain at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.

Source: OIE

US imports:  The US imported no cattle, sheep, goats or bovine embryos from Spain or Portugal in 2003 or 2004.  Imports of cattle, sheep and goats into the US are restricted from all European countries because of BSE.  The US did import bovine semen from Spain in 2003 and 2004.  In order to export bovine semen into the US, Spain is required either to certify that the product is BT free or to test animals from which the semen was collected.  Meat products and travelers are not risk factors for BT transmission.

Source:  World Trade Atlas

For additional information on Bluetongue in the Mediterranean Basin, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Emerging Disease Notice on Mediterranean Basin Bluetongue, 1998-2004 update at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/EmergingDiseaseNotice_files/notices.htm

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, goat, France

France: On November 2, 2004, France reported that a goat slaughtered in 2002 had a type of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that might be BSE.  The TSE was detected in a healthy goat as part of the normal surveillance measures that have been in place in the EU for many years.  Over the last 2 years, extensive tests have been performed, including the mouse bioassay (which takes two years to complete).  The 2 ½ year old goat was the only animal affected from a herd of 600 animals.  The whole herd was culled and all adult goats were tested at the time, with negative results.  All carcasses, including that of the affected goat, were destroyed. 

Source: OIE

Exotic Newcastle disease, Bulgaria, Greece and Japan

Bulgaria:  As of December 23, 2004, eighty-five unvaccinated backyard birds have died from exotic Newcastle disease (END) in the administrative district of Kardjali in Bulgaria.  There were 448 susceptible birds including hens, cocks, pigeons and turkeys.  The first death among poultry occurred on December 10, 2004 in a family backyard flock.  In the area surrounding the affected flock, only backyard animals intended for home consumption were found.  Control measures include killing of all poultry in the area and mechanical cleaning and disinfection of the sites.  January 1993 was the last reported outbreak of exotic Newcastle disease in Bulgaria. 

The US does not recognize Bulgaria as free of END.  No poultry products of concern were imported into the US, Canada or Mexico from Bulgaria in 2003 or 2004.  All live poultry and other bird species imported into the US (except from Canada) are required to have a USDA issued import permit, a health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in the country of origin, and be quarantined for 30 days in a USDA animal import quarantine facility.  This includes pet birds as well as commercial birds.

Source: OIE

Greece: Greek authorities reported an outbreak of exotic Newcastle disease (END) in the region of Arkadhia on January 5, 2005.  The outbreak occurred on a poultry farm with about 20,000 free-range broiler chickens.  Greece has reported 6,500 chicken deaths.  This is the first outbreak of END in Greece since 1986.  Greek Veterinary Services implemented stamping-out measures.

Before this outbreak, Greece was considered by USDA to be free of END.  However, the US imported no live birds, poultry products, eggs or feathers from Greece in 2003 or 2004.  The USDA is monitoring the situation and control measures will be implemented as needed.  Control measures taken in Greece are in accordance with European Union directives. 

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet on END in Greece at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.

Source: European Commission

Japan: Chickens on a commercial farm in the southern portion of Japan were diagnosed with END. As of December 27, 2004, over 100,000 chickens were susceptible, with 2,550 dead.  Control measures include quarantine of the affected farm, destruction of chickens on the farm and disinfection.  This is the first report of END in Japan since September 2002. 

The USDA does not consider Japan free of END.  Therefore, the US restricts imports of poultry and poultry products from Japan.  In 2003 and 2004, the US imported processed eggs and a few live birds.  Live birds imported from Japan are routinely quarantined and tested for infectious disease prior to release into the US. 

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet on END in Japan at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.

Source: OIE

Low pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N2, Republic of Korea

Republic of Korea:  During a heightened awareness campaign in Korea, low pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N2 was detected on December 1, 2004 in a breeding duck farm.  In the approximately 13,000 ducks that were being raised at this farm, there were no clinical signs found, no drop in the egg production rate, nor any deaths.  In view of the fact that this is the first detection of H5N2 subtype in the Republic of Korea, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry implemented stamping out of the infected flock.  

Source: OIE

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1

Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam continued to report outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the 4^th quarter of 2004.  Cambodia, China, Republic of Korea and Japan have not reported any new outbreaks of HPAI in poultry for the period October through December 2004.

During the 4^th quarter of 2004, Canada, Republic of Korea and Malaysia declared themselves free of HPAI.  Japan also reported itself free from HPAI but on December 22, 2004 confirmed their first human case of avian influenza.

As of January 11, 2005, there have been forty-seven human cases of H5N1 in Vietnam and Thailand resulting in thirty-four deaths. 

Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the people’s republic of China:  Two gray heron were found dead and both tested positive for HPAI in the Lok Ma Chau area, near the border with mainland China.  The first heron was found on November 1, 2004 and the second was found on December 3, 2004.  Health officials inspected poultry farms in the area and determined that the farm birds showed no clinical signs of avian influenza.  Poultry in Hong Kong have not been affected by HPAI outbreaks in 2004.

Indonesia: Two new outbreaks of HPAI in layer hens and Arabian chickens were discovered in early October in the East Java Province and Central Java Province of Indonesia.  Indonesia has not reported a new outbreak since early October 2004.

Japan:  Japan confirmed their first human case of avian influenza.  Four employees of an avian influenza virus containment poultry farm and one person who helped disinfect the facilities were infected during an outbreak in February 2004.  None of the five workers developed serious health problems.

Thailand: Thailand continued to have numerous outbreaks of HPAI in birds.  Thailand reported on October 20, 2004, an outbreak of HPAI in captive tigers.  Forty-five tigers from a zoo in the Chon Buri Province, aged 8 months to 2 years, have died after been infected with HPAI.  The source of infection is chicken carcasses that were fed to the tigers.  There have been no new HPAI infections or deaths in the zoo since October 28, 2004.  Control measures underway include quarantining of tigers and cooking animal carcasses used as feed.

Vietnam:  Vietnam reported eleven new outbreaks of HPAI in birds from October to December 2004.  In the first two weeks of 2005, fifteen Vietnamese people suspected of suffering from HPAI were hospitalized.  Those affected are from seven of Vietnam’s southern provinces. 

Source: Global News Wire, OIE, Lexis/Nexis AgenceFrance Presse

Note: For additional information on the Asian HPAI outbreak, please see

      OIE at www.oie.int/eng/AVIAN_INFLUENZA/home.htm and

      WHO at www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

      Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm

Rift Valley fever, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia:  According to a report submitted to OIE on October 1, 2004, five seropositive cases of Rift Valley fever ( RVF) were detected during routine serosurveillance of four sheep flocks.  The sheep located in the southern coastal region of Jizan did not show any clinical signs of illness.  The Jizan area is the same area that experienced an outbreak of RVF in 2000-2001.  As of November 28, 2004, there have been no clinical cases of RVF.  Test results to detect the virus in mosquitoes are all negative.  Control measures include vaccination, quarantine, screening and control of arthropods.

Saudi Arabia is not recognized as free of foot and mouth disease by the USDA, therefore imports of livestock and non-processed livestock products to the US are restricted.  The US imported pickled sheep and lambs skins from Saudi Arabia in 2003 and 2004.  These hides are processed and not a disease transmission risk. 

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet on RVF in Saudi Arabia at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.

Source: OIE

Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis, Belize

 Belize:  On October 2004, Belize authorities discovered eight cases of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) in the Orange Walk district of Belize.  As of December 16, 2004, two horses are dead from VEE.  The animals affected are horses of either sex from 8 months to 11 years of age.  Most of the families in the area use horses for transportation.  The origin of this outbreak of VEE is thought to be a reservoir in the nearby jungle.  In 1996, this community suffered a similar outbreak.  Control measures include control of arthropods, screening, vaccination and control of movement inside the country.

Source: OIE

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease, Uruguay

Uruguay: An outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) was reported on December 28, 2004.  The outbreak involved backyard domestic rabbits in suburban areas in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay. RHD cases were also found in adjacent areas in the departments of Canelones and San Jose.  Over 2,800 rabbits from 45 sites have died, and over 1,800 more have been destroyed.  Control measures include culling of sick rabbits, disinfecting of premises, vector control, and a ban on rabbit movement.  The US did not import any live rabbits or rabbit products from Uruguay in 2003 or 2004.  This is the first report of RHD in Uruguay.  The only countries in the Americas to have reported outbreaks of RHD in the past are Mexico, Cuba, and the US. 

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet on RHD in Uruguay at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.

Source: OIE

African swine fever, Namibia and Eritrea (Suspected)

Namibia, Africa:  Namibia, Africa reported the country’s first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) on December 21, 2004.  Two outbreaks were reported which involved two hundred forty-five swine from commercial pig herds in the Okahandja district of Namibia.  Thirty cases of ASF were identified with 29 deaths.  The transmission method of the virus from warthogs to domestic pigs is infected ticks.  ASF is endemic in the warthog population in Namibia.  Control measures include closing the site for 30 days, introducing sentinel animals to check for freedom from disease, and watching the surrounding farms.   Before the current outbreak, the last outbreak of ASF in Namibia was reported to OIE on November 2001.

The USDA does not recognized Namibia as free of ASF; as a result, the US does not accept live swine or pork product from Namibia.  Namibia has a small swine industry, and exports only small amounts of live swine and swine meat.

For additional information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Impact Worksheet on ASF in Namibia at http://www.aphis.usda/gov/vs/ceah/cei/worksheets.htm.  

Source: OIE

Eritrea (Suspected): A suspected outbreak of ASF in Eritrea was discovered on November 15, 2004.  As of November 25, 2004, 90 suspected cases were found with 45 deaths.  Samples were submitted to a reference laboratory on November 26, 2004.  Officials quarantined the site.  According to animal health reports sent to OIE from Eritrea, ASF has been reported absent since 1999.  As of January 14, 2004, no new information is available.

Source: OIE

II.      Other Significant Disease Events

Cryptococcus gattii, Canada

Canada:  The Cryptococcus gattii (C. gattii) fungus has infected 101 people who live on, or who have visited eastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC).  This outbreak has killed at least four humans, one horse, eleven porpoises, and dozens of cats and dogs since 1999.  The first case of animal cryptococcal disease in the current Vancouver Island outbreak was diagnosed in February 2000.  Although this outbreak on Vancouver Island is thought to be the world’s largest outbreak of C. gattii ever identified, researchers stress that the C. gattii fungus is not as lethal, or as fast spreading as many other pathogens.  The Vancouver Island outbreak began in 1999, and continues today. 

For more information, please see the Center for Emerging Issues (CEI) Emerging Disease Notice on Cryptococcus at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/EmergingDiseaseNotice_files/notices.htm

Source: ProMED

Hendra virus, Australia

Queensland: In early December 2004, a horse in northern Queensland, Australia died from Hendra virus.  The horse’s handlers and veterinary staff are being monitored for symptoms of disease.  Hendra virus is thought to have originated in fruit bats and can be fatal when infection occurs in horses or humans.  Human infections are due to direct exposure to tissue and secretion from infected animals.  In November 2004, a veterinarian from Cairns contracted a mild case of Hendra virus while conducting an necropsy on a horse.  The veterinarian has since recovered.

Source: ProMED

Bonamia ostreae, Canada

Canada:  On November 7, 2004, one shellfish farm on the west coast of mainland British Columbia experienced an outbreak of Bonamia ostreae in 3 to 4 year old European flat oysters.  Deaths of 3 to 4 year old oysters over the past two years at this site were associated with severe algal bloom; thus, the exact correlation between these deaths and Bonamia ostreae infestation is not clear.  European oysters on the Atlantic coast remain free of Bonamia ostreae.  Control measures include quarantine (except for direct human consumption) and enhancement of the current surveillance program.

Source: OIE

Infectious salmon anemia, United Kingdom (Suspected)

UK/Scotland (Suspected):  On November 2, 2004, farmed salmon from one Atlantic salmon site in Scotland had a suspected case of infectious salmon anemia (ISA).  The ISA virus has not been isolated and postmortem findings are not typical of ISA; however, the basis for suspicion of ISA is positive test results using the indirect fluorescent antibody test and RT-PCR.  As of January 14, 2004, authorities are still investigating the situation.

For more information please see: http://www.marlab.ac.uk/FRS.Web/Delivery/News/display_newsitem.aspx?contentid=1356

Source: OIE

This summary was produced in January 2005 by the Center for Emerging Issues, a part of USDA’s Veterinary Service.  This and other reports are available on the internet at: http:www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ceah/cei/index.htm.  Comments and questions concerning this edition may be addressed to Liz Williams at elizabeth.s.williams@aphis.usda.gov or 970-494-7329.