Avian Flu Kills 215 South African Ostriches
SOUTH AFRICA - Two new outbreaks of H7N7 low-pathogenic avian influenza have affected commercial ostriches in the Western Cape this year; in the more recent case, more than 200 birds are reported to have died.
17 June 2014
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By: The veterinary authority sent Follow Up Report No. 3 dated 13 June to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
It describes two new outbreaks of low-pathogenic H7N7 virus in commercial ostriches in the same area of Western Cape Province.
The first outbreak started at the end of January 2014 with 38 birds out of 467 affected; no birds died. This outbreak is described as 'resolved'.
With the second outbreak, however, 215 birds died; 306 of the 465 ostriches showed symptoms. This outbreak started on 1 April and is continuing. Weekly reports will be published.
