The veterinary authority in Taiwan has sent an Immediate Notification dated 23 November to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

It reports the finding of the H5N2 low-pathogenic avian influenza virus in a layer flock of 15,700 birds in Pu-Zih in the Chia-I region in the west of the territory.

According to the report, the notifiable avian influenza viral infection was detected on a layer chicken farm during active surveillance and identified as H5N2 strain by virus isolation. Movement restriction was implemented on the infected farm. Clinical and epidemiological investigation in the infected farm was done and the result showed that the layers were in healthy condition without drop of egg production.

The positive results of serological, virological tests and analysed data of gene sequencing confirmed this H5N2 outbreak as LPAI. The clinical and epidemiological investigations of surrounding poultry farms were conducted.

The OIE Animal Health Information Department notes that H5 and H7 avian influenza in its low pathogenic form in poultry is a notifiable disease as per Chapter 10.4. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2012).

The last outbreak in Taiwan was in July 2012.

Further Reading You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.