The veterinary authority sent an Immediate Notification dated 15 April to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The report describes one outbreak of fowl cholera, caused by Salmonella gallinarum, at a commercial layer farm with eggs for human consumption in San Miguel in the state of Alajuela in central Costa Rica.

Starting on 23 March, the outbreak affected 64,481 birds, of which 1,566 died.

Investigations are on-going in neighbouring holdings in order to find new outbreaks. Biosecurity measures are strengthened, including control of infestations such as rodents and flies in the affected farm, which is under quarantine. Samples will be sent to an international laboratory to carry out genome sequencing of isolated bacteria.

The following measures have been applied: quarantine, movement control inside the country, disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s), vaccination is prohibited and there is no treatment of affected animals.

The last outbreak of fowl typhoid in Costa Rica was in 1999.

Further Reading Find out more information on fowl typhoid by clicking here.