The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 2 on 23 August. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was carried out on the same date confirming the presence of the HPAI virus, serotype H7N7 in turkeys.

A total of 19,850 turkeys were found susceptible, out of which a 100 per cent apparent morbidity rate was observed; all birds were affected by the H7N7 virus strain. While 1,300 birds were found dead, no birds were destroyed.

According to the OIE, on the basis of the monitoring activities implemented after the detection of the primary outbreak in Ostellato, Ferrara province, notified on last 15 August, a secondary outbreak in the surveillance zone, located at 3.5km from the primary outbreak, has been confirmed in Portomaggiore, Ferrara province, affecting a commercial turkey farm.

The OIE reports that the birds were sampled and tested for the first time on 19 August 2013 with negative results. The National Reference Laboratory in Padova has confirmed H7 at RT-PCR.

Further diagnostic examination, also to determine the N type and HPAI/LPAI, and the epidemiological investigation are on-going. Restriction zones have been established around the farm and depopulation will be carried out.

The source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive.

Further Reading

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