A new outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza hit Mexico on August 12, the World Organisation for Animal Health reported. The Mexican outbreak follows another outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported August 11 in Italy.
An estimated 360,000 birds have been affected at a layer farm in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico, but no dead or slaughtered birds have been reported. As of August 12, measures such as low-risk poultry vaccination and nationwide surveillance were being deployed.
Meanwhile, a form of highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported at a commercial hen farm in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The grower quickly notified health officials of the suspicious clinical signs that allowed the disease to be detected in a timely manner. There are 4,000 dead birds and 128,000 more that are susceptible.
A 3 kilometer protection area has been established around the farm, as well as a surveillance area of 10 kilometers. Tracking and depopulation procedures are being carried out, and other diagnostic tests are being done.
