OIE: Equine influenza, Australia

Information received on 25/08/2007 from Mr J. Gardner Murray, President of the OIE Regional Commission, Chief Veterinary Officer/Special Adviser, for Asia, the Far East and Oceania, CANBERRA, Australia

Summary

Report type Immediate notification
Start date 24/08/2007
Date of confirmation of event 25/08/2007
Report date 25/08/2007
Date submitted to OIE 27/08/2007
Reason for notification First occurrence of a listed disease
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Equine influenza virus A
Nature of diagnosis Suspicion
Report pertains to Entire country

New outbreaks

Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
Outbreak Location
  • NEW SOUTH WALES (Centennial Park, Sydney)
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Equidae 190 11 0 0 0
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible removed*
Equidae 5.79% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
* Removed from the susceptible population either through death, destruction or slaughter

Epidemiology

Source of infection
  • Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments Currently, vaccination is being evaluated as a control measure.

On 24 August 2007, some horses at a riding centre in Sydney displayed clinical signs consistent with a respiratory infection. Eleven horses have given a positive result to an influenza A screening test. Confirmatory testing is being undertaken.

Investigations are underway to determine whether any link exists with a quarantine station in the greater Sydney area, where some horses in quarantine have tested positive for equine influenza A H3N8.

Control measures

Measures already applied
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Screening
  • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
  • Quarantine
  • Vaccination prohibited
  • Treatment of affected animals (Supportive therapy)
Measures to be applied
  • None specified

Diagnostic test results

Laboratory name and type Australian Animal Health Laboratory (National laboratory)
Tests and results
Species Test Test date Result
Equidae real-time PCR 25/08/2007 Positive