Avian Influenza in Albania

Date of first confirmation of the event: 7 March 2006

Date of start of the event: 16 February 2006

An outbreak of avian influenza subtype H5N1 has been reported in chicken in the village of ?uke, Sarande county (Vlore state). All 60 susceptible birds died from the disease.

The diagnosis has been made on 23 February 2006 by the Veterinary Research Institute in Tirana, using haemagglutination inhibition test and agar-gel immunodiffusion, and, on 7 March 2006, by the OIE Reference Laboratory in Weybridge, United Kingdom, using RT-PCR. The results have been positive in both cases.

The control measures applied are as follows:

- dipping/spraying.

Screening is to be applied.

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OIE Animal Health Information Department

information.dept@oie.int