2024-07-06 05:21:31
(ANSA) – ROME, JULY 5 – While the United States is grappling with the avian influenza epidemic in cattle, which in recent days has also led to the fourth human case, Europe is going against the trend. Yesterday, the ECDC, the EFSA and the European Reference Laboratory for Avian Flu located at the Istituto Zooprofilattico delle Venezie published an update on the epidemiological situation in the Old Continent, which shows that the number of cases of avian influenza in birds (wild and domestic) has not been this low since the 2019-2020 season. In the second quarter of 2023, in fact, there were only 42 outbreaks recorded in Europe, with just over a thousand infected animals.
Most of the outbreaks were caused by A/H5N1 viruses, especially in wild birds. Germany, with 13 outbreaks and 217 infected animals, is the most affected country. In Italy, 25 cases were found, 6 in poultry and 19 in wild animals.
Meanwhile, after the cases of avian flu in cattle in the USA, surveillance of mammals has also been strengthened in Europe and so far no elements of concern have emerged. In Italy, approximately 3,200 cattle and goats have been tested in the provinces where the avian flu virus A/H5N1 has circulated in recent years.
The tests were negative. The same happened in Germany, where, in addition to the animals, 450 milk samples were also tested, and in Sweden. Other countries are starting investigations.
Outside Europe, however, the circulation of avian flu has intensified, the report highlights. Overall, in addition to the animal cases, 14 new human cases were reported between March and June: 2 in Vietnam, 1 in Australia, 3 in the USA, 6 in China, 2 fatal cases in India and Mexico respectively.
(ANSA).
2024-07-06 05:21:31