Domestic Ducks as PotentialReservoir of Avian Influenza Virusin Post HPAI H5N1 OutbreakArea, Sunyani Municipality.
Vitus Burimuah (DVM)
Ghana Field Epidemiology and LaboratoryTraining Program (GFELTP).
Introduction
•Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease of variedetiology.
•Naturally affects avian species.
•Also affects swine, equine and man.
•Waterfowls are asymptomatic carriers of AIvirus infection.
•Threat of a pandemic due to worldwide spread.
•History of HPAI H5N1 outbreak in poultry instudy area , May 2007.
Objectives
General
•Determine the presence of H5N1 in ducksin the Sunyani Municipality.
Specific
•Determine the prevalence of AI virus induck populations.
•Characterize any AI viruses circulating inthe study area.
•Assess adherence to bio-security measuresin duck farms.
Methods 1/2
•Brong Ahafo region
•Population 177,301 (2012census)
•60% of inhabitants into agric.
•Poultry population 2,503,559,1% ducks (MOFA, 2005)
DATACOLLECTION
DATACOLLECTION
Cloacalswabs(384)
Cloacalswabs(384)
RNAExtractionandpurification
RNAExtractionandpurification
rRT-PCR
rRT-PCR
Testresults
Testresults
Dataanalysed
Questionnaireadministration
Questionnaireadministration
48 farmworkersinterviewed
•Biosecurity
•Husbandry
48 farmworkersinterviewed
•Biosecurity
•Husbandry
Methods 2/2
Data Collection, Processing and Analysis.
Results
•All 384 samples tested NEGATIVE forInfluenza Type A viruses.
•No circulating AIV was detected.
•Disinfection not patronized by 67% (32/48) ofrespondents.
•89% (14/16) of bio-security practicesinvestigated were not observed.
Conclusion
•There was no evidence of AI virus infection indomestic ducks in the study area.
•Bio-security adherence was poor in the 9 sites.
•There is a strong risk of re-introduction andspread of the HPAI AI virus.
•Continuous surveillance necessary for earlydetection and response.
Public Health Action
•VSD has strengthen existing surveillanceactivities for AI in high risk areas.
• VSD has intensified bio-security, poultrymanagement and sanitation awarenesscreation among farmers and the public.
•VSD now monitors poultry farms to ensure bio-security practices are adequately applied.
Acknowledgements
•Dr. William Ampofo
•Prof. B. Awumbilla
•Dr. N. Yebuah
•Prof. Edwin Afari
•Dr. S.O. Sackey
•Dr. Priscilla Nortey
•Staff of SPH
•Staff of Virology Department, NMIMR
•Staff of Vet. Services Department, Sunyani