BIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE OF AVIAN INFLUENZA AND NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN AZERBAIJAN
Zeynalova Shalala
Republican Veterinary Laboratory

Introduction

Avian Influenza is an RNA virus, type A belonging to Orthomyxovirus family. Its various subtypes have spread among poultry and wild birds all over the world. Subtype H5N1 has resulted in death of hundreds of people by infecting humans. The damage this virus causes to countries is measured by millions (3, 4, 5, 6).

Avian Influenza and New-Castle disease occurred in Azerbaijan in 2006. Wild birds migrating in fall months are considered to be the source of the disease. Hundreds of wild bird (gannet, coot, and swan) carcasses were collected from the Caspian Sea coast, Absheron (1, 2, 3).

The disease has been reported among humans, as well. The first case was in district Salyan (v.Dayikend). The total number of persons who died from the disease was five.

Five outbreak cases were reported among wild birds (Absheron, Ganja, Beylaqan, Agstafa, Shirvan), 2 outbreak cases in local poultry farms (Bilasuvar, Gilezi) and 3 outbreak cases in private farmsteads (Baku, Aqdam, Xiz, Fizuli). In some of the rayon's Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease occurred associatively (1, 2, 3).

After this, Azerbaijan has been considered a sensitive region to Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease and therefore monitoring on virus circulation are being conducted in the country, since 2006.

Purpose

1. To ensure that, samples are sent to Republican Veterinary Laboratory according to biosafety rules.

2. To decontaminate bird carcasses

3. To identify virus subtype

4. To define common progress of Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease

5. To develop a plan of preventive measures

Materials/methods

Samples collected from domestic and wild birds (internal organs, cloacal and tracheal swabs, bloods) have been sent to Republican Veterinary Laboratory. Blood samples were tested by hemagglutination inhibition reaction (HI) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reagents used in assays were obtained from Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Laboratory located in Padova, Italy.

Blood samples were tested by hemagglutination inhibition reaction (HAIR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reagents used in assays were purchased from Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Laboratory located in Padova, Italy.

Results

All positive results (among 13 cases) were Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and New-Castle disease. Positive results were confirmed at Waybridge laboratory, England.

Conclusion

a. All assays were conducted at BSL-2 laboratory.

b. Virus was confirmed to be H5N1.

c. Joint circulation of H5N1 and NDV resulted in higher death percentage.

d. Program of preventive measures against HPAI and ND is being implemented in the country since 2006:

-special committee has been established at the Cabinet of Ministers.

-bird hunting has been forbidden.

-suspicious areas were quarantined.

-monthly monitoring of poultry and domestic birds.

Current epizootic situation in Azerbaijan is stable.

References:

1. Agayeva EM, Zeynalova SK. (2011). Disease of Avian influenza and Newcastle in Azerbaijan (epizootology), Azerbaijan Agriculture Science, Baku, 2, pp.116-118

2. Agayeva EM, Zeynalova SK. (2011). Diagnostic of Avian influenza and Newcastle, Proceedings of Microbiology Institute of ANAS, 9pp. 8-9

3. World Animal Health Information Database (WAHID): Azerbaijan, 2009. Accessed 8 Aug 2012, World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

4. Select Agents and Toxins List, US National Select Agent Registry. Accessed: 16 August 2012,

5. Alexander DJ, Brown IH. (2000). Recent zoonoses caused by influenza A viruses. Rev. Sci. Tech. 19(1): 197-225.

6. High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza, World Organization for Animal Health. HPAI_H2010 pp.1-18