26th Conference of the OIE Regional Commission for Asia

176. Dr Kida noted that on the basis of our knowledge of the ecology and evolution of influenza
viruses such as the natural reservoir, perpetuation in nature, host range, interspecies
transmission, antigenic and genetic variation of influenza viruses, and mechanisms of the
emergence of pandemic strains in humans and HPAIV strains in domestic poultry, along with
the answers to the questionnaire sent to OIE Members, the following discussion for the
recommendation should be made;
1. Why have the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strain persisted
in the world for 12 years and been antigenic variant viruses selected?
2. Do the H5N1 HPAIV strains perpetuate in the lakes where migratory birds
nest?
3. What is the best measure for the control of avian influenza?
4. Vaccination of poultry should not be applied “instead of” but “in addition to”
the basic and standard control measures of HPAI such as stamping out,
movement controls of poultry and bio-security.
5. Preparedness for pandemic influenza should be based on the measures how to
control the seasonal influenza.
6. Strengthening Veterinary Services to comply with OIE international
standards on quality must be the way to prevent occurrence and spread of
Animal Influenza viruses, as well as other relevant pathogens.
177. Finally, Dr Kida presented the summary of answers from OIE Members to the Questionnaire
on Technical Item 1: “Influenza development, including H1N1, surveillance and postvaccination
monitoring of H5N1”, as follows:
178. 23 Members, out of 34 Members of the OIE Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and
Oceania answered to the questionnaire. on Technical Item I: “Influenza development,
including H1N1, surveillance and post-vaccination monitoring of H5N1”
179. Only Indonesia informed on detection of HPAI virus infection in pigs, or pandemic H1N1 2009
virus infection in pigs or birds detected virologically or serologically in the country during the
past 5 years. 11 Members informed on initial location highly pathogenic avian influenza and/or
low pathogenic avian influenza virus outbreaks in the country in each year since 2003.
180. Typical signs were informed regarding the initial suspicion of the disease: High morbidity and
mortality, remarkable egg drop, production losses, respiratory clinical signs and other
symptoms. The diagnostic was made by: Clinical signs, virological findings and serological
findings (HI, Real-time RT-PCR, virus isolation), and pathological findings.
181. Laboratory tests were carried out at Local and National laboratories, and some at
International reference laboratories.
182. In 6 Members (Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam) the HPAI H5N1
impacted on public health,
183. In five Members (Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam) a link between animal
and human infection was established.
184. Control measures which were taken included: stamping-out, or partial stamping-out with
compensation, movement control, closure of live bird markets (during the outbreak period),
vaccination and communication.
185. China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam also applied subsequent vaccination as a complementary
control measure.
186. 8 Member have developed respective economic studies to estimate the losses caused by the
disease, ranging from 1,4 to 4,3 millions US$.
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