Domestic Ducks as Potential Reservoir of Avian Influenza Virus

in Post HPAI H5N1 Outbreak Area, Sunyani Municipality.

Vitus Burimuah (DVM) Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory

Training Program (GFELTP).

Introduction

• Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease of varied etiology.• Naturally affects avian species.• Also affects swine, equine and man.• Waterfowls are asymptomatic carriers of AI virus

infection.• Threat of a pandemic due to worldwide spread.• History of HPAI H5N1 outbreak in poultry in study area ,

May 2007.

Objectives General

• Determine the presence of H5N1 in ducks in the Sunyani Municipality.

Specific

• Determine the prevalence of AI virus in duck populations.

• Characterize any AI viruses circulating in the study area.

• Assess adherence to bio-security measures in duck farms.

Methods 1/2 •Brong Ahafo region•Population 177,301 (2012 census)•60% of inhabitants into agric.•Poultry population 2,503,559, 1% ducks (MOFA, 2005)

DATA COLLECTION

DATA COLLECTION

Cloacal swabs (384)

Cloacal swabs (384)

RNA Extraction

and purification

RNA Extraction

and purification

rRT-PCR rRT-PCR

Test results

Test results

Data analysed

Questionnaire administrationQuestionnaire administration

48 farm workers

interviewed•Biosecurity•Husbandry

48 farm workers

interviewed•Biosecurity•Husbandry

Methods 2/2

Data Collection, Processing and Analysis.

Results

• All 384 samples tested NEGATIVE for Influenza Type A viruses.

• No circulating AIV was detected.

• Disinfection not patronized by 67% (32/48) of respondents.

• 89% (14/16) of bio-security practices investigated were not observed.

Conclusion

• There was no evidence of AI virus infection in domestic ducks in the study area.

• Bio-security adherence was poor in the 9 sites.

• There is a strong risk of re-introduction and spread of the HPAI AI virus.

• Continuous surveillance necessary for early detection and response.

Public Health Action

• VSD has strengthen existing surveillance activities for AI in high risk areas.

• VSD has intensified bio-security, poultry management and sanitation awareness creation 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