H5N6 Outbreaks in Gilan province ( Iran ) as an Early Warning System for Influenza Pandemic

Early warning system is the provision of timely and effective information through identified institutions that allows individuals and societies exposed to disaster, to avoid or reduce their risk and prepare for effective response. Zoonotic diseases are classified as epidemiological disasters and because of their effects on public health, a global early warning system was formally launched by the FAO, OIE and WHO. This system rapidly detect sudden increase in incidence of any disease of animals which has the potential to develop epidemic proportions and/or cause serious socioeconomic consequences. H5N6 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that has the potential to infect humans. On January 31, 2018 unexpected mortality of more than 1300 immigrant birds was reported in Bojagh natural park (Gilan) in the north of Iran, where migratory birds spend their wintering season. On February 4, Iran veterinary national reference laboratory confirmed HPAI virus H5N6 in the samples collected from the sick and dead birds by the RRT-PCR test. Conclusive results reported by the Iran Veterinary Organization to OIE on February 5. Control and Eradication measures to prevent virus spread outside the infected zone have been successfully done by relevant organizations, including Agriculture Ministry, Iran Veterinary Organization, Department of Environment and the Health Ministry. As a result of this study, no human transmission of H5N6 have been reported and there was no infection among commercial and domestic poultry. Although no pandemic of H5N6 has been reported yet, there are reports of human infections in the world. To provide an early warning of viral activity, dead bird surveillance requires capacity at the local level to let the public know where to report dead birds, as well as a system for recording data and collecting birds for testing. Resources for bird necropsies and laboratory testing are also required. The risk of human infection remains wherever infection persists in poultry and contact occurs between poultry and humans. Therefore, it has been recommended that all countries with infection in poultry should work towards virus elimination.

Keywords:

H5N6 , Avian influenza , outbreak , Gilan , early warning , disaster