In the latest case, the World Animal health Organisation (OIE), said there were two poultry farms affected, with 18,000 deaths. It warned another 397,513 birds in the farms remain susceptible, and OIE numbers show there has been a fatality rate of 89.74%.
Both farms, in Encarnación de Díaz municipality, are under surveillance and have been inspected by staff from the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA), Mexico’s national service for quality of food and agriculture. Control measures, including quarantine and screening, have been imposed, to limit the virus’ movement within the country.
Infected birds showed clinical signs including conjunctivitis, edema, cyanosis, palpebral, comb and chin swelling and sudden death. To date, none of the affected animals have been destroyed, though the OIE reports that stamping out and disinfection should take place soon.
The source of the outbreak remains unknown. “Active and passive surveillance continues at national level and epidemiological investigation will go on in order to identify the source of the infection,” said an OIE note.