2 February 2006

 

Avian influenza in Cyprus

On 30 January 2006, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reported that avian influenza H5N1 had been detected in poultry in Cyprus [1]. This is the first time the virus has been reported from Cyprus.

According to the report, a dead cockerel and a chicken that died on a backyard farm in a village in Turkish (northern) Cyprus tested positive for the H5N1 avian influenza subtype. Samples were initially tested in a laboratory in mainland Turkey, and confirmed as H5N1 by the OIE World Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza in Weybridge. Preliminary tests indicate that the virus isolate is identical to isolates from birds in mainland Turkey.

According to officials in the area, poultry in the village has been slaughtered and disease control measures implemented. No human cases have been reported to date.

Advice for travellers

There remain no restrictions for travel to countries that have been infected with avian influenza. Nevertheless, travellers should exercise precautions that have been previously posted [2].

Management of returning travellers

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) Centre for Infections has recently revised the algorithm for the management of returning travellers from countries affected by avian influenza presenting with febrile respiratory illness [3].

The algorithm provides guidance on the recognition, investigation and management of persons with fever or history of fever and respiratory symptoms, and who have travelled (or have had close contact with a traveller) to countries affected by avian influenza, within the last 7 days. The algorithm has been updated to include recent travel to northern Cyprus; and to north-east Iraq near to the Iranian and Turkish borders due to the recent human case previously reported [4].

Physicians who see persons whom they suspect may have avian influenza, should evaluate them according to the protocol established by the HPA.

References

1. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in northern Cyprus. 30 January 2006. [cited 2 February 2006] available online at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/monitoring/pdf/hpai-northerncyprus300106.pdf

2. NaTHNaC. Avian influenza - advice for travellers to affected areas. 4 November 2005. [cited 2 February 2006] Available at: http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/

avianinfluenza_advice_041105.htm

3. Health Protection Agency. Algorithm for the management of returning travellers from countries affected by avian influenza presenting with a febrile illness: recognition, investigation and initial management. 1 February 2006. [cited 2 February 2006] Available at http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/

algorithm.htm

4. NaTHNaC clinical update. Avian influenza H5N1- human cases in Iraq, Turkey, Indonesia and China. 31 January 2006. [cited 2 February 2006] Available at http://www.NaTHNaC.org/pro/clinical_updates/

avian_influenza_310106.htm