NAI Surveillance Protocol Edition 1 - September 2005

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Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI) Surveillance protocol for compulsory surveillance in South Africa to prove continued NAI freedom

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Edition 1 - September 2005

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South Africa could, after the successful country-wide survey, declare itself free from NAI in September 2005. South Africa has to remain vigilant however and all measures have to be taken to reduce the risk of the re-introduction of the infection. Surveillance testing also has to be carried out to confirm the country's disease-free trading status for NAI.

The following protocol has to be followed:

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General

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1. Official control:

All testing to be carried out under official control i.e. done by State Veterinarian (SV) or Animal Health Technician (AHT) or designated person as arranged with SV. The SV remains responsible and should at least audit the testing if not done by his/her own staff. Designated persons can be authorized by the National Senior Manager Animal Health (SMAH) to collect official samples under control of the SV.

2. Ongoing testing:

Testing is to be carried out on an ongoing basis with each property tested twice a year (at least). The results, however, are supplied to the SMAH on 1 January and 1 July every year. (State Veterinary officials are advised to not start each cycle of testing a mere 2 weeks before the results are due to be submitted!)

3. Targeted surveillance:

Statistically significant numbers of non-commercial chicken operations because of the risk of exposure to wild birds.

As many large commercial chicken operations as possible because of the large concentration of chickens with a high epidemiological risk profile

All commercial ostrich operations because of their historic risk profile and the 2004 outbreak. Although testing of ostriches has been limited to slaughter birds, as a result of the outcome of the 2005 survey, it remains important to test ostriches from as many farms as possible (i.e. all farms supplying ostriches for slaughter) in order to detect and deal with any possible future outbreak as soon as possible. Additional tests on ostrich breeding and chick raising establishments may be conducted at the discretion of the Provincial Director Veterinary Services (PDVS) according to the perceived possible risk.

4. Reporting

Six-monthly summary reports are to be supplied by the PDVS to the SMAH of the summary of results in the prescribed format (electronic copies for each Province available from Dr Grietjie de Klerk, Sub-Directorate Epidemiology, Directorate Animal Health (DoA)). In addition to this, there must be immediate notification of any suspicious results to the PDVS and SMAH.

Testing procedure:

The sampling strategy is laid out under 'C' with serological testing to be done by one of the three official laboratories. The industries and producers are responsible for the costs of testing all commercial chicken and ostrich operations, while DoA will pay for the testing of samples from non-commercial chicken operations if submitted in the prescribed manner by the State Veterinarian. For the purpose of determining NAI freedom, South Africa has decided to use serological testing for antibodies to H5 and H7 AI subtypes (NAI). Should there be suspicious results, they are to be followed up by additional tests (including PCR) as discussed with the SMAH.

5. Biosecurity:

Surveillance is not a preventative measure on its own and biosecurity is crucial in the risk management of NAI. All surveillance activities at commercial chicken and ostrich operations with large concentrations of animals at risk should thus be used to create awareness and compliance with the relevant biosecurity measures (See Appendix A and A Chickens)

Non-commercial chickens Evidence to be provided by the PDVS about a six-monthly random survey in chickens in his/her Province, conducted in the following manner:

1.1 As many randomly selected epidemiological units as possible should be tested bi- annually (6 monthly) with a minimum of 50 flocks/units per Province. (The number of properties to be sampled may be increased as determined by the SMAH according to epidemiological requirements)

1.2 Method of determining properties to be sampled:

Properties to be selected on a random geographical basis. This includes the identification of a site (point) in random fashion, with sampling carried out on the property with chickens that is closest to the identified site (be it a rural site or a commercial poultry farm).

1.3 Samples to be submitted for H5 and H7 testing to one of the official laboratories as detailed below (point C).

1.4 Costs to be covered by the DoA if samples are received correctly labeled, with full information at the laboratory.

1.5 Full records of sampling dates, sites, laboratory result sheets etc to be kept in the Province for auditing purposes.

1.6 A report to be submitted by PDVS to SMAH at 6 monthly intervals (1 January and 1 July of each year) that should include the following in table format:

• Name of farm
• Owner of farm (name and initials)
• Magisterial district
• GIS reference points (South and East)
• Date of sampling
• Results
• Laboratory where tested

Note: The Excel report format that was used in the 2005 survey should be used. Electronic copies of the reporting format is available from Dr Grietjie de Klerk at (012) 319 7412, email: grietjiedk@nda.agric.za

2. Commercial chicken farms

Traceability and bio-security measures have to be of high standard on all large scale commercial chicken farms even if not directly involved in export (Appendix A). A bi-annual (6-monthly) NAI survey also has to be carried out on these farms.

2.1 Bi-annual (6 monthly) survey:

• A bi-annual survey has to be carried out on commercial chicken farms as detailed below (point C). This has to be included in routine serological monitoring programmes
• Prior notification of the Provincial State Veterinary authorities of the intended sampling
• Sampling by the designated person as agreed by the Provincial Veterinary Authority. It is suggested that an arrangement be made by the PDVS with the private consultant veterinarian or in-house veterinarian of commercial chicken farms in order to alleviate pressure on provincial staff and safeguard biosecurity. Such persons can be authorized by the SMAH to collect official samples under control of the SV.
• Sent to official state laboratory with results to be copied to the Provincial State Veterinary Authority
• All testing to be carried out at the cost of the owner.
• Full records of sampling dates, sites, laboratory result sheets etc to be kept in the Province for auditing purposes.

2.2 Records to be submitted by PDVS to SMAH:

Bi-annual summaries of NAI testing to be submitted by the PDVS to the SMAH at six- monthly intervals (1 January and 1 July of each year) that should include the following in table format:

• Name of farm
• Owner of farm (name and initials)
• Magisterial district
• Type of farm (broiler, breeder, layer)
• GIS reference points (South and East)
• Sample size
• Date of sampling
• Laboratory where tested
• Results
• Dates of last two bi-annual tests

Note: The Excel report format that was used in the 2005 survey should be used. Electronic copies of the reporting format is available from Dr Grietjie de Klerk at (012) 319 7412, email: grietjiedk@nda.agric.za

2.3 Sampling strategy:(See 'C')

B. Ostriches

Traceability and bio-security measures have to be upgraded on all domestic ostrich farms that either supply ostriches for slaughter to export abattoirs or that supply hatching eggs or chicks for this purpose (Appendix B). A bi-annual (6-monthly) NAI survey also has to be carried out on these farms. Evidence has to be provided by the PDVS in the following manner that all such domestic ostrich facilities in the Province are registered for export purposes, practice adequate bio-security and conduct at bi-annual intervals, testing for NAI at one of the official laboratories.

As a result of the 2005 survey, routine testing of ostriches has been limited to slaughter birds that may be tested on the farm or at the abattoir. However, it remains important to test ostriches from as many farms as possible (i.e. all farms supplying ostriches for slaughter) in order to detect and deal with any possible future outbreak as soon as possible. Additional tests on ostrich breeding and chick raising establishments may be conducted at the discretion of the PDVS according to the perceived possible risk.

1. Bi-annual (6 monthly) survey:

• A bi-annual (6 monthly) survey has to be carried out for all ostrich facilities, as detailed below (point C). The survey should be continuous, with emphasis placed on testing after winter and again in autumn. The report has to be submitted on 1 January and 1 July each year.
• Prior notification of the Provincial State Veterinary authorities of the intended sampling
• Sampling by the designated person as agreed by the Provincial Veterinary Authority. The SAOBC has agreed/offered to assist with identifying designated persons as required/requested by the PDVS. Such persons can be authorized by the SMAH to collect official samples under control of the SV.
• Sent to official state laboratory with results to be copied to the Provincial State Veterinary Authority
• Payment for testing to be carried out by the South African Business Chamber.
• The survey is to be ongoing, with the submission of the report on a 6- monthly basis (1 January and 1 July each year). Emphasis must be placed on testing after winter and again in autumn.
• Full records of sampling dates, sites, laboratory result sheets etc to be kept in the Province for auditing purposes.

2. Records to be submitted by PDVS to National SMAH:

2.1 Bi-annual summaries of NAI testing at all ostrich facilities to be submitted by the PDVS to the SMAH at six-monthly intervals (1 January and 1 July of each year) that should include the following in table format:

• Name of farm
• Owner of farm (name and initials)
• Type of farm (chicks, slaughter birds, breeders)
• GIS reference points (South and East)
• Sample size
• Date of sampling
• Results
• Laboratory where tested
• Dates of last two bi-annual tests

Note: The Excel report format that was used in the 2005 survey should be used. Electronic copies of the reporting format is available from Dr Grietjie de Klerk at (012) 319 7412, email: grietjiedk@nda.agric.za

3. Sampling strategy: See point C

C. Sampling Strategy:

1. The sampling strategy for chickens and ostriches is as follows:

All serological testing has to be designed to detect the presence or absence of the exposure of ostriches/chickens to H5 and H7 avian influenza subtypes (NAI) at >10% prevalence with 95% confidence in every epidemiological unit on each farm or site or multi-age unit (age group or management unit); i.e. the number of birds to be tested depends on the size of each group on every farm as follows:

Size of the Epidemiological group	No. of Ostriches / Chickens to be sampled
<10	10
<20	16
<50	22
<100	25
<200	27
<900	28
>900	29

As a result of the 2005 survey, routine testing of ostriches has been limited to slaughter birds that may be tested on the farm or at the abattoir. However, it remains important to test ostriches from as many farms as possible (i.e. all farms supplying ostriches for slaughter) in order to detect and deal with any possible future outbreak as soon as possible. Additional tests on ostrich breeding and chick raising establishments may be conducted at the discretion of the PDVS according to the perceived possible risk.

• Blood samples to be taken in red-topped tubes (tubes without any anti-coagulant).
• If possible, draw serum off after blood has clotted.
• Submit serum samples only to one of the following official laboratories:
• Allerton Veterinary Laboratory, 458 Townbush Rd, Montrose, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 (Tel: 033 - 347 6204)
• Stellenbosch Veterinary Laboratory, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch, 7600 (Tel: 021 - 887 0324)
• Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Virology Section, Onderstepoort, 0110 (Tel: 012 - 529 9111)

For submission forms, please contact the respective laboratory. Please, identify the species, e.g. Ostrich, Chicken, Duck etc. (NOT just 'avian'), and supply full information on all submission forms.

NOTE: OSTRICH SAMPLES FROM FARMS IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE PVL STELLENBOSCH, WHILE SAMPLES FROM OSTRICH FARMS IN THE REST OF THE COUNTRY ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ONDERSTEPOORT VETERINARY INSTITUTE.

2. Serology tests to be done:

Serology tests have to be carried out for H5 as well as H7 subtypes Chickens: Haemagglutination Inhibition or commercial ELISA tests (only if chickens not vaccinated with inactivated H6 vaccine).

Ostriches: Haemagglutination Inhibition test

3. In the case of suspicious/positive serological test results, the following procedure applies:

• Immediate notification of PDVS and SMAH by the responsible SV and laboratory.
• Immediate resampling of the property for serological testing and submission of the samples to at least two of the official laboratories as arranged with the National Department of Agriculture (contact Dr A C E Pienaar or Dr Grietjie de Klerk), combined with a full epidemiological investigation on the property by the SV.
• Any additional sampling, testing and quarantine as decided by the PDVS in conjunction with the SMAH.

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Appendix A

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Biosecurity guidelines for all commercial chicken operations irrespective of whether or not export facility

The following minimum biosecurity measures are recommended for chicken farms/establishments:

1. Fencing

2. The chicken houses/production sites should be fenced off, ideally with electric fencing. Access control for visitors, vehicles (feed trucks, visitors):

2.1 A security gate, preferably electric will prevent unauthorized entry to the farm

2.2 The access road to the farm should run as far away from the sites/houses as possible, with dedicated smaller access roads to each site.

2.3 Visitors: Visitors should not be allowed inside the chicken houses, unless they have not had access to poultry for at least the last 3 days or have taken a shower (removal of all clothes and including the washing of hair).

2.4 Feed delivery: - Feed trucks should be cleaned/disinfected at the feed depot and leave directly from the depot to the farm.

• Multiple deliveries of feed should be avoided at all times.
• Feed silos should be erected with access by the feed truck from outside the fence

3. Dedicated specific sites/buildings

4. Workers

• Workers should have dedicated, specific jobs Protective clothing:
• Enforced wearing of protective clothing for all workers (at least overalls and gumboots for poultry houses and hatcheries)
• Workers should be prohibited to keep their own poultry, either at dwellings on the farm itself or at houses away from the farm.
• Workers should not be allowed to bring poultry meat for consumption onto the premises

5. Foot baths

Properly administered foot baths should be placed at the entry of all poultry houses. Foot baths should contain disinfectant that is replaced at regular intervals (definitely as soon as dirty) and no entry or exit by workers whilst by-passing the foot bath.

6. Wild birds

There should be NO contact between wild birds and chickens.

7. Houses

should be constructed in such a way that wild birds cannot gain entry NO open water in the vicinity of the chicken houses. This includes open dams, ponds or even furrows Spilt feed should be removed immediately.

8. Rodents

• An effective rodent control programme should be followed
• Rats and mice should not have access to poultry feed or -houses

9. Surveillance - (See surveillance protocol)

10. General

It is essential that all chicken farmers liaise closely with their respective SV. Transparency is essential and any outbreak of disease, or suspected outbreak of disease has to, according to the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), be reported to the State Veterinary Services. This will ensure that the presence and nature of the disease is established without delay and necessary measures can be instituted by the veterinary authority to control losses and prevent the potential spread of the disease.

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Appendix B

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Biosecurity Guidelines for the Ostrich Industry

The outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Notifiable Avian Influenza on ostrich farms in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces last year has highlighted various aspects of the ostrich industry that are not conducive to efficient disease control. Biosecurity and disease monitoring in particular are an important aspect of disease control that need to be addressed in future to prevent further disease problems, especially avian influenza.

The following applies to all domestic ostrich facilities that supply the export facility (e.g. breeder farms that supply a specific hatchery, grower farms that supply a certain abattoir)

1. Purchase of Ostriches:

Ostriches should only be bought or received onto a farm from previously tested and negative sources. Do not buy any ostrich unless it has been tested negative for avian influenza. Serological testing has to be done at least twice, with an interval of at least 3 weeks and the last test within 2 weeks of movement from the farm of origin.

2. Traceability

A. Registration of all ostrich farms/holdings

It is essential that all ostrich farms/holdings in the country, irrespective of size and whether the ostriches are kept for the export of meat, are registered by the Provincial Veterinary Services. Full GPS details of the location of the farm have to be obtained. The data should also include up-to-date figures on the number and age groups or type of birds on the farm.(Refer to VPN for the export of ratite meat)

B. Proper identification

All ostriches on the farm/holding have to be identified. This is essential to facilitate good record-keeping. A tag that is located under the wing is not the most practical identification method, as it can be read only once the ostrich has been caught and restrained. A tag that is located on the neck is more practical and should be used. All ostriches above the age of 3-4 months have to be tagged, but definitely before any movement occurs. If ostrich chicks at a younger age are to be moved, they have to be tagged at a younger age, prior to movement.

3. Biosecurity

• (a) Separation of species:There should be no other domestic bird species kept in close contact with ostriches. These include ducks, geese, free range/backyard fowl and turkeys. Pigs should also not be kept in close contact with the ostriches.
• Wild birds, especially wild water birds should be discouraged from having contact with the ostriches. Ostriches should not be kept in camps where there are open pans or vlei areas. Such an area should be properly fenced off to prevent access by ostriches.
• Workers should be prohibited to keep their own poultry, either at dwellings on the farm itself or at houses away from the farm.
• Water:
• Supply - The supply of water for ostriches should consist of structured water troughs in properly constructed and dedicated areas that supply water without attracting wild water birds.
• Disinfection - Drinking water should be disinfected with a suitable disinfectant to inactivate any possible influenza virus without harming the ostriches. Registered disinfectants that could be used include: F10, Virukill, Virkon or standard water chlorination methods.
• Irrigation canals-In areas where camps are linked by means of irrigation canals (e.g. Southern Cape region) these canals have to be fenced off. This will prevent faecal material from ostriches from being transported to neighbouring camps along the route of the canal system.

4. Surveillance(See surveillance protocol)

5. General

It is essential that all ostrich farmers liaise closely with their respective State Veterinarian. Transparency is essential and any outbreak of disease, or suspected outbreak of disease has to, according to the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984), be reported to the State Veterinary Services. This will ensure that the presence and nature of the disease is established without delay and necessary measures can be instituted by the veterinary authority to control losses and prevent the potential spread of the disease.

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