Comprehensive Report on the Implementation of the Response to Suspected Avian Influenza

 

Article by Dr. Majid Hamid Al-Sayegh

 

Compliant with: WOAH/OIE, FAO, USDA-APHIS, CFIA (Canada), European Union (EU 2020/687), AUSVETPLAN (Australia), WHO/UKHSA

 

Executive Summary

This report establishes a standardized operational plan that can be immediately implemented in the event of a suspected avian influenza (AI). It is based on international legal/technical standards (WOAH Code, Chapter 10.4, and the Laboratory Manual), while incorporating best implementation practices from the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia, as well as human health guidance from WHO/UKHSA. Includes: case definitions, Incident Command (ICS), sampling with sufficient statistical power, diagnostic pathway (PCR → H5/H7/H9 → virulence determination), protection/surveillance zones (3 km/10 km), movement controls and permits, live markets, culling, disposal, and disinfection (C&D), compensation, conditional vaccination, risk communication and the One Health approach, performance indicators, and a recovery pathway to freedom. GOV.UK+7WOAH+7WOAH+7

 

1) Context and Background

• HPAI infection listed in Chapter 10.4 of the WOAH Code is an internationally notifiable disease; the chapter sets out rules for zoning, movement restrictions, and recovery of freedom (often after 3 months of culling and disinfection with negative surveillance). This article is the legal basis for any quarantine/trade order. WOAH
• The Terrestrial WOAH Laboratory Manual specifies RT-qPCR algorithms, H5/H7/H9 identification, virulence tests (HA-cleavage site/IVPI), and BSL-3-Ag criteria for isolation. WOAH
• The Global Strategy 2024–2033 (FAO/WOAH) recommends using vaccination as a complementary measure to DIVA surveillance for established/re-introduced cases. WOAH+2 WOAH+2

 

2) Case definitions (for institutional accreditation).

• Suspect: Unexplained mortality, mass respiratory/neurological symptoms, severe production decline, or epidemiological link (markets/transport/migratory birds). Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Confirmed: Positive RT-qPCR for avian influenza + H5/H7/H9 identification; HPAI is classified as having a polybasic HA cleavage site or high IVPI according to the WOAH Manual.

 

Low Level Influenza A (LPAI) subtype H5/H7 in poultry is a reportable disease that requires elimination/control to prevent mutation, according to WOAH.

Incident Command and Management (ICS) Structure – Within 6 Hours

Establish an Incident Cell (Operations, Epidemiology, Laboratory, Logistics/Permitting, Markets/Police, Risk Communication/Public Health, Environment/Waste) based on the national plans (USDA/CFIA/AUSVETPLAN). USDA APHIS + 2 Canadian Food Inspection Agency + 2

 

Initial Operations Order, Unified Hotline, and Designation of a Public Health Spokesperson (as per WHO/UKHSA). World Health Organization + 1

 

4) Surveillance, Sampling, and Transport

Statistical Detection Objective: Detect 5% prevalence with 95% confidence ⇒ Sample ≈59–60 birds/flock (nasopharyngeal + cloacal swabs). 5×1 pooling to minimize reagents while maintaining sensitivity. Follow CFIA/USDA sampling models. Canadian Food Inspection Agency+1

 

Cold chain: 2–8°C, lab arrival ≤12 hours, standardized data form (location, species/age, vaccines, 7-day mortality, symptom onset date). WOAH

 

5) Diagnostic pathway and virulence

RT-qPCR (M-gene) for initial screening. 2) Positive ⇒ H5/H7/H9 PCR. 3) If H5/H7 positive ⇒ HA fragment site sequencing to determine HPAI/LPAI (≤72 hours), with IVPI if indicated. 4) Viral isolation for characterization/vaccine matching in BSL-3-Ag only. 5) Ct value report and procedural recommendation. WOAH

 

6) Control and Movement Zones

• Establishment of a 3 km protection zone (complete prohibition on the movement of live birds and hatching eggs; essential materials with a permit) and a 10 km surveillance zone (movement subject to permits after a negative PCR test within 48 hours + disinfection of vehicles/equipment). Basis: WOAH 10.4 and EU Regulation 2020/687. WOAH+2EUR-Lex+2
• Lifting of restrictions: 21 days after the last case + two negative tests, separated by 7 days; restoration of free status, usually 3 months after culling and final disinfection with negative surveillance (WOAH).

 

7) Live Markets and Slaughterhouses

Temporary closure of live poultry markets within 10 km of any outbreak for 7–14 days; mandatory pre-opening cleaning/disinfection and a 14-day vendor tracking log (EU/US/CA approach). Slaughter in licensed abattoirs with a separate refrigerated lane. EUR-Lex+2USDA APHIS+2

 

8) Culling, Disposal, Cleaning, and Disinfection (Depop, Disposal, C&D)

Humanely rapid culling of HPAI and H5/H7 LPAI flocks, with before/after records and photos, and disposal options (filling/conversion/incineration) according to national environmental legislation. Then, C&D: mechanical cleaning → detergent → disinfectant with a contact time of ≥30 minutes; 14-day free period before rehousing with a negative PCR. (See Red Book, CFIA, AUSVETPLAN). USDA APHIS+2 Canadian Food Inspection Agency+2

 

9) Indemnity

Disbursement of market value/bird for culling + contribution to C&D costs within ≤14 days to incentivize reporting and compliance; established practice in USDA/CFIA/EU schemes. USDA APHIS+2 Canadian Food Inspection Agency+2

 

10) Vaccination (Supplemental and Conditional)

Vaccination is not a substitute for eradication/biosecurity. Ring vaccination for H5/H7 should be considered when ≥3 outbreaks occur within 14 days or to protect foundation/ancestor flocks, subject to antigenic matching and DIVA surveillance (serology/sentinel birds + periodic PCR), as recommended by the Global Strategy 2024–2033 and AUSVETPLAN. WOAH+2 Open Knowledge FAO+2

 

11) Human Health and the “One Health” Approach

Mandatory PPE (suit, gloves, eye protection, N95/P2) for contact workers; prophylactic antiviral assessment; symptomatic follow-up for 7–10 days. Follow WHO (2024) and updated UKHSA guidance. World Health Organization+1

 

12) Data, Reporting, and Trade

Daily line-list: farm/location, species/age, numbers, daily mortality, vaccines, PCR/CT results, actions; WOAH notification of any HPAI or H5/H7 LPAI; implementation of geographic zoning/isolation of pens to maintain trade in unaffected areas (EU/WOAH). WOAH+1

13) Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Laboratory TAT: ≤24h Initial result, ≤48h Subtype determination, ≤72h Virulence determination (WOAH/USDA). WOAH+1
2. ≥90% coverage of 3 km herds tested every 48 hours (USDA/CFIA). USDA APHIS+1
3. 100% market compliance with closure/disinfection within 10 km (EU). EUR-Lex
4. ≥80% compensation disbursement within ≤14 days (USDA/CFIA). USDA APHIS+1

 

14) Conclusion

This plan provides you with a standardized, internationally consistent operational path: clear definition, incident management, confirmed testing, strict spatial containment, documented removal and disinfection, compensation that drives compliance, and market control while protecting human health. After activation, the WOAH status is restored, and trade across zones/pens is maintained.

 

Brief Annexes (SOPs and Forms)

1. Sampling SOP (birds only): 60 birds/flock; 5×1 grouping; refrigerated transport 2–8°C ≤12 h; complete data sheet; reject untagged/high-temperature samples. WOAH
2. Laboratory SOP: M-PCR → H5/H7/H9 → HA sequencing (≤72 h); isolation in BSL-3-Ag; CT/Subtype/Pathotype/Action report. WOAH
3. Zone and Movement SOP: 3 km protection/10 km surveillance; permits for necessary materials; phased removal after 21 days + negative tests; Reference EU 2020/687. EUR-Lex
4. Live Market SOP: Close 7–14 days within 10 km; Clean/Disinfect; Pre-Open Inspection; 14-Day Tracking Log (US/EU/CA). USDA APHIS+2 EUR-Lex+2
5. Culling/C&D/Waste SOP: CO₂/Foam; Backfill/Divert/Incinerate; Disinfectant Contact Time ≥30 min; 14-Day Clearance + Negative PCR Before Housing (US/CA/AUS). USDA APHIS+2 Canadian Food Inspection Agency+2
6. Human Health SOP: PPE, Antiviral Evaluation, 7–10-Day Follow-Up (WHO/UKHSA). World Health Organization+1

References :

 

• WOAH Terrestrial Code – Chapter 10.4 (HPAI, 2024). WOAH
• WOAH Terrestrial Manual – Avian Influenza (diagnostics & vaccines). WOAH
• FAO/WOAH Global Strategy 2024–2033 (HPAI). WOAH+2Open Knowledge FAO+2
• USDA-APHIS – HPAI Response Plan “Red Book”. USDA APHIS
• CFIA (Canada) – Notifiable Avian Influenza Hazard-Specific Plan (NAIHSP). Canadian Food Inspection Agency+2Canadian Food Inspection Agency+2
• EU – Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 (zoning, movement, control). EUR-Lex+2Legislation.gov.uk+2
• AUSVETPLAN – Avian Influenza Response Strategy (v5.2) + overview. Animal Health Australia+1
• WHO (Aug 2024) – Interim guidance for people exposed to avian influenza. World Health Organization
• UKHSA (2025) – Managing human exposures to avian influenza. GOV.UK+1