Avian Influenza Update: Guangdong Health Authorities on

UNCLAS GUANGZHOU 001048 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, AIAG, OES/IHA, MED STATE PASS TO USAID FOR ANE AND GH CDC FOR OGHA AND DIV-FLU DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP HHS PASS TO FIC/NIH USDA PASS TO APHIS, FAS (OSTA AND OCRA),FSIS BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, USAID BEIJING FOR HHS HEALTH ATTACHE AND RMO PHNOM PENH FOR CDC INFLUENZA COORDINATOR VIENTIANE FOR CDC INFLUENZA COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO AMED AMGT CASC EAGR PINR KFLU CH SUBJECT: Avian Influenza Update: Guangdong Health Authorities on High Alert after Avian Flu Incident ¶1. (SBU) Director of the Guangdong Veterinary Center of Epidemic Prevention and Control Yu Yedong confirmed media reports that the Ministry of Agriculture on September 15 had reported a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Guangzhou's Panyu District. Yu told us that test results on samples sent to the National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory could be available the evening of September 17. The Guangdong Department of Health reports that no human avian flu cases have yet been discovered, and notes that it has alerted hospitals and clinics to increase vigilance in flu-like cases and pneumonia with unknown causes. A Window of Opportunity -------------- ¶2. (SBU) According to Yu, of the 32,630 ducks reported dead, 20,100 received their first vaccinations less than thirteen days previous; this figure was based on the original vaccination records. Mr. Yu explained that although vaccines were applied when the ducks were 10-20 days old -- the best time for vaccination -- 21 days is normally required for full antibody development. He thought that the affected ducks probably contracted the disease before the immunization had taken effect. Though he did not speculate as to the source of the virus, Yu said the authorities had officially dismissed their suspicions of the quality of the vaccine after examining the timeline. ¶3. (U) According to official media reports, 9,830 ducks died September 5-13 in Sixian Village, Xinzao Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou. On September 14, the Guangdong Veterinary Center of Epidemic Prevention and Control used the fluorescent quantitative PCR method to detect a suspected H5N1 strain of avian influenza. ¶4. (U) As part of its emergency response plan, the Panyu Government culled the 32,630 ducks noted in para 2 as of September 14. Additionally, official media report that road blocks have been set up outside the infected village and that inspection staff are on duty around the clock to make sure that ducks are not transported outside the area for sale. Poultry markets in all ten villages in the town have been closed and health authorities have declared more than 130,000 chickens and ducks farmed in these villages unfit for sale. Hong Kong media report that Guangdong will embark on an emergency poultry vaccination program to safeguard the unaffected poultry population. GOLDBERG