2017 Central Luzon H5N6 outbreak

2017 Central Luzon H5N6 Outbreak

The 2017 Central Luzon H5N6 Outbreak was a significant avian influenza event that occurred in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. The outbreak was caused by the H5N6 subtype of the Influenza A virus, which is known to cause severe disease in both birds and humans.

Background

The H5N6 subtype of the Influenza A virus is a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It was first detected in humans in China in 2014 and has since been reported in several other countries. The virus is capable of causing severe disease and death in humans, with symptoms including high fever, cough, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Outbreak

The 2017 Central Luzon H5N6 Outbreak began in July 2017, when the Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the H5N6 virus in poultry farms in the provinces of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija. The outbreak led to the culling of over 600,000 birds in an attempt to control the spread of the virus.

Response and Impact

The response to the outbreak was coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, with support from the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Measures taken included the culling of infected and potentially infected birds, quarantine of affected areas, and public education campaigns about the risks of avian influenza.

The outbreak had a significant impact on the poultry industry in Central Luzon, leading to economic losses and increased prices for poultry products. It also raised concerns about the potential for human cases of H5N6, although no human cases were reported in the Philippines in connection with this outbreak.

See Also

• Avian influenza
• Influenza A virus subtype H5N6
• 2008 West Bengal bird flu outbreak
• 2006 H5N1 outbreak in India