Avian Influenza A(H5N8) Virus, UK

Europe has experienced extensive outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) during the autumn/winter 2020/21 season. These avian influenza A viruses are highly transmissible and have infected over 1000 commercial and backyard poultry premises in Europe in this period causing high mortality. The impact on wild bird populations has also been significant, with over 400 detections in at least 47 different species reported across Europe as being positive with the H5N8 virus. Although different H5Nx combinations within the H5 clade 2.3.4.4b have been detected, the H5N8 subtype has predominated both in wild birds and domestic poultry outbreaks. In the UK there have been 22 outbreaks of H5N8 in domestic poultry and captive birds and more than 300 wild bird detections involving H5N8 over the autumn/winter 2020/21 period to April 2021. Here we detail the series of events surrounding the detection of an H5N8 influenza A virus of avian origin in five swans, a fox and three seals in a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Rumen fluke (Calicophoron daubneyi) has emerged as a prominent parasite of ruminants in Europe over the past decades. Epidemiological questions remain regarding this observed increase in prevalence as well as the prospect for future paramphistomosis risk. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the temporal−spatial prevalence of rumen fluke as measured by veterinary surveillance in a temperate region using zero-inflated negative binomial mixed modelling. Modelling revealed that summer rainfall, raindays and sunshine hours and mean winter temperature as significant positively associated climate variables for rumen fluke prevalence over space and time (P< 0.05). Rumen fluke prevalence was also higher in counties with higher cattle/sheep densities and was positively associated with rumen fluke case rates in the previous years (P< 0.05). Equivalent models for fasciolosis prevalence revealed no significant association with winter temperature and sunshine hours, (P> 0.05). These results confirm a strong association between rainfall and the prevalence of both fluke species in a temperate environment, likely due to the role ofGalba truncatulaas their intermediate snail host. It also highlights the potential added importance of winter temperature and sunshine hours in rumen fluke epidemiology when compared to liver fluke.

Linguatula serrata , also known as tongue worm, is a zoonotic parasite that lives in the nasal airways of dogs where it is responsible for mild to severe rhinosinusitis. In recent years, the number of pets entering the United Kingdom from abroad has increased, with a coinciding increase in the number of L. serrata infections diagnosed in UK veterinary clinics. Here, we report a case of linguatulosis in a 10‐month‐old rescued dog imported from Romania. Two weeks post‐arrival, the dog showed coughing, nasal discharge, epiphora and respiratory distress. Two worm‐like parasites were expelled by sneezing and they were morphologically identified as L. serrata . L. serrata eggs were also detected. A macrocyclic lactone treatment was administered, and clinical signs resolved. L. serrata should be included in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in imported dogs. Due to the zoonotic potential of this parasite, rapid diagnosis and correct treatment is essential.