Commission Decision of 25 June 2010 on the implementation by Member States of surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds (notified under document C(2010) 4190) (Text with EEA relevance) (2010/367/EU)

ANNEX I U.K. Guidelines on the implementation of surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry

1. Objectives of surveillance programmes U.K.

The objectives of the surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry are to inform the competent authority of circulating avian influenza virus with a view to controlling the disease in accordance with Directive 2005/94/EC by the annual detection through active surveillance for:

(a)

low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of subtypes H5 and H7 in gallinaceous birds (namely chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, partridges and quails) and ratites thereby complementing other existing early detection systems;

(b)

LPAI of subtypes H5 and H7 and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic waterfowl (namely ducks, geese and mallards for re-stocking supplies of game);

2. Surveillance design U.K.

Sampling and serological testing in poultry holdings shall be carried out in order to detect the presence of antibodies to avian influenza, as defined in Directive 2005/94/EC.

That active surveillance complements the early detection systems already in place in [F1 Great Britain] as provided for in Decision 2005/734/EC and in Chapter II of the Diagnostic Manual for avian influenza approved by Commission Decision 2006/437/EC (the Diagnostic Manual); in particular those implemented in poultry holdings that are deemed at being at a higher risk for avian influenza introduction.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Annex 1 para. 2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(a) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1388, regs. 1(2)(a), 25(13)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Two main internationally recognised methods exist for animal disease surveillance: (a) risk-based surveillance; and (b) surveillance based on representative sampling.

2.1. Risk-Based Surveillance (RBS) U.K.

RBS shall be the preferred method for the carrying out of surveillance for avian influenza in a targeted and resource efficient way.

[F2 The appropriate Minister] choosing that method shall specify the relevant risk pathways for infection of poultry flocks and the sampling frame for poultry holdings identified as being at a higher risk of becoming infected with avian influenza.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Annex 1 para. 2.1 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

The criteria and risk factors listed in Section 4.1 are not exhaustive, but give an indication of how to target sampling and testing of poultry species and poultry production categories in different husbandry systems. Depending of the individual animal health situation F3 ..., they may need to be weighted differently.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in Annex 1 para. 2.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(b)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2.2. Surveillance based on Representative Sampling U.K.

[F4 An appropriate Minister, if not] in a position to carry out a sufficiently evidence based assessment of the risk pathways for infection of poultry flocks on its territory, F5 ... shall implement surveillance based on a representative sampling scheme. The number of poultry holdings to be sampled must correspond to those in Tables 1 and 2, depending on the poultry species.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in Annex 1 para. 2.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F5 Word in Annex 1 para. 2.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(c)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Sampling for serological testing for avian influenza shall be stratified F6 ... so that samples can be considered as representative for the whole of [F7 Great Britain].

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in Annex 1 para. 2.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(c)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F7 Words in Annex 1 para. 2.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(c)(iv)( as amended by S.I. 2020/1388, regs. 1(2)(a), 25(13)(b)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

3. Target populations U.K.

The sampling of the following poultry species and production categories shall be included in the surveillance programme:

(a)

laying hens;

(b)

free range laying hens;

(c)

chicken breeders;

(d)

turkey breeders;

(e)

duck breeders;

(f)

geese breeders;

(g)

fattening turkeys;

(h)

fattening ducks;

(i)

fattening geese;

(j)

farmed game birds (gallinaceous) focusing on adult birds such as breeding birds;

(k)

farmed game birds (waterfowl);

(l)

ratites.

However, in the following specified exceptional circumstances, the following poultry categories may also be included:

(m)

broilers, but only when: (i) they are kept in significant numbers in free range production and (ii) they are considered to pose a higher risk of infection with avian influenza;

(n)

backyard flocks: they generally play a minor role in virus circulation and spread and sampling them is resource intensive; however, in certain [F8 areas] backyard flocks may pose a higher risk of avian influenza due to their presence in significant numbers, their proximity to commercial poultry holdings, involvement in local/regional trade and other criteria and risk factors as listed in Section 4.1 in particular as regards the species composition.

Textual Amendments

F8 Word in Annex 1 para. 3(n) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(d); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

However, where a well reasoned justification as regards the level of risk is provided for a poultry production category (such as chicken breeders kept under high biosecurity conditions), it may also be omitted from the sampling.

4. Risk-based surveillance (RBS) method U.K.

The choice of RBS must be determined by an assessment F9 ... which shall consider at least the following criteria and risk factors:

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in Annex 1 para. 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(e); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

4.1. Criteria and Risk factors U.K.

4.1.1. Criteria and risk factors for virus introduction into poultry holdings due to direct or indirect exposure to wild birds in particular those of identified ‘target species’ U.K.

(a)

The location of the poultry holding in proximity to wet areas, ponds, swamps, lakes, rivers or sea shores where migratory wild water birds may gather.

(b)

The location of the poultry holding in areas with a high density of migratory wild birds, in particular of those birds that are characterised as ‘target species’ (TS) for HPAI H5N1 detection and listed in Part 2 of Annex II.

(c)

The location of poultry holding in proximity to resting and breeding places of migratory wild water birds, in particular where these areas are linked through migratory birds’ movements to areas where HPAI H5N1 is known to occur in wild birds or poultry.

(d)

Poultry holdings with free range production, or poultry holdings where poultry or other captive birds are kept in the open-air in any premises in which contact with wild birds cannot be sufficiently prevented.

(e)

Low biosecurity level in the poultry holding, including the method of storage of feed and the use of surface water.

4.1.2. Criteria and risk factors of virus spread within the poultry holding and between poultry holdings, as well as the consequences (impact) of the spread of avian influenza from poultry to poultry and between poultry holdings U.K.

(a)

The presence of more than one poultry species in the same poultry holding, in particular the presence of domestic ducks and geese together with other poultry species.

(b)

The type of poultry production and the poultry species on the holding for which surveillance data have shown an increased detection rate of avian influenza infection F10 ..., such as duck holdings and poultry intended for re-stocking supplies of game (in particular farmed mallards).

(c)

The location of the poultry holding in areas with high densities of poultry holdings.

(d)

Trade patterns, including imports and related intensity of movements, both direct and indirect, of poultry and other factors including vehicles, equipment and persons.

(e)

The presence of long lived poultry categories and multi-age groups of poultry on the holding (such as layers).

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in Annex 1 para. 4.1.2(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(f); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

4.2. Targeting of populations at risk U.K.

The level of targeting must reflect the number and local weighting of risk factors present on the poultry holding.

The competent authority may consider other risk factors in its assessment in designing its surveillance design which must be duly indicated and justified in their surveillance programme.

4.3. Targeting of poultry holdings to be sampled U.K.

Tables 1 and 2 may be used as a basis in order to determine the number of poultry holdings to be sampled per risk population.

5. Representative sampling method U.K.

Where representative sampling as referred to in Section 2.2 is carried out, the number of poultry holdings to be sampled shall be calculated based on the figures set out in Tables 1 and 2 according to the poultry species present on the poultry holding.

5.1. Number of poultry holdings to be sampled for serological testing for avian influenza U.K.

5.1.1. Number of poultry holdings (except duck, goose and mallard holdings) to be sampled U.K.

For each poultry production category, except those of ducks, geese and mallards, the number of poultry holdings to be sampled shall be defined so as to ensure the identification of at least one infected poultry holding where the prevalence of infected poultry holdings is at least 5 %, with a 95 % confidence interval.

Sampling shall be carried out according to Table 1:

Table 1

Number of poultry holdings (except duck, goose and mallard holdings) to be sampled in each poultry production category

Number of holdings per poultry production category F11 ...	Number of poultry holdings to be sampled
Up to 34	All
35-50	35
51-80	42
81-250	53
> 250	60

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in Annex 1 para. 5.1.1 Table 1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(g); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

5.1.2. Number of duck, goose and mallard holdings to be sampled(1) U.K.

The number of duck, goose and mallard holdings to be sampled shall be defined to ensure the identification of at least one infected poultry holding where the prevalence of infected poultry holdings is at least 5 %, with a 99 % confidence interval.

Sampling shall be carried out according to Table 2:

Table 2

Number of duck, goose and mallard holdings to be sampled

Number of duck, goose and mallard holdings F12 ...	Number of duck, goose and mallard holdings to be sampled
Up to 46	All
47-60	47
61-100	59
101-350	80
> 350	90

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in Annex 1 para. 5.1.2 Table 2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(g); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

5.2. Number of poultry (birds) to be sampled in the poultry holding U.K.

The figures referred to in points 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 apply both to poultry holdings sampled on the basis of risk-based surveillance and on the basis of representative sampling.

5.2.1. Number of birds (except ducks, geese and mallards) to be sampled in the poultry holding U.K.

The numbers of birds to be sampled in the poultry holding shall be defined so as to ensure 95 % probability of identifying at least one bird that tests sero-positive for avian influenza, if the prevalence of sero-positive birds is ≥ 30 %.

Blood samples for serological examination shall be collected from all poultry production categories and poultry species from at least 5 to 10 birds (except ducks, geese and mallards) per poultry holding, and from the different sheds, where more than one shed is present on a holding.

In case of several sheds, samples shall be taken from at least five birds per shed.

5.2.2. Number of ducks, geese and mallards to be sampled in the holding U.K.

The numbers of ducks, geese and mallards to be sampled in the poultry holding shall be defined so as to ensure 95 % probability of identifying at least one bird that tests sero-positive for avian influenza where the prevalence of sero-positive birds is ≥ 30 %.

Twenty blood samples(2) shall be taken for serological testing from each selected poultry holding.

6. Sampling procedures for serological testing U.K.

The time period for sampling in the poultry holding shall coincide with seasonal production for each poultry production category and sampling may also be performed at the slaughterhouse. This sampling practice must not compromise the risk targeted approach according to the criteria and risk factors listed in Section 4.1.

In order to optimise efficiency and also to avoid the unnecessary entry of persons onto poultry holdings, sampling shall, whenever possible, be combined with sampling for other purposes, such as within the framework of Salmonella and Mycoplasma control. However, such combining must not compromise the requirements for risk based surveillance.

7. Sampling for virological testing U.K.

Sampling for virological testing for avian influenza shall not be used as an alternative to serological testing and must be performed solely within the framework of investigations to follow-up serological positive testing results for avian influenza.

8. Frequency and period for testing U.K.

The sampling of poultry holdings shall be carried out annually. However, on the basis of a risk assessment, [F13 the appropriate Minister] may decide to carry out sampling and testing more frequently. The justification for doing so must be detailed in the surveillance programme.

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in Annex 1 para. 8 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(h); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Sampling shall be carried out in accordance with the approved surveillance programme from 1 January to 31 December of the year of implementation of that programme.

9. Laboratory testing U.K.

The testing of samples shall be carried out at [F14 the national reference laboratory for avian influenza or by other laboratories authorised by the Secretary of State (“the NRL”) with the consent of the other appropriate Ministers].

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in Annex 1 para. 9 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(i)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Laboratory tests shall be carried out in accordance with the Diagnostic Manual which lays down the procedures for the confirmation and differential diagnosis of avian influenza.

F15 ...

Textual Amendments

F15 Words in Annex 1 para. 9 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(i)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

All positive serological findings shall be confirmed by the NRL by a haemagglutination-inhibition test, using designated strains F16 ...:

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in Annex 1 para. 9 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(i)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

(a)

for H5 subtype:

(i)

initial testing using teal/England/7894/06 (H5N3);

(ii)

testing of all positives with chicken/Scotland/59(H5N1) to eliminate N3 cross reactive antibodies;

(b)

for H7 subtype:

(i)

initial testing using turkey/England/647/77 (H7N7);

(ii)

testing of all positive with African starling/983/79 (H7N1) to eliminate N7 cross reactive antibodies.

All positive serological findings must be followed up at the poultry holding by epidemiological investigations and further sampling for testing by virological methods in order to determine, if active infection of avian influenza virus is present on the poultry holding. F17 ...

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in Annex 1 para. 9 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(i)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F18 ...

Textual Amendments

F18 Words in Annex 1 para. 9 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Exotic Disease (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1410), regs. 1, 16(7)(i)(v); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F18 ...

(1)

A higher level of confidence in detection of duck and goose positive holdings is applied due to the evidence that infected duck and goose holdings are less likely than gallinaceous poultry to be detected by passive surveillance or early detection systems.

(2)

The increase in sample size compared to 5.2.1 is necessary due to the lower sensitivity of the diagnostic test when used in waterfowl.