Control and eradication strategies of avian influenza in Mexico.

Abstract

In December 1994, a highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza (AI) outbreak occurred in Mexico, caused by the subtype H5N2, affecting two main regions of egg and poultry-meat production. At that time, governmental actions included immediate stamping out of the affected flocks, disinfection of affected premises, quarantine measures in the region, strict movement controls on poultry and their products and vaccination. With these policies, the disease was eradicated in a relatively short time. The last case of HPAI was detected in June 1995 and the country was declared as free of HPAI virus in January 1996 to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE). Since then, Mexico has maintained a control programme against low pathogenic (LP) AI virus that is based on a zoning classification, movement controls and other strategies.