Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, cattle - Morocco (02): OIE

International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>

Source: OIE Disease Information, 21 Sep 2006, Vol 19 - No.38 [edited]
< http://www.oie.int/eng/info/hebdo/AIS_78.HTM#Sec1>


Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease In Morocco:  (Disease never reported
before in Morocco).

Immediate notification report

Translation of information received on 14 Sep 2006 from Dr Hamid
Benazzou, Director of Animal Production Department, Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development, Rabat:

Report date: 14 Sep 2006.

Reason for immediate notification: an emerging disease with
significant morbidity or mortality, or zoonotic potential.

Identification of agent: Orbivirus.

Date of first confirmation of the event: 8 Sep 2006.

Date of start of the event: 28 Jul 2006.

Clinical disease: yes.

Nature of diagnosis: suspicion, clinical, post-mortem and laboratory.

Details of outbreaks:  Between 28 Jul and 18 Aug 2006  23 cattle
farms were identified as infected.  They are located in Figuig,
Jerada (5 farms), Khenifra (3 farms), Oujda Angad (2 farms), Taourirt
(3 farms) and Taza (9 farms).   In these outbreaks, there were 128
susceptible cattle yielding 30 cases including 4 deaths.

Laboratory where diagnostic tests were performed: Biopharma, Rabat

Results: PCR and ELISA were positive on 8 Sep 2006

Source of outbreaks or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive.

Control measures undertaken:  control of arthropods; control of
wildlife reservoirs;  quarantine; disinsectisation of infected
premises/establishment(s);  awareness campaign for veterinarians and
farmers ; reinforced surveillance for clinical signs of the disease.

Treatment of affected animals: yes. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories
and antiseptics.