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Avian Influenza in Italy 1997-2001

HPAI (H7N1) epidemic in Italy


Italy was affected by two epidemics of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

  1. 1997-1998 H5N2 HPAI epidemic
    • 8 outbreaks in backyard and semi-intensive flocks
    • EU directive 92/40 was immediately implemented.
    • 7731 birds culled
    • No serious damage to poultry industry

  2. 1999-2000 H7N1 HPAI outbreak
    • The HPAI H7N1 virus mutated from a circulating LPAI virus
    • A devastating epidemic resulting in 413 outbreaks
    • EU directive 92/40 implemented
    • 13 million birds were culled
    • Severe economic losses to the poultry industry

Vaccination used to control H7 subtypes

  • After depopulation and restocking of the affected area LPAI emerged twice.
  • Turkeys were affected and showed severe clinical signs.
  • Poultry industry requested and obtained permission to vaccinate against the H7 subtype
  • Heterologous inactivated vaccine used:
    • Vaccine strain H7N3 virus (A/CK/Pakistan/95/H7N3)
    • Diagnostic test developed for identification of N protein. 
    • Vaccine used as a “marker vaccine”. For more information see vaccines.
    • According to Commission Decision 2001/847/EC trade bans on poultry meat could be lifted when it is clearly demonstrated that infection is not circulating in the vaccinated poultry population.
      For more information see trade regulations.

In September 2004 a new Commission Decision was passed (2004/666/EC) to allow vaccination against H5 and H7 in Italy without trade restrictions for meat from vaccinated and AI-free flocks. See downloadable file under More Information.

More Information

  • Capua I, Marangon S.
    Vaccination policy applied for the control of Avian Influenza in Italy
    Dev Biol (Basel). 2003;114:213-9

  • Capua I, Marangon S, dalla Pozza M, Terregino C, Cattoli G.
    Avian Influenza in Italy
    Avian Dis. 2003;47(3 Suppl):839-43

  • Ilaria Capua, Franco Mutinellia, Manuela Dalla Pozzab, Isabella Donatellic, Simona Puzellic and Francesco Maria Cancellottid
     The 1999–2000 avian influenza (H7N1) epidemic in Italy: veterinary and human health implications
    Acta Tropica
    Volume 83, Issue 1 , July 2002, Pages 7-11
    Abstract
Commission decision 2004/666/EC (59Kb)
September 2004: Commission Decision to allow vaccination against H5 and H7 in Italy without trade restrictions for meat from vaccinated and AI-free flocks.
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