Wild and Stray Animal Management in Hong Kong (PDF)

One Health Presentation Wild and stray animal management in Hong Kong – an infectious disease perspective Prof. Thomas Sit Chief Veterinary Officer Assistant Director (Inspection & Quarantine), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department  Content Main Zoonosis of the World...

One Health Presentation Wild and stray animal management in Hong Kong – an infectious disease perspective Prof. Thomas Sit Chief Veterinary Officer Assistant Director (Inspection & Quarantine), Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department  Content Main Zoonosis of the World Role of AFCD Wild and Stray Animal Management Photos credit: www.pexels.com Zoonosis of the World MAIN ZOONOSIS OF THE WORLD Anthrax Chagas disease Giardia lamblia infection Avian (Zoonotic) influenza Chlamydophila (Psittacosis) Hantaviral diseases Babesiosis Cholera Hendra virus infection Barmah forest virus Coronavirus disease 2019 Japanese encephalitis Bartonellosis (COVID-19) Korean hemorrhagic fever Bolivian hemorrhagic fever Cowpox Kyasanur forest disease Borrelia (Lyme disease and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic feverLassa fever others) Cryptosporidiosis Leishmaniasis Borna virus infection Eastern equine encephalitis Leptospirosis Bovine spongiform Ebola virus hemorrhagic fever Listeriosis encephalopathy (BSE) Echinococcosis Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Brucellosis E coli O 157 infection Marburg fever Campylobacteriosis Highlighted: diseases of importance or occurred in HK MAIN ZOONOSIS OF THE WORLD Mediterranean spotted fever Rabies Trichinosis Middle East respiratory Rift valley fever Tuberculosis (TB from Cattle) syndrome Ringworm (Microsporum canis) Tularemia (Rabbit fever) Monkey herpes B virus Salmonellosis Typhus of rickettsiae Mpox (Monkeypox) Scabies (Scabies from animals) Venezuelan equine encephalitis Nipah virus infection Severe acute respiratory Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever Omsk hemorrhagic fever syndrome (SARS) West Nile fever Orf virus infection Sodoku (Rat bite fever) Western equine encephalitis Oropouche fever Streptococcus suis infection Yellow fever Plague Toxocariasis Q-Fever Toxoplasmosis Highlighted: diseases of importance or occurred in HK The Roles of AFCD The department enforces relevant legislation, safeguards the welfare of animals, protects public health, and controls diseases in animals and plants through different means such as regulation, education and provision of public services. The work involves, for example: Outbreak Trade Inspection the investigation and control of the monitoring and regulation of the the inspection of livestock farms outbreaks of animal diseases trade of animals Importation/Exportation Welfare Diagnostic and surveillance the regulation of the the promotion of animal welfare and the the provision of veterinary diagnostic importation/exportation of management of stray animals support and surveillance services for animals/plants and their products detecting diseases in animals Icon credit: www.flaticon.com  Wild and stray animals 6 common species in Hong Kong This lecture: 2 species and disease examples Stray Dogs Wild Birds Wild Pigs Stray Cattle Monkeys Bats Rabies Avian Influenza African Swine Lumpy Skin Disease Herpes B Virus Coronavirus Fever Mpox (Monkeypox) Stray Dogs  STRAY DOGS The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has a statutory responsibility to  manage the stray dog population to prevent rabies outbreaks,  reduce nuisance caused by stray dogs, and  safeguard public health and safety in Hong Kong. Rabies – Example of a Zoonotic Disease It is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus Transmissible to ALL mammals. The Photo by Bryan Padron on Unsplash virus infects the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, Photo by René Riegal on Unsplash ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. It causes approximately 59000 deaths worldwide each year. Photo by Bryan Padron on Unsplash Lethal but vaccine-preventable Photo by Phil Plante on Unsplash Severity of Rabies  A pervasive global threat - Half of the world’s population live in an endemic area, and more than 80% death occur in rural area  Africa and Asia are the continents with the highest risk of human mortality, with more than 95% of the world’s fatal cases  Around 99% of human cases of rabies are due to bites from infected dogs  40% of people bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age Global Situation – Dog-Transmitted Human Rabies Source from Rabies Information System of the WHO - 2019  Also has… Occurrence of Rabies in Wildlife The main animal reservoirs differ from continent Prevalent in wildlife to continent  Rabies Virus Belongs to Mononegavirales order Rhabdoviridae family Lyssavirus genus  Rabies – Mode of Transmission Direct Bite Non-bite Others Exposures Include scratches, Rarely, rabies may Bite of a rabid animal abrasions, or open also be transmitted wounds exposed to by inhalation of virus- saliva or other containing aerosol or potentially infectious via transplantation of material from a rabid an infected organ animal Icon source: https://www.flaticon.com/ Human - Typically 1-3 months may vary from 1 year Animal – 10 days to 6 months most cases become apparent between 2 weeks and 3 months. Animal is only infectious from the time shortly before clinical signs appear Rabies Incubation Period  Signs and Symptoms in Animals Initially non-specific: lethargy, fever, vomiting and anorexia Progressing within days to symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, weakness, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, abnormal behavior, aggression, and/or self-mutilation Two forms of rabies: ○ Furious rabies: become hyperactive, aggressive and attack easily ○ Paralytic rabies: also referred to as “dumb rabies”, experience weakness and loss of coordination and eventually paralysis Icon source: https://www.flaticon.com/  Diagnosis and Treatment in Animals A diagnosis of rabies can be made after detection of rabies virus from any part of the affected brain, but in order to rule out rabies, the test must Diagnostics include tissue from at least two Rabies is fatal and Euthanasia locations in the brain, preferably there is no the brain stem and cerebellum. treatment for No diagnostic tests available animals once The test requires that the until clinical symptoms begin animal to be euthanized. symptoms have to present. Virus developed. Detection  Human Symptoms Recommendation from World Health Organization Also two forms – furious rabies & paralytic rabies Treatment Hong Kong Status last reported animal case of rabies in Hong Kong was in 1987  How does Hong Kong Achieve Our Rabies-free Status? Monitoring, Legislation surveillance & research 01 03 03 Education & Enforcement publicity 02 04  Legislation Cap. 421 Rabies Ordinance An ordinance to provide for the prevention and control of rabies and for related matters. Section 26 Duty to report rabies A person who knows or who may reasonable suspect that an animal is rabid or has been in contact with a rabid animal shall, without delay, give notice of that fact to an authorized officer. Legislation A regulation with respect to Cap. 421A the control or prohibition of the possession, keeping, Rabies Regulation import, transshipment, export or movement within Hong Kong, of animals, animal products and carcasses. Dogs to be licensed, microchipped and vaccinated against rabies Legislation Cap. 139A Public Health Regulating importation of animals (Animals and Birds) Regulations Group I countries/places Group II countries/places Group III countries/places Legislation Cap. 167 Regulating keeping and control of Dogs and Cats dogs and cats, and for prohibition Regulation of the slaughter of dogs and cats Source: https://skypost.ulifestyle.com.hk Legislation Cap. 168 Pounds Empower AFCD to manage stray animals Ordinance  Enforcement Compulsory Vaccination and Licensing Control of Stray Dogs Regulating and Investigating of Animal Bite Incidents Control of Animal Trading Import Control and Quarantine Anti-smuggling  Enforcement Compulsory Vaccination and Licensing Required for dogs at the age of 5 months and thereafter every 3 years AFCD provides services of dog licensing, microchipping and rabies vaccination. More than 58680 dogs are vaccinated and licensed in 2022.  Enforcement Control of Stray Dogs Adopts the “capture-and-remove” approach If the animal has no microchip and no person has claimed to be the keeper of the seized animals within 96 hours, the animal will be considered abandoned. The abandoned animal will be assessed by the Veterinary Officer. Animal with friendly temperament and good health condition will be selected for re-homing; whilst dogs cannot be rehomed will be humanely put down.  Enforcement Regulating and Investigating of Animal Bite Incidents Control of Large Dogs, Known Dangerous Dogs and Fighting Dogs  Enforcement Regulating and Investigating of Animal Bite Incidents Cap. 421 Rabies Ordinance Section 24 All animals that bite humans must be reported to the police Cap. 421 Rabies Ordinance Section 25 The keeper of an animal that bites a person is liable to a fine of $10,000  Enforcement Regulating and Investigating of Animal Bite Incidents *Biter dog / cat shall be detained for 7 days and observed for any rabies signs Import Control and Enforcement Quarantine Other Measures Anti-smuggling Control of Animal Trading  Monitoring, Surveillance & Research  Monitoring, surveillance Samples may be sent to local universities for research purposes. & research  Monitoring, surveillance & research If an animal died or displayed clinical signs of rabies within the 7-day observation period, the head of the animal will be submitted to a government laboratory for examination. Laboratory tests Direct fluorescent antibody test (dFA) in brain sample is most frequently used. RT-PCR, electron microscopy, histological exam or ELISAs are also available. Virus isolation in cell culture Confirmed case = Clinically compatible illness that is confirmed by laboratory testing on the animal head sample  Stray Dog Management Education and Publicity Organise special events to support World Rabies Day https://rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day/event/world-rabies-day-exhibition-hong-kong-1  Stray Dog Management Education and Publicity  Stray Dog Management Education and Publicity CREDIT: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon, and infographics & images by Freepik Wild Birds  Wild Birds Over 550 species of wild birds in HK Most have adapted to the urban environment ▫ Some birds migrate in ▫ Hong Kong locates in groups and often able one of the major to traverse natural migration routes, the barriers to make “East Asian – stopovers en route Australasian Flyway”, between the breeding and it serves as an and nonbreeding important “stopover” or grounds. “wintering destination” for waterbirds. Migratory Birds  Avian Influenza (AI) Caused by influenza A (Alphainfluenzavirus) viruses in domestic poultry and a wide range of other birds Genus: Alphainfluenzavirus Family: Orthomyxoviridae A transmission electron micrograph of influenza A virus particles Known informally as avian flu, bird flu or fowl Photo Source: www.intechopen.com/media/chapter/51897/media/fig2.png plague There are seven (7) influenza genera  Avian Influenza Viruses are further classified into highly pathogenic (HPAI) lowly pathogenic (LPAI) based on their ability to cause disease and mortality in infected birds Avian Influenza HPAI, is classified as an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) greater than 1.2 (or as an alternative at least 75% mortality) usually of the groups H5 and H7 may be identified by molecular method with the presence of a sequence at the haemagglutinin cleavage site that codes for multiple basic amino acids  Avian Influenza Zoonotic potential via close contact with infected birds Humans: Conjunctivitis and other respiratory symptoms some viruses tend to cause severe illness, and even death in rare cases, e.g. H5N1, in 1997 H7N9, in 2013 Outbreaks of avian influenza continue to be a global public health concern Transmission ▫ Direct contact ▫ Indirect contact ⬝ Fomites ⬝ Environment, e.g. water source, vehicles (for poultry) Source: veterinaryresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13567-018- 0604-0  Reservoir Wild birds are natural hosts and reservoirs play a major role in the evolution, maintenance, and spread of these viruses incidence of infection: seasonal infected without clinical sign and carry the viruses along migration flyways https://cms.hkbws.org.hk/cms/en/hkbws/press-release/eaafp-announcement Clinical Signs and Mortality Depending on the species of bird and the characters of virus LPAI Swollen sinuses Normal chicken (arrowed) ▫ usually cause mild illnesses (respiratory signs, lethargy etc.) or asymptomatic infections ▫ more severe with concurrent infections or exacerbating factors (environmental stress) HPAI ▫ usually cause severe illness in chickens and turkeys ▫ sudden death may occur Source: www.walkervillevet.com.au/blog/espiratory-infections-chickens/r Monitoring AI at Places where Wild Birds Congregate Daily surveillance of wild birds in Mai Po Nature Reserve and the Hong Kong Wetland Park Dead or sick birds found are sent to the Department to test for AI  Monitoring of Aviaries and Bird Parks ▫ Birds in aviaries and bird parks are monitored ⬝ including Ocean Park, Kadoorie Farm, Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Penfold Park and Yuen Long Park ⬝ Faecal samples collected from cages and environment are tested for AI ⬝ Sick or dead birds suspected with AI or their faecal samples are sent to the Veterinary Laboratory for testing Sick or Dead Wild Birds Throat swab and faecal samples are taken from dead birds for H5 and H7 virus testing as appropriate. About 8,818 and 8,153 wild birds carcasses were collected by AFCD in 2021 and 2022 respectively. 2 and 3 wild bird carcasses have been tested positive for H5/H7 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Test Methods AI specific genome detection by PCR methods Necropsy & histopathology examination Immunoperoxidase test on frozen tissue sections Virus isolation Anti-H5 and Anti-H7 antibodies detection (Haemagglutination Inhibition test- HI test) BSL level 3 laboratory When Infected Wild Birds are Detected… The Mai Po Nature Reserve or the Wetland Park will be temporarily closed if within 10 days 3 or more infected birds are found within 3-km radius. Enhanced sampling and disease investigation will be conducted. When Infected Wild Birds Are Detected… The Department of Health will conduct epidemiological investigation to persons who have had contact with the infected birds. Surveillance will be stepped up at the location in question for 21 days. Any other wild birds found dead will be sent for testing. The surveillance period may be extended depending on test results.  Number of HPAI cases 0 1 2 3 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18 Jul-18 Aug-18 Sep-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Jun-19 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 Hong Kong May-20 Jun-20 Year and month of submission Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 (from 2017 to 2022) Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 May-21 Jun-21 Jul-21 Aug-21 Sep-21 Surveillance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Oct-21 Nov-21 Influenza in Wild Bird Carcasses Collected in Dec-21 Jan-22 Feb-22 Mar-22 Apr-22 The cases usually occurred during colder months, such as November to February. A total of 10 HPAI cases were detected in wild bird carcasses from 2017 to 2022. May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22  Feral Pigeon Management Issue: Congregation of feral Spikes installed on the roof of pigeons due to feeding building to prevent pigeons form congregating  Feral Pigeon Management On 1 August 2024, The Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 come into operation. ▫ expand to cover feral pigeons ▫ increase the maximum penalty to $100,000 and imprisonment for one year ▫ introduce a fixed penalty of $5,000 Education and Publicity  Other AFCD efforts Collaboration with WOAH HKU consultancy studies Centre for Health Protection Photos credit: www.pexels.com Other AFCD efforts ▰ Collaboration with the World ▰ City U, examples: Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) ▰ Expert advice for disease outbreak ▰ Disease reporting and animal management ▰ Webinars ▰ Risk assessment on movement of ▰ Meetings animals ▰ Diagnostics and pathology ▰ HKU Consultancy Study / Research ▰ Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) ▰ Monitoring trend of AMR in stray animals ▰ HKU Collaboration on laboratory testing ▰ Centre for Health Protection and support, example: ▰ Scientific Committee on Emerging ▰ SAR-CoV-2, avian influenza and Zoonotic Diseases Thank you