First Indigenous H7N7 Avian Flu Case in Taiwan: Duck Farm Tests Negative, 33 Contacts Released from Monitoring

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on the 2nd that Taiwan has detected its first indigenous case of novel H7 avian influenza, involving a duck farmer in his 70s from Changhua. A total of 33 related contacts were monitored until the 6th. Subsequent sequencing of the individual's sample confirmed it as H7N7, making it the first confirmed H7N7 case in Taiwan. CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui stated today that a total of 5 sites were sampled from the individual and nearby duck farms, and all test results were negative. In addition, 87 samples of wild bird droppings and surrounding environment were collected from areas where wild birds stayed near the duck farm. As cooperation with wild bird societies and relevant academic institutions is required, these test reports are not yet available. Regarding the 33 contacts of the case, Tseng Shu-hui said that all family members' samples have so far tested negative. Among the contacts, one person had upper respiratory symptoms, but their test result was also negative. Monitoring for all contacts concluded yesterday. The individual's own symptoms also eased last week, and continuous test results have been negative; they have been discharged and are recuperating at home. Tseng Shu-hui pointed out that analysis of the virus gene sequence from the case revealed a high similarity to gene sequences found in wild bird droppings in Taiwan, and also similar to viruses detected in the environment in Japan and South Korea. Taiwan is located on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds, and this confirmed case shows over 90% similarity with related sequences. Currently, this case is judged to be an isolated incident, and the risk is controllable. To raise public awareness of health issues, the World Health Organization (WHO) designates April 7th as "World Health Day." This year's theme is "Together for health. Stand with science," focusing on the "One Health" concept. Tseng Shu-hui stated that after the first confirmed H7N7 case appeared in Taiwan, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and the CDC launched joint action investigations and prevention. The Ministry of Health and Welfare conducted prevention efforts through case tracking, clinical management, contact sampling, preventive medication, and monitoring. APHIA implemented movement control for the affected farm and collected samples from poultry farms and wild bird droppings for active and passive prevention, aligning with this year's World Health Day spirit of scientific evidence and cross-sectoral cooperation. (Edited by Wu Su-jou) 1150407