Vía Convenio 2. Vía Reintegro

Monitoring system

Sampling of animals is performed in case of clinical suspicion and in connection to import/export. Surveys are occasionally performed.

Frequency of the sampling

In cases of clinical suspicion or specific surveys.

Case definition

An animal with a positive test result.

Diagnostic/analytical methods used

Serology (direct agglutination test), pathology, molecular methods.

Measures in case of the positive findings or single cases

Normally none.

Notification system in place

Toxoplasmosis in animals has been a List C disease according to the Animal Diseases Act since 1965.

Results of the investigation

In 2011, several animal species were investigated for Toxoplasma at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute. A total of 19 sheep, seven goats, three cattle, one horse, one dog, seven cats, three hares, one polar fox and one wild bird was investigated as part of clinical investigations. Three sheep, one cat, two hares and one wild bird were positive. In addition, 110 farmed foxes and six swine were investigated by serology due to export control. All these animals were negative.

National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection

Toxoplasma gondii is endemic in Norway. There are no data indicating recent developments in the prevalence of the infection in various species.

Relevance of the findings in animals to findings in foodstuffs and to human cases

A risk for humans of contracting toxoplasmosis in Norway does exist. However, the relevance of clinical toxoplasmosis is most important in immunosuppressed persons and in pregnant women.

Rabies

General evaluation of the national situation

History of the disease and/or infection in the country

Rabies in animals has not been recorded in mainland Norway. An epidemic occurred in the arctic fox population in the archipelago of Svalbard in 1980, with confirmed cases also in reindeer and one seal. Since then, sporadic cases occurred in arctic foxes, the last case in 1999. During the period 1980 – 2010, 25 animal cases were diagnosed. In 2011, an outbreak of rabies occurred in the Svalbard area in both reindeers and arctic foxes. However, transmission of rabies to humans has never been recorded in the archipelago of Svalbard.

National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection

The favourable situation in mainland Norway regarding rabies has not changed. However, there are concerns about the risk of introducing rabies with illegally imported dogs from endemic countries. The reintroduction of rabies into the Svalbard area warrants intensified passive surveillance of the wildlife population. The general public in this area are informed through campaigns and mass vaccination has aslo been implemented.

Relevance of the findings in animals, feedingstuffs and foodstuffs to human cases

Rabies occur sporadically in wild animals in the archipelago of Svalbard. Although no transmission of rabies to humans has been recorded in Svalbard, people being in contact with wild animals in Svalbard should be aware of the risk and vaccination is reccomended. In mainland Norway, the possible

introduction of rabies with illegally imported animals is a concern.

Rabies in humans

Reporting system in place for the human cases

Human cases are reported to the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS), from microbiological laboratories as well as from clinical doctors. The system distinguishes between domestic and imported cases. The severity of the disease at the time of reporting is also recorded. However, the surveillance system does not follow individual patients over time to record further disease development and final outcome. Cases are also reported immediately to the Municipal Medical Officer. If a domestic animal source is suspected, the Municipal Medical Officer also informs the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Investigations will be initiated in order to identify the source and prevent further cases.

Case definition

A clinical case that is laboratory confirmed.

Diagnostic/analytical methods used

Detection of viral antigens by an immunofluorescence test in neurological tissue (usually brain) in connection to post-mortem examination, virus isolation in cell culture, or identification of an antibody titre greater than the threshold value in serum or cerebrospinal fluid from an unvaccinated person.

Notification system in place

According to the Communicable Disease Act, human cases are notifiable to the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS) since 1975.

History of the disease and/or infection in the country

Human rabies was last described in Norway in 1815.

Results of the investigation

In 2011, no human cases were reported.

Relevance as zoonotic disease

As mainland Norway has been free from rabies for almost two centuries and stringent regulation regarding import of animals are in place, the risk of contracting rabies in mainland Norway is close to zero. Rabies has sporadically been diagnosed in wild animals in the archipelago of Svalbard, and an outbreak affecting foxes and reindeer occurred in 2011. A mass vaccination campaign among the inhabitants of Svalbard was initiated because of this outbreak.. Although no transmission of rabies to humans has been recorded in Svalbard, the outbreak underlined that people being in contact with wild animals in Svalbard should be aware of the risk and vaccination of this group is recommended.

Rabies vaccine containing inactivated virus is available for the following indications: Pre-exposure prophylaxis to; 1) individuals with prolonged travels to countries with high incidence of rabies; 2) individuals who will work with animals in endemic areas; 3) persons who are at frequent risk of bites from bats; 4) laboratory personnel involved in rabies diagnostics. Post-exposure prophylaxis to individuals presumably exposed to rabies virus abroad or in the archipelago of Svalbard, or who have been bitten by bats. The post-exposure prophylaxis includes specific antiserum in addition to the vaccine.