Bird flu: Greece at risk

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in recent days in the Balkan countries, particularly in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia. At the same time, the presence of the virus is increasingly being detected in other regions of Europe.

This is stated in a statement by the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine – Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Expertise, Medicines and Applications of the Region of Central Macedonia regarding the relevant circular of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.

As stated, most cases concern wild birds, which are found in the field (found dead or half-dead). As a result of increased circulation of the virus in wild bird populations in poultry farms, the number of disease outbreaks is increasing in all countries, as observed in Bulgaria and Romania.

At the same time, it is known that the current The picture in the Balkans bears similarities to previous epidemic waves, when in Greece the virus was detected both in wild birds (2016, 2017, 2021 and 2022) and in poultry farms (2017).

The region reminds that bird flu is an infectious viral diseasewhich must be declared and emphasize that with the above developments and the expected movements of migratory species of wild birds, the risk of a re-emergence of avian influenza in our country is especially high during the period from November to May.

In this context, the expert points out that poultry farmers and poultry owners must take biosecurity measures, and in cases of increased morbidity or mortality of birds, their owners are obliged to immediately inform the veterinary authorities to take the necessary samples.

In addition, as stated in the advertisement, agencies and individuals who come into direct and frequent contact with wild birds (foresters, hunters, federal game wardens, ornithological organizations, care centers, management agencies, etc.), must inform the relevant veterinary authorities in cases of detection of dead or half-dead birds belonging to high-risk species, or by collecting and transferring for examination.

When handling wild birds (collection, transportation, sampling), the necessary personal protective measures should be taken (disposable gloves, cleaning and hand disinfection).

It is also recommended that professionals in high-risk groups (veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, butchers and ordinary people who regularly come into contact with birds or pigs) should be vaccinated against seasonal influenza as a measure to prevent influenza, to reduce the possibility of recombination and the emergence of a new pandemic strain.

Source link