November 25, 2019
In recent weeks, low-pathogenic H6 bird flu has been diagnosed at several laying hen and turkey farms in the provinces of Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, Friesland, Groningen and North Brabant.
Avined announced this on Monday 25 November in a special newsletter about bird flu. This is a variant of avian influenza not subject to control. Most cases were detected via monitoring (serologically positive) and a single case based on clinical symptoms.
Avined points out to poultry farmers the importance of strict biosecurity and hygiene at their farms. "Also be aware of disease symptoms, so that an infection is discovered at the earliest possible stage. If in doubt, contact your veterinarian. And, in consultation with your veterinarian, make use of the possibility to send in Early Warning swabs ”, Avined advises. In the event of a loss of more than 0.5 percent during two days, or more than 3 percent per week per couple, a notification obligation applies to the NVWA (045 - 546 3188).
It is currently quiet in the area of the highly pathogenic bird flu and in the area of the low pathogenic bird flu H3N1. In Belgium, screening at companies has been positive and no new cases of H3N1 have been detected. However, according to Avined, vigilance for avian flu remains necessary given the outbreaks of low pathogenic H6.