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Avian influenza identified in a wild swan (21/02/2017)
On 21 February, the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus was identified in a wild swan found in Oud-Heverlee (Flemish Brabant). This finding confirms that the risk of avian influenza is still very real. The FASFC reminds holders of poultry and other birds that they must properly apply mandatory measures to protect their animals against this disease.
Agriculture Minister Willy Borsus: " While the H5N8 virus was detected on the 1st of February in the breeding of a hobbyist, this time it is the first confirmed case in Belgium among wildlife. This demonstrates that the risk is still present and that measures to protect animal health in our farms are more relevant than ever. I therefore encourage farmers to continue to apply strictly the measures recommended. Let us recall that several hundred cases have been detected for several months in Europe in a total of 27 countries. "
The highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus has been circulating since late October 2016 almost everywhere in Europe. It is a very aggressive virus that causes serious disorders and high mortality in wild birds and captive birds.
Today, this virus was detected by the national reference laboratory CERVA in a wild swan found dead on a pond in the municipality of Oud-Heverlee. Although this is the first discovery of the virus in a wild bird in Belgium, this case is certainly not unique. In recent weeks, neighboring countries have still experienced many cases in wild birds. Given that wild birds can easily travel on tens or even hundreds of kilometers following a cold wave or lack of food, the risk remains.
Recall that 3 weeks ago, on 1 February, a first contamination by this virus was discovered in Belgium in a captive bird enthusiast in Lebbeke (East Flanders). The birds were contaminated by direct contact with wild waterfowl.
The Agency does not take any additional measures following the contamination at Oud-Heverlee but once again reminds all holders of their obligation to apply the mandatory measures correctly, even though they may sometimes be uncomfortable for animals. These measures are primarily intended to avoid contact between wild birds and captive birds as far as possible and are therefore aimed at preventing contamination which is accompanied by considerable animal suffering. As a reminder :
Throughout the country, birds, including pigeons and racing birds (ostriches, rhea, emus, ...), and poultry of hobbyists (private individuals, amateurs) and professional holders must be confined. Remember that locking animals in their buildings is not the only option to avoid contact; Holding open pets under nets is also permitted. These two methods are the only way to reduce the risk of contamination to an acceptable level.
Animals should also be fed and watered inside. No untreated surface water can be used.
In addition, markets, gatherings and other events involving poultry and / or other birds of several holders are prohibited.
These measures are applicable up to and including 10 March and may be extended if the risk remains. On the other hand, if it is tangibly reduced, they may, if necessary in whole or in part, be raised earlier.
Given the absence of further contamination in the temporary buffer zone delineated on 1 February around the contamination at Lebbeke, this zone will be lifted that night. Therefore, as from Wednesday 22 February, transport of birds, poultry and hatching eggs will again be authorized in the 3 municipalities concerned (Lebbeke, Aalst and Dendermonde). In these communes, the same measures as in the rest of the country will apply.
Abnormal mortality in wild birds can always be notified via toll-free number 0800 / 99.777 . Depending on the number of birds and species involved, the corpses are collected and transported to the CERVA reference laboratory. The FASFC works in close collaboration with Agentschap Natuur in Bos (Flanders), Brussels Environment and the Nature and Forests Department (Wallonia), which is responsible for the practical follow-up of calls. You can find more information on the website of the FASFC:
www.afsca.be/santeanimale/grippeaviaire/ .
Recall that the consumer is not at risk with this avian flu virus. Meat and eggs can be consumed safely.
Contact person for press:
Jean-S?bastien Walhin
jeansebastien.walhin@afsca.be
Tel. : 0476 88 50 77
Pauline Bievez
Tel. : 0477 38 45 01
Press release
Our RSS feeds
Avian influenza identified in a wild swan (21/02/2017)
On 21 February, the highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus was identified in a wild swan found in Oud-Heverlee (Flemish Brabant). This finding confirms that the risk of avian influenza is still very real. The FASFC reminds holders of poultry and other birds that they must properly apply mandatory measures to protect their animals against this disease.
Agriculture Minister Willy Borsus: " While the H5N8 virus was detected on the 1st of February in the breeding of a hobbyist, this time it is the first confirmed case in Belgium among wildlife. This demonstrates that the risk is still present and that measures to protect animal health in our farms are more relevant than ever. I therefore encourage farmers to continue to apply strictly the measures recommended. Let us recall that several hundred cases have been detected for several months in Europe in a total of 27 countries. "
The highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus has been circulating since late October 2016 almost everywhere in Europe. It is a very aggressive virus that causes serious disorders and high mortality in wild birds and captive birds.
Today, this virus was detected by the national reference laboratory CERVA in a wild swan found dead on a pond in the municipality of Oud-Heverlee. Although this is the first discovery of the virus in a wild bird in Belgium, this case is certainly not unique. In recent weeks, neighboring countries have still experienced many cases in wild birds. Given that wild birds can easily travel on tens or even hundreds of kilometers following a cold wave or lack of food, the risk remains.
Recall that 3 weeks ago, on 1 February, a first contamination by this virus was discovered in Belgium in a captive bird enthusiast in Lebbeke (East Flanders). The birds were contaminated by direct contact with wild waterfowl.
The Agency does not take any additional measures following the contamination at Oud-Heverlee but once again reminds all holders of their obligation to apply the mandatory measures correctly, even though they may sometimes be uncomfortable for animals. These measures are primarily intended to avoid contact between wild birds and captive birds as far as possible and are therefore aimed at preventing contamination which is accompanied by considerable animal suffering. As a reminder :
Throughout the country, birds, including pigeons and racing birds (ostriches, rhea, emus, ...), and poultry of hobbyists (private individuals, amateurs) and professional holders must be confined. Remember that locking animals in their buildings is not the only option to avoid contact; Holding open pets under nets is also permitted. These two methods are the only way to reduce the risk of contamination to an acceptable level.
Animals should also be fed and watered inside. No untreated surface water can be used.
In addition, markets, gatherings and other events involving poultry and / or other birds of several holders are prohibited.
These measures are applicable up to and including 10 March and may be extended if the risk remains. On the other hand, if it is tangibly reduced, they may, if necessary in whole or in part, be raised earlier.
Given the absence of further contamination in the temporary buffer zone delineated on 1 February around the contamination at Lebbeke, this zone will be lifted that night. Therefore, as from Wednesday 22 February, transport of birds, poultry and hatching eggs will again be authorized in the 3 municipalities concerned (Lebbeke, Aalst and Dendermonde). In these communes, the same measures as in the rest of the country will apply.
Abnormal mortality in wild birds can always be notified via toll-free number 0800 / 99.777 . Depending on the number of birds and species involved, the corpses are collected and transported to the CERVA reference laboratory. The FASFC works in close collaboration with Agentschap Natuur in Bos (Flanders), Brussels Environment and the Nature and Forests Department (Wallonia), which is responsible for the practical follow-up of calls. You can find more information on the website of the FASFC:
www.afsca.be/santeanimale/grippeaviaire/ .
Recall that the consumer is not at risk with this avian flu virus. Meat and eggs can be consumed safely.
Contact person for press:
Jean-S?bastien Walhin
jeansebastien.walhin@afsca.be
Tel. : 0476 88 50 77
Pauline Bievez
Tel. : 0477 38 45 01
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