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Avian influenza: Two new infections among amateur bird owners. Prohibition of markets in birds and poultry and other types of gathering of poultry (13/06/2017)
The highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus was again found in 2 amateur farms, respectively in Sainte-Ode, in the Province of Luxembourg, and in Soignies, in the Province of Hainaut.
A temporary buffer zone with a radius of plus or minus 3 km was delimited around each affected holding. Within these areas, movements of poultry, other birds and hatching eggs are prohibited and each keeper must feed and water his poultry indoors.
Since the virus has probably spread through markets, the sale of poultry and birds to the markets, as well as the gathering of poultry (exhibitions, sales, etc.) are therefore temporarily banned.
The FASFC asks each bird holder to be vigilant and to call a veterinarian if his birds are sick or die suddenly.
Agriculture Minister Willy Borsus: "In two weeks Belgium is confronted with a second and third case of avian influenza among hobbyist farmers, the survey carried out by my services Source of contamination would come from public poultry markets. Therefore, I have to make decisions that guarantee animal health in our farms. At the local level, the strict application in the buffer zones of the recommended measures is essential for these cases to remain isolated. In addition, markets for poultry and other captive birds and poultry gatherings are temporarily banned nationwide. "
What action is taken following this contamination?
As was the case 2 weeks ago in Wellin (Province of Luxembourg), the virus was found in birds of amateur breeders. This is why temporary buffer zones with a radius of plus or minus 3 km are delimited around the contaminations. These areas concern, in the Province of Luxembourg, parts of the communes of Sainte-Ode and Libramont-Chevigny, and in the province of Hainaut, the town of Soignies (not the whole of Soignies). In these buffer zones, movements of poultry, other captive birds and hatching eggs are prohibited. Each holder of birds and poultry from these areas must send within 48 hours to the burgomaster an inventory which takes, by species, the number of animals present. All captive birds and poultry must be fed and watered inside. These areas will be maintained for at least 3 weeks.
Since the initial results of the investigation indicate that the virus may have spread via public procurement, the sale of birds and poultry on public markets, as well as other gatherings of poultry (and only poultry In the latter case) are temporarily prohibited.
The gathering of birds other than poultry is always possible provided that the usual rules are strictly followed. Thus, each event of this type must be notified to the FASFC, a veterinarian must check on the spot and the organizer must register all the participants. It is also important that birds can only participate if they have been confined or nets within 10 days of the rally.
The FASFC recalls that professional holders from all over Belgium and amateurs in areas where wild birds are numerous are obliged to feed and water their poultry indoors at all times. These areas are available on the Food Agency website (https://www.favv.be/santeanimale/gri...nesnaturelles/).
The FASFC also reminds every keeper to be vigilant and immediately call on a veterinarian if their birds show symptoms of illness.
Abnormal mortality in wild birds can always be reported on the toll-free number 0800/99777.
What about eating meat and eggs?
We can totally reassure the consumer that meat and poultry eggs are wholly healthy and can be eaten safely.
All the measures can be consulted on the FASFC website:
- All information concerning avian influenza: www.afsca.be/santeanimale/grippeaviaire/
- For fans: https://www.afsca.be/santeanimale/gr...rsamateurs.asp
Press release
Our RSS feeds
Avian influenza: Two new infections among amateur bird owners. Prohibition of markets in birds and poultry and other types of gathering of poultry (13/06/2017)
The highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza virus was again found in 2 amateur farms, respectively in Sainte-Ode, in the Province of Luxembourg, and in Soignies, in the Province of Hainaut.
A temporary buffer zone with a radius of plus or minus 3 km was delimited around each affected holding. Within these areas, movements of poultry, other birds and hatching eggs are prohibited and each keeper must feed and water his poultry indoors.
Since the virus has probably spread through markets, the sale of poultry and birds to the markets, as well as the gathering of poultry (exhibitions, sales, etc.) are therefore temporarily banned.
The FASFC asks each bird holder to be vigilant and to call a veterinarian if his birds are sick or die suddenly.
Agriculture Minister Willy Borsus: "In two weeks Belgium is confronted with a second and third case of avian influenza among hobbyist farmers, the survey carried out by my services Source of contamination would come from public poultry markets. Therefore, I have to make decisions that guarantee animal health in our farms. At the local level, the strict application in the buffer zones of the recommended measures is essential for these cases to remain isolated. In addition, markets for poultry and other captive birds and poultry gatherings are temporarily banned nationwide. "
What action is taken following this contamination?
As was the case 2 weeks ago in Wellin (Province of Luxembourg), the virus was found in birds of amateur breeders. This is why temporary buffer zones with a radius of plus or minus 3 km are delimited around the contaminations. These areas concern, in the Province of Luxembourg, parts of the communes of Sainte-Ode and Libramont-Chevigny, and in the province of Hainaut, the town of Soignies (not the whole of Soignies). In these buffer zones, movements of poultry, other captive birds and hatching eggs are prohibited. Each holder of birds and poultry from these areas must send within 48 hours to the burgomaster an inventory which takes, by species, the number of animals present. All captive birds and poultry must be fed and watered inside. These areas will be maintained for at least 3 weeks.
Since the initial results of the investigation indicate that the virus may have spread via public procurement, the sale of birds and poultry on public markets, as well as other gatherings of poultry (and only poultry In the latter case) are temporarily prohibited.
The gathering of birds other than poultry is always possible provided that the usual rules are strictly followed. Thus, each event of this type must be notified to the FASFC, a veterinarian must check on the spot and the organizer must register all the participants. It is also important that birds can only participate if they have been confined or nets within 10 days of the rally.
The FASFC recalls that professional holders from all over Belgium and amateurs in areas where wild birds are numerous are obliged to feed and water their poultry indoors at all times. These areas are available on the Food Agency website (https://www.favv.be/santeanimale/gri...nesnaturelles/).
The FASFC also reminds every keeper to be vigilant and immediately call on a veterinarian if their birds show symptoms of illness.
Abnormal mortality in wild birds can always be reported on the toll-free number 0800/99777.
What about eating meat and eggs?
We can totally reassure the consumer that meat and poultry eggs are wholly healthy and can be eaten safely.
All the measures can be consulted on the FASFC website:
- All information concerning avian influenza: www.afsca.be/santeanimale/grippeaviaire/
- For fans: https://www.afsca.be/santeanimale/gr...rsamateurs.asp
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