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Press release (19/01/2023)
No less than 29 outbreaks of avian flu have affected our poultry farmers: the Minister of Agriculture and the FASFC note a sad record in 2022
In 2022, the avian flu virus has generated a year of intense work for the FASFC, the poultry farming sector and the other players concerned. No less than 29 outbreaks have been identified and confirmed in poultry and captive birds. A sad record, to be sure, but more limited than in the other Member States. And everything suggests that the virus will not disappear quickly in 2023.
More specifically, 18 outbreaks were identified in commercial poultry farms, 1 outbreak in an animal park and 10 among amateur breeders. Some 220 infected wild birds (area jurisdiction) were also found across the country throughout the year. Wild ducks, geese and gulls were particularly affected, and nearly 40 infected raptors were also found. New foci continue to be discovered in 2023.
In 2022, this resulted in nearly 4 million euros in operating costs for the FASFC and nearly 3.9 million euros in compensation from the Health Fund for the fight against animal diseases. This solidarity fund is based on the principle of co-financing by all producers and players in the poultry sector. This solidarity makes it possible to compensate poultry farmers affected by outbreaks of contagious poultry diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease.
Avian influenza (AI), or bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease to which probably all species of birds are susceptible. So far, there is no scientific indication that this H5 virus is also dangerous for humans.
More bird flu infections across Europe
The increase in the number of infections is observed almost everywhere in Europe and proportionally even more often in countries other than Belgium. The culprit is the highly pathogenic H5 virus which has been circulating intensely in wild birds for 3 years. Due to its aggressive nature, it causes serious illnesses in many species of birds. Therefore, not only migratory water birds are affected, but also other bird species that still winter in Europe. Thus, this virus which formerly appeared seasonally during the migration of birds, now circulates all year round. Consequently, the risk of infection in poultry also increases and new infections are discovered throughout the year.
It is important to note that almost all epidemics are "primary infections". This means that these are infections directly linked to wild birds and not to the circulation of the virus between poultry farms. This is important, because it means that the measures imposed by the FASFC and the preventive and biosecurity measures applied by the poultry sector effectively contribute to preventing infections and the spread of avian influenza.
Prevention plays a crucial role
H5 viruses are not expected to disappear any time soon. It is therefore important that everyone takes (preventive) measures to protect our poultry as much as possible.Commercial poultry farms have long been subject to strict biosecurity measures and, since October 05, 2022, an obligation to stay indoors .
Biosecurity is a priority for the FASFC and must be further improved in the future. Therefore, the FASFC is working with partners on an IT tool to carry out audits and thus improve biosecurity. This is already the case in the pig sector.
When an outbreak is identified, the FASFC always establishes areas where additional measures apply. Current zones and measures can be viewed here .
Protection measures in Belgium
Currently, every professional keeper in Belgium is obliged to feed the animals indoors or protected under nets . In this way, infected wild birds are less attracted to the enclosure. The FASFC strongly advises all private owners of hens and birds to install a net on the course as a preventive measure, all year round . Finally, breeders should contact their veterinarian immediately if they notice increased mortality in their animals or any other symptoms of disease.
Walkers who notice a dead wild bird are invited to report it via the free number 0800/99 777 .
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What is the bird flu virus?
Avian influenza (AI), or bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease to which virtually all species of birds are susceptible. There is no scientific indication that this H5 virus is also dangerous for humans. The nature of the symptoms and the course of the disease depend on the pathogenicity of the viral strain, the affected animal, the environment and possible other infections. Infection can occur through direct contact with sick animals or through exposure to infected materials, such as manure or dirty crates. Indirect contamination by air is also possible, but over relatively short distances.
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While the FASFC is known for its checks along the food chain, the agency is also responsible for the prevention and control of regulated animal diseases. With regard to avian influenza, the Agency is working in close collaboration with the regional authorities.
"The situation is alarming. In Europe, the number of outbreaks in poultry farms during the 2021-2022 season is almost double that of the 2020-2021 season. We see the same trend in Belgium. Despite a strengthening of biosecurity rules, unfortunately we see that the disease is no longer seasonal, but is becoming endemic. In terms of possible response, Belgium supports the development of a vaccine option at European level, for which research is ongoing. Belgium will strive to place this theme as one of the central subjects of the Belgian Presidency of the Council in 2024. However, this vaccine will only be effective in addition to current control measures. I therefore invite all actors to strictly respect the preventive measures,-David Clarinval
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https://www.favv-afsca.be/professionnels/publications/presse/2023/2023-01-19.asp
