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Bird flu: two cats of a poultry keeper infected, a first in Belgium
1 hour ago
By the editorial staff
with Belgian
Two cats belonging to a poultry keeper in Sint-Gillis-Waas, East Flanders, were infected with bird flu in February, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), the national public health institute Sciensano and the FPS Public Health reported in a press release on Tuesday. This is a first in Belgium.
The two infected cats probably ate contaminated eggs or drank contaminated water. The felines showed severe symptoms of the disease and were euthanized. The other cats belonging to this breeder are healthy. Infection of cats with avian flu is not exceptional, but it is a first in Belgium.
" Infections of other mammals have already been observed in our country in the past, notably in wild foxes, wild European polecats and domestic ferrets. They probably followed close contact with large quantities of virus, through the ingestion of bird carcasses or contaminated eggs ," the press release noted.
The AFSCA therefore recommends that owners of cats and dogs ensure that they do not come into contact with the carcasses of dead birds or poultry. " If you want to feed your pet poultry meat, make sure it is well cooked, as raw meat can be contaminated with various pathogens ."
" Our experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess any risk. We invite animal owners, breeders and veterinarians to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety measures ," responded the Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture, David Clarinval.
https://www.rtbf.be/article/grippe-aviaire-deux-chats-d-un-detenteur-de-volailles-infectes-une-premiere-en-belgique-11512762
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[FONT=var(--font-primary)]Joint press release from AFSCA, Sciensano and the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment[/FONT]
...
Publication date
04 Mar 2025
Last update
04 Mar 2025
Bird flu detected in two cats of poultry keeper in Saint-Gilles-Waes
On 18 February, highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a poultry farm in Sint-Gillis-Waas (East Flanders).
Two outdoor cats of the poultry keeper were also infected with the virus, probably by eating contaminated eggs or drinking contaminated water. Both cats showed severe symptoms of the disease and were euthanised for this reason.
The other cats are healthy and show no symptoms.
The infection of cats with bird flu is not exceptional, but this is the first case in Belgium. However, infections of other mammals have already been observed in our country in the past, including wild foxes, wild European polecats and domestic ferrets. In all cases, they probably followed close contact with large quantities of virus, through the ingestion of bird carcasses or contaminated eggs.
The AFSCA calls for caution: "Beware of dead bird or poultry carcasses in your garden, ensure that cats do not come into contact with them and keep your dogs on a leash when walking. If you want to feed your pet poultry meat, make sure that it is well cooked because raw meat can be contaminated with various pathogens. An infection is not always dangerous, but if your cat or dog shows symptoms such as a high fever, eye inflammation and red eyes, a runny nose or nervous symptoms within a week of contact with a potentially infected bird, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian." Kathy Brison, spokesperson for the AFSCA
The AFSCA reminds that you should not touch dead or sick birds with your bare hands. If you find a dead bird in the wild, report it immediately to the free number 0800/99 777. The animal can then be collected and examined.
David Clarinval - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture: "I take the outbreaks of avian flu in Belgium seriously. This is the first time that cats have also been affected in our country. Our experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential risks. We urge pet owners, breeders and veterinarians to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety measures. Public health and animal welfare remain our top priority, and we will continue to work with national and international health authorities to contain the virus and protect our animals and fellow citizens as best we can."
What is bird flu?
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are susceptible. The severity of the disease varies from one animal to another and depends on the viral strain, the environment and any other infections. Contamination can occur through direct contact with sick animals or infected material, such as manure or dirty crates.
Contamination of humans is exceptional. To date, no human-to-human transmission of the virus has been observed anywhere in the world.
Press contact: Kathy Brison - Spokesperson GSM: +32 479 96 01 53 E-mail: kathy.brison@favv-afsca.be
https://favv-afsca.be/fr/publicatio...t-du-spf-sante-publique-securite-de-la-chaine
See also:
Belgium - Avian influenza in poultry 2025
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...6476-belgium-avian-influenza-in-poultry-2025
Bird flu: two cats of a poultry keeper infected, a first in Belgium
1 hour ago
By the editorial staff
with Belgian
Two cats belonging to a poultry keeper in Sint-Gillis-Waas, East Flanders, were infected with bird flu in February, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC), the national public health institute Sciensano and the FPS Public Health reported in a press release on Tuesday. This is a first in Belgium.
The two infected cats probably ate contaminated eggs or drank contaminated water. The felines showed severe symptoms of the disease and were euthanized. The other cats belonging to this breeder are healthy. Infection of cats with avian flu is not exceptional, but it is a first in Belgium.
" Infections of other mammals have already been observed in our country in the past, notably in wild foxes, wild European polecats and domestic ferrets. They probably followed close contact with large quantities of virus, through the ingestion of bird carcasses or contaminated eggs ," the press release noted.
The AFSCA therefore recommends that owners of cats and dogs ensure that they do not come into contact with the carcasses of dead birds or poultry. " If you want to feed your pet poultry meat, make sure it is well cooked, as raw meat can be contaminated with various pathogens ."
" Our experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess any risk. We invite animal owners, breeders and veterinarians to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety measures ," responded the Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture, David Clarinval.
https://www.rtbf.be/article/grippe-aviaire-deux-chats-d-un-detenteur-de-volailles-infectes-une-premiere-en-belgique-11512762
-------------------------------------------
[FONT=var(--font-primary)]Joint press release from AFSCA, Sciensano and the FPS Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment[/FONT]
...
Publication date
04 Mar 2025
Last update
04 Mar 2025
Bird flu detected in two cats of poultry keeper in Saint-Gilles-Waes
On 18 February, highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a poultry farm in Sint-Gillis-Waas (East Flanders).
Two outdoor cats of the poultry keeper were also infected with the virus, probably by eating contaminated eggs or drinking contaminated water. Both cats showed severe symptoms of the disease and were euthanised for this reason.
The other cats are healthy and show no symptoms.
The infection of cats with bird flu is not exceptional, but this is the first case in Belgium. However, infections of other mammals have already been observed in our country in the past, including wild foxes, wild European polecats and domestic ferrets. In all cases, they probably followed close contact with large quantities of virus, through the ingestion of bird carcasses or contaminated eggs.
The AFSCA calls for caution: "Beware of dead bird or poultry carcasses in your garden, ensure that cats do not come into contact with them and keep your dogs on a leash when walking. If you want to feed your pet poultry meat, make sure that it is well cooked because raw meat can be contaminated with various pathogens. An infection is not always dangerous, but if your cat or dog shows symptoms such as a high fever, eye inflammation and red eyes, a runny nose or nervous symptoms within a week of contact with a potentially infected bird, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian." Kathy Brison, spokesperson for the AFSCA
The AFSCA reminds that you should not touch dead or sick birds with your bare hands. If you find a dead bird in the wild, report it immediately to the free number 0800/99 777. The animal can then be collected and examined.
David Clarinval - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture: "I take the outbreaks of avian flu in Belgium seriously. This is the first time that cats have also been affected in our country. Our experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential risks. We urge pet owners, breeders and veterinarians to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety measures. Public health and animal welfare remain our top priority, and we will continue to work with national and international health authorities to contain the virus and protect our animals and fellow citizens as best we can."
What is bird flu?
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are susceptible. The severity of the disease varies from one animal to another and depends on the viral strain, the environment and any other infections. Contamination can occur through direct contact with sick animals or infected material, such as manure or dirty crates.
Contamination of humans is exceptional. To date, no human-to-human transmission of the virus has been observed anywhere in the world.
Press contact: Kathy Brison - Spokesperson GSM: +32 479 96 01 53 E-mail: kathy.brison@favv-afsca.be
https://favv-afsca.be/fr/publicatio...t-du-spf-sante-publique-securite-de-la-chaine
See also:
Belgium - Avian influenza in poultry 2025
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...6476-belgium-avian-influenza-in-poultry-2025