Authorities urge public vigilance as bird flu cases rise
Belgium has seen a sharp increase in bird flu circulation in recent weeks, with eight outbreaks detected in poultry farms and one at a hobby farmer. Tests on dead and sick wild birds also show that the virus is currently much more widespread. Although the risk to humans remains low, health authorities warn the situation requires heightened vigilance.
Bird flu typically circulates more intensely during winter, partly because migratory birds can carry the virus into the country. The rise in cases among wild birds increases the likelihood of further spread to domestic flocks. Avian influenza causes severe illness in birds and can be fatal.
While bird flu is not considered dangerous to humans, Belgium's Department of Health cautions that infection in rare cases could allow the virus to change and become more transmissible. Currently, human infections are extremely rare and usually occur only when virus-containing fluids come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms in humans may include fever, sore throat, cough, eye inflammation and gastrointestinal issues; neurological symptoms are possible in exceptional cases. Anyone experiencing such symptoms after recent contact with a sick or dead bird is advised to contact their GP immediately and mention the exposure.
The Department of Health also urges the public to report any sick or dead birds to the influenza hotline (0800/99 777) or a bird rescue centre, and to avoid touching animals without protective gloves and a face mask. Pets should also be kept away from affected birds.
Egg prices keep rising
The latest bird flu cases in Belgium include detections at poultry farms in the provinces of Namur and Limburg. In order to prevent the disease from spreading further, tens of thousands of animals have been culled and a protection perimeter has been set up around the affected farms.
Eggs in Belgium are also becoming more and more expensive due to the virus. The price paid to farmers for a 62.5-gram brown free-range egg rose to 18.63 cents this week, setting a new record. In addition to the reduced supply caused by bird flu, consumer demand is surging due to end-of-year celebrations.
PHOTO © Jaime REINA / AFP
Related news
