Bird flu returns: Professional poultry keepers urged to protect their flocks
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The resurgence of bird flu in Belgium has prompted the reintroduction of protective measures for professional poultry and bird keepers. Authorities elsewhere in Europe and the United States are likewise struggling to contain renewed outbreaks of the virus.
On Wednesday, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) announced that the obligation to shelter birds is once again in force following the detection of H5N1 avian influenza at a commercial poultry farm and a small hobby farm.
"Avian flu poses a serious threat to poultry farms and our economy," said Federal Agriculture minister David Clarinval. "The best way to protect our animals and prevent the spread of the virus is to adopt preventive measures, such as mandatory sheltering." He urged all poultry keepers to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures.
Neighbouring countries are also tightening precautions. A few days ago, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality introduced a nationwide requirement to house poultry and protect them from contact with wild birds.
New restrictions were introduced in France on Wednesday after additional cases were detected. A government decree published in the Journal Officiel raised the national alert level from moderate to high. This is the highest level in the system and requires that all poultry be kept indoors or otherwise shielded from contact with wild birds. Officials described this as a precautionary step taken earlier than in previous years.
Across the Atlantic, the United States is again grappling with widespread outbreaks. After a relatively calm summer, the virus has hit dozens of poultry flocks, resulting in almost seven million farmed birds dying since early September, including around 1.3 million turkeys, according to The New York Times. These losses have raised concerns about the turkey supply ahead of Thanksgiving.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has circulated at elevated levels among wild bird populations and poultry farms worldwide in recent years. It causes high mortality rates in poultry and wild birds, leading to mass die-offs and potential long-term damage to ecosystems.
The virus has also spread to some mammals. A limited number of human infections have been reported in individuals who have had direct contact with infected animals, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.
"Humans and mammals are generally not very susceptible to bird flu, but caution remains necessary," says Mieke Steensels of Belgium's national health institute, Sciensano. "Dog owners should ensure their pets stay away from sick or dead birds during walks."
© AFP
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