#11,851
With the return of fall weather we've been watching for signs that H5N8 might once again be on the move in migratory birds after reports earlier this summer of its detection in Russia.
Last week we saw H5N8 show up in multiple locations in India, yesterday we saw media reports of suspected bird flu in Kazakhstan, and today we have a media report and an announcement from Hungary's NÉBIH (Department of Animal Health and Animal Welfare).
First, this from Delmagyar.hu.
Bird flu found in swan Csongrad County
2016.10.27. 13:36
A dead swan Csongrad County revealed the presence of avian influenza to NÉBIH. They call attention to the keepers of the importance of prevention.
The H5N8 strain of bird flu in the past two years has caused several epidemics in poultry populations worldwide, serious direct and indirect damage causing. Currently, many countries are struggling with avian influenza.
Epidemiological studies suggest that migratory birds also plays a role in spreading the disease. Most at risk are the waterfowl flocks, which were held in whole or in part catwalk pasture. During the bird migration period should therefore be protected from poultry to wild birds from contact increased. It is essential that farmers strictly adhere to the overall disease control rules and notify their veterinarian or the veterinary authority if any symptoms seen their stock - warns NÉBIH .
While lacking in specifics, the following (translated) announcement is found (dated today) on the NÉBIH .gov site.
Take precautionary measures against bird flu
2016 October 27
It revealed the presence of avian influenza virus in dead swan NÉBIH a Csongárd County. The detected serotypes (H5N8) has never occurred in the context of human disease. However, the poultry flocks is a serious threat, and therefore calls on the authorities of the breeders' attention to the importance of prevention.
The H5N8 strain of bird flu in the past two years has caused several epidemics in poultry populations worldwide, serious direct and indirect damage causing. Currently, many countries are struggling with avian influenza.
Epidemiological studies suggest that migratory birds also plays a role in spreading the disease. Most at risk are the waterfowl flocks, which were held in whole or in part catwalk pasture. During the bird migration period should therefore be protected from poultry to wild birds from contact increased. Preventive measures should address a protected feeding, watering and feed and manure storage safe.
The symptoms of avian influenza may be a separate species, which depend on the ability of pathogenic viruses, the bird species, age, housing conditions. Initial symptoms include loss of appetite, reduction in water intake and death of a few individuals. Later on, or otherwise abrupt or without previous symptoms may also high mortality. The disease can be a sign of decline in egg production or weight gain as well.
It is essential that farmers strictly adhere to the overall disease control rules and notify their veterinarian or the veterinary authority if any symptoms seen their stock.
The possible consequences of the disease and more information on the NÉBIH website .
Director of Animal Health and Animal Welfare
Given the migratory bird flyways (see below), and the generally south and west fall migration, countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa need to be on the alert for the potential arrival of HPAI H5N8 this fall and winter.
