#13,565
Most of Europe has enjoyed a bird-flu free summer, and what few reports of we've seen have mostly come from H5N6 infected wild birds. Bulgaria, however, has been the exception.
Not only have they reported a smattering of outbreaks in commercial poultry (see here, here, and here), they continue to see HPAI H5N8.While it pales when compared to Russia's summer surge in HPAI H5 (see Brief ESA Report On HPAI H5N2 & H5Nx In Russia), both Bulgaria and Western Russia lie under the migratory flyways that lead from Siberia to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Today Bulgaria's Food Safety Agency is reporting a new outbreak (subtype not identified) in their Plovdiv District.
(Translation)
BVBH found a primary outbreak of the bird flu Influenza in the village of Manolsko Konare, Maritsa municipality, Plovdiv district
05.10.2018
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BNSA) found a primary outbreak of the avian influenza (influenza) disease in a holding farm, located in the village of Manolsko Konare, Maritsa municipality, Plovdiv district. The disease was confirmed by a laboratory test report.
For the control and eradication of the disease, BSAF implemented all measures in accordance with current legislation. Humane killing and destruction of all birds kept on the affected holding is undertaken, followed by cleansing and disinfection. A 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the outbreak of the disease are identified. The movement of birds and their products into and out of the protection and surveillance zones is prohibited. In both areas, the marketing and movement of domestic, wild and other breeding birds and eggs, as well as the displacement of birds for the renewal of the wild game stock, are prohibited. Daily clinical examinations of birds kept in other settlements in the protection zone are performed.
Enhanced surveillance and biosecurity measures in poultry farms as well as in water basins where the wild bird population is heavily concentrated.
NVS reminds that feed should be kept indoors as well as feedstocks - thus avoiding the possibility of wild feathered animals infecting the feed and hence the animals being infected with the virus.
At this stage there are no people affected and there is no danger to consumers. Influenza virus can cause mild respiratory disease. Possible infection can occur when inhaled contaminated farm dust or in direct contact with people with infected birds.
