#14,637
Last week (see Poland: Several More Farms Reportedly Infected With Avian Flu) we saw the first outbreak of HPAI H5N8 in Poland since the spring of 2017, and since then more farms have been reported to be infected (see OIE Report 1/7/20).
Today, from neighboring Slovakia, we have an announcement from the their Ministry of Agriculture, and an OIE Notification, of an outbreak in a small holding in the western part of that nation.The HPAI H5N8 virus has a proven history of being easily spread by migratory birds, and that means that other countries outside of Poland and Slovakia need to be vigilant and poultry interests need to maintain enhanced biosecurity over the winter (see UK: DEFRA Urges Bird Keepers To Prepare For WInter Avian Flu Threat).
Today's (translated) announcement from the Slovakian MOA, indicates two separate outbreaks; initially in Zbehy and yesterday in Zvolen, about 100 km to the east.
Bird flu has appeared in Slovakia
10-01-2020
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic confirms the occurrence of avian influenza in Slovakia and urges breeders to be cautious. The disease was diagnosed in small poultry poultry in the village of Zbehy, Nitra district. Breeders must be cautious and suspicious cases must be reported immediately to the veterinary report.
“Slovakia is once again facing the threat of being introduced from abroad to small-scale farming. It is imperative that breeders are particularly cautious these days and that suspicious behavior of animals or dead individuals should be immediately reported to the veterinary report, ”said Gabriela Matečná, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic (CIS).
The disease was found in the private breeding of adult poultry (breeders) - domestic fowl in the village of Zbehy, Nitra district. The breeder reported the death of 3 poultry out of a total of 22 individuals. The animals are no longer in the holding and have been disposed of. Subsequently, preliminary cleaning and disinfection of the poultry breeding area took place.
A positive case was diagnosed yesterday by the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza (Avian Influenza) in Zvolen. It is a highly pathogenic subtype H5N8, which was confirmed at the end of 2019 and at the beginning of 2020 also in neighboring Poland.
The Regional Veterinary and Food Administration Nitra (RVPS) proceeds according to the contingency plan in case of the occurrence of avian influenza, in compliance with the current European and Slovak legislation (measures for the control of avian influenza), carries out an epizootiological investigation to identify the source of the disease. The RVPS in Nitra ordered measures aimed at controlling the disease, controlling it and preventing the spread of the disease, in a protection zone of 3 km radius around the outbreak and in an observation zone of 10 km around the outbreak.
Agrorezort calls breeders to be extremely cautious. The holder is obliged to report the disease in accordance with the law. It is also necessary to report suspicion of the disease and the reporting of dead susceptible individuals found in the wild is key to preventing the spread of this disease.
When detecting dead birds, it is important not to touch the carcass and to report this fact to competent personnel.
The veterinarian inspector shall inspect the carcass and assess whether the dead bird is suitable for sampling for testing (the RVPS inspector shall take the sample, pack and arrange for laboratory testing if the material is suitable for testing). The RVPS inspector shall also ensure that the whole body is sent as samples; respectively. harmless removal of carcass on site or removal to rendering plant.
Avian influenza is an infectious disease occurring mainly in domestic fowl, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowls, quails, pigeons, pheasants, prawns, swans, cormorants, seagulls, turtles, starfish, thrushes, swallows, sparrows, but also ostriches or ostriches. . The disease can also be transmitted to other mammals, especially pigs. The main clinical symptoms are loss of shyness, decreased activity and feed intake, affected individuals cluster under a heat source, have fluffy feathers, laying hens more often quieter, laying down. Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, hoarseness, excessive lacrimation, swelling of the head, eyelids, runny nose, and digestive and nervous system disorders also occur.
Recommended prevention:
In poultry farms, it is of particular importance to prevent direct and indirect contact of wild birds, especially waterfowl, with poultry; ensure strict separation of water poultry from others; place newly purchased poultry in premises which have been previously cleaned and disinfected; to feed and water the poultry in the open air in a closed area or under a shelter which sufficiently prevents the arrival of wild birds and prevents the contact of wild birds with feed and water intended for poultry; notify the competent veterinary authority without delay of any clinical signs of avian influenza in poultry or a ban on keeping poultry in farm holdings in home holdings. In humans, it is important not to touch the carcass to find dead birds; use personal protective equipment correctly; observe hygienic habits.
