Increased risk of avian influenza

(Photo: Pixabay)

Nébih draws attention to the fact that the milder weather at the end of winter, in February, poses an increased epidemiological risk of avian influenza. The reason for this is that the milder, more rainy weather favors the environmental survival of the virus, so it remains infectious for a longer period. At the same time, during the cold winter period, birds huddled together due to the freezing of our natural waters and the lack of food, which favored the more intensive spread of the disease within the wintering flocks. As the weather has eased, wild birds have dispersed in our country and pose a great risk to our poultry flocks from potentially infected wild birds throughout the country. During this period, it is particularly important to protect poultry flocks and prevent contact between the flock and wild birds – directly or indirectly. Full compliance with disease control measures and adequate protection of feed, litter and drinking water are essential. Closed housing significantly reduces the risk. Vigilance by animal keepers and veterinarians is important, as is rapid sample collection and compliance with the usual protocols in such cases in case of suspicion.

Nébih