Editorial
poultry farming editor
–
–
In Menen, near Kortrijk in West Flanders (Belgium), an infection with the highly pathogenic avian flu virus H5N8 has been detected in hobby animals of a trader.
–
Although these are birds intended for hobby farming, a protection zone with a radius of 3 kilometers and a surveillance zone with a radius of 10 kilometers has been demarcated as of September 2, because more than fifty animals were present at the infected location. The usual restrictive measures are in force in the zones. The zones will be lifted after a negative screening.
The birds present at the dealer were killed and removed in the course of Thursday 2 September.
Severe bird flu season approaching
Because the trader has sold animals in several markets in recent weeks, it is possible that more infections will appear in hobby animals. Nevertheless, the national measures are not made stricter.
This contamination does show that the H5 virus continues to circulate in wild birds, just like in other Member States, according to the Belgian National Poultry Association. “This and the fact that bird migration has yet to get going, it seems almost inevitable that a heavy bird flu season is just around the corner.”
Since it concerns an infection in hobby birds, the free OIE status for HPAI in poultry in Belgium does not change. This does not exclude that trade restrictions may nevertheless arise.
–
–
