“The virus remains present in the territory”

Since November 26, 2020, the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus has been detected in two poultry farms in Belgium, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (Afsca) reminds Thursday.

Despite positive developments in contaminated farms, the virus remains present in the territory. To date, “20 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 have been found in wild birds”.

This is why the confinement of poultry and captive birds remains topical, specifies Afsca. And this also for individuals who have only a few chickens. “No relaxation of the measures put in place will be considered as long as the threat of contamination by wild birds remains high. This situation could last until spring 2021. “

According to the measures in force, all poultry and birds must be confined or protected to avoid contact with wild birds, feeding must be done indoors or in such a way as to make contact impossible and it is also forbidden to water poultry and captive birds with water from surface water reservoirs or rainwater accessible to wild birds. Gatherings of poultry and birds are also prohibited, both for professionals and individuals.

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