H5N1 bird flu has appeared in Luxembourg
Nick Fewings, Unsplash
Luxembourg is stepping up sanitary measures in the poultry sector amid a new wave of H5N1 avian influenza infections in wild birds. According to the Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), nine cases have been reported in cranes and one in herons since the end of October.
This situation has forced ALVA to revise its current estimates and to raise the risk of introduction of the virus into households to high. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, as well as through contaminated feed, water and equipment. Small farms and private households, where biosecurity measures may not be strictly enforced, are particularly vulnerable.
The new ALVA measures include:
- Prohibition of exhibitions, fairs and markets involving poultry or ornamental poultry until special order.
- Mandatory confinement of poultry in enclosed areas.
- Feeding and drinking of poultry should take place indoors or under conditions that exclude contact with wild birds.
- Temporary poultry walking is allowed only in areas enclosed by protective nets to prevent contact with wild species.
- Strict adherence to all biosecurity standards, from disinfecting shoes to restricting access to the poultry houses.
Particular attention should be paid to monitoring the condition of the poultry. Any suspicion of a drop in performance, reduced water or feed intake, or increased mortality should be reported to the veterinarian immediately.
Although the H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic and highly infectious to birds, it does not pose a threat to the public in the context of food consumption. Eggs and meat that have undergone proper heat treatment are safe.
Transmission to humans remains extremely rare, possible only through direct contact with infected birds or their remains. In some cases, infection may occur in mammals, including predators that eat infected birds.
