Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in two dead waterfowl

Thus, this year in Latvia, avian influenza has already been detected in three dead wild birds - a swan in Jaungulbene at the end of September and two swans in the Dobele and Aizkraukle regions this week. The virus was also confirmed on a poultry farm in the Ogre region at the end of May.

On October 14, the Lithuanian Food and Veterinary Service reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a large turkey farm in the Kretinga district. Such reports have also come from other European countries.

As emphasized by the FVS, highly pathogenic avian influenza is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease of birds characterized by high mortality. In nature, the virus is spread by wild birds, especially waterfowl, in which the disease may occur without characteristic signs.

Domestic birds can become infected through contact with infected wild birds, their excretions, and droppings. Birds can also become infected by consuming contaminated water, feed, or through objects, including shoes, clothing, and equipment, that have come into contact with the virus.

Given the migration of migratory birds and, consequently, the increased risks of avian influenza, the FVS reminds that biosecurity requirements are mandatory for all poultry keepers. To protect domestic birds from infection, they should be kept, fed, and watered only in enclosed spaces or areas with waterproof roofs and side barriers, preventing access to wild birds.

It is also important to ensure that unauthorized persons cannot access the premises where domestic birds are kept, to use changing clothes and shoes when in contact with birds, and not to water them with water from bodies of water.

The service urges immediate reporting of any suspected cases of disease in domestic birds to a veterinarian or the FVS. Residents are also encouraged to report to the FVS any found dead wild birds, especially waterfowl.