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In the past year, the bird flu virus caused 29 outbreaks in poultry farms or hobby keepers in our country. According to the Federal Food Agency, no more outbreaks have been counted in our country in a year. Due to the outbreaks, the FASFC had about four million euros in operational costs and almost four million euros in compensation was also awarded by the Sanitary Fund for Animal Disease Control.
ltoBron: BELGIAN
In 2022, the bird flu virus was detected in eighteen commercial poultry farms, once at an animal park and ten times at hobby keepers. “A sad record,” say the FASFC and Agriculture Minister David Clarinval. In addition, 220 wild birds with an infection with the bird flu virus were also found, mainly wild ducks, geese and gulls.
The bird flu virus is a highly contagious viral disease to which all bird species are susceptible. So far there is no scientific indication that the virus would be harmful to humans. Nevertheless, the animals infected with it must be euthanized. In 2022, the outbreaks led to almost four million euros in operational costs for the FASFC. The solidarity fund awarded 3.9 million euros in compensation.
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Measures
Not only Belgium was confronted with outbreaks of avian influenza. Most infections occur in wild birds, which in turn can pose a threat to farmed poultry when the two come into contact. This finding is important because it indicates that the measures taken by the FASFC help to prevent infections and prevent further spread.
Strict biosecurity measures have been in force for many years on commercial poultry farms, and since October 5, 2022, a housekeeping obligation has been imposed. The FASFC strongly advises all hobby keepers of chickens and birds to preventively stretch a net over the run all year round. Keepers should also immediately contact their veterinarian if they notice increased mortality in their animals, or any other symptom of illness.
Hikers who notice a dead wild bird are asked to report it via the free number 0800/99 777.