Avian fluNew case of H5N1 virus detected in Luxembourg

For some time now, cases of avian influenza have been multiplying in black-headed gull colonies in various parts of Europe. However, the risk of a large-scale spread of the epizootic is currently low as the wild birds are in the middle of their breeding season and are therefore staying in a specific area.

Nevertheless, the risk of transmission of avian influenza to domestic poultry in these nesting areas is high.

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) therefore strongly recommends that farms keeping poultry in the canton of Remich comply with the following preventive measures:

• Biosecurity rules must be scrupulously observed
• Feeding and watering must take place in premises that are inaccessible to wild birds
• It is advised to protect poultry exit areas with nets to prevent any contact with wild birds
• An unusually high number of cases of disease or deaths, a drop in egg-laying performance, or a reduction in food and water consumption should be reported to a veterinarian;
• All poultry imports must be covered by a health certificate (TRACES) issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin. This requirement also applies to the purchase of poultry at a market.

All poultry keepers must register their establishment with the ALVA.