Avian influenza kills protected pelican in Lake Kerkini - Measures planned

The dead silver pelican was collected from the southern part of Lake Kerkini near Lithotopos in the Regional Unit of Serres, the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Conception, Medicines and Applications of the Region of Central Macedonia announced in a statement. The case was confirmed yesterday, within the framework of the Avian Influenza epizootiological investigation program.

Measures for bird flu
The Region points out that as other cases have been confirmed in dead silver pelicans in the lakes Mikri Prespa and Heimaditis in Florina, it is necessary to implement biosecurity measures in poultry farms to prevent their infection.

Specifically, the measures provided for in a decision of the Minister of Rural Development and Food provide for the prohibition of keeping poultry (domestic, free-range, organic, etc.) in open spaces in areas of the country that are less than 2 kilometers from wetlands, rivers, lakes and all kinds of water bodies, as well as in unfenced areas throughout the country. In areas of the country where the confinement of poultry is not mandatory, it is recommended that they be kept in closed or covered areas, at least until mid-May. Also, the rules for the safe handling of meat, eggs and derivatives of farmed birds or animals should be observed.

It is recalled that avian influenza is a notifiable infectious viral disease and in cases of increased morbidity or mortality of poultry, their owners are required to immediately inform the veterinary authorities so that the necessary samples can be taken. It is noted that recently, increased cases of transmission of the virus to mammals (e.g. ruminants, mink, felines) have been recorded around the world.

Other services and private entities that come into direct and frequent contact with wild birds (forest officers, hunters, federal game wardens, ornithological organizations, care centers, management agencies, etc.) are invited to inform the relevant veterinary authorities in cases of finding dead or semi-dead birds belonging to high-risk species, or to collect them and deliver them to them, taking into account all the necessary personal protection measures. Finally, it is recommended that professionals who are included in high-risk groups, such as veterinarians, poultry farmers, pig farmers, fur animal breeders, slaughterers, be vaccinated against seasonal influenza, as a measure to reduce the likelihood of recombination and the emergence of a new pandemic strain.