The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected in Cyprus after a case was identified in a goose found at Athalassa National Forest Park in Nicosia district.
Case detected at Athalassa
The Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said the case involves a goose found at the lake of Athalassa National Forest Park.
Visitors to the park are advised not to approach, feed or come into close contact with birds.
Bird flu is a contagious viral disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. Healthy birds can become infected through direct contact with infected or sick birds, or indirectly through contaminated objects.
Further tests under way
The Veterinary Services are continuing laboratory tests in cooperation with the Community Reference Laboratory to determine the pathogenicity of the virus detected.
The authorities have also notified the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Measures for poultry owners
Poultry farm owners are required to take all necessary measures to prevent wild or migratory birds from coming into contact with their domestic poultry.
Owners of backyard poultry are also advised to keep their birds in enclosed, covered areas to prevent direct or indirect contact with wild birds. This applies particularly to communities near wetlands.
Poultry must not be kept outdoors, while feeding and watering them in outdoor areas is strictly prohibited. Owners should also avoid providing feed in a way that could attract wild birds.
The use of water from surface water reservoirs accessible to wild birds for poultry is also prohibited.
Owners urged to report suspected cases
Anyone who notices increased illness or deaths among poultry that could indicate bird flu is legally required to immediately notify the District Veterinary Officer in their area.
The Veterinary Services provided the following contact numbers:
- Nicosia District Veterinary Office: 22 805241
- Larnaca District Veterinary Office: 24 821275
- Famagusta District Veterinary Office: 24 824555
- Limassol District Veterinary Office: 25 819512
- Paphos District Veterinary Office: 26 821260
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