An outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu (H5N1) has been detected in a small poultry house in Lithuania.
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Measures to contain and combat the disease have been initiated in the shelter. Two weeks ago bird flu was also detected in a poultry house in Estonia.
Taking into account the spring migration of migratory birds and the related risks of bird flu, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) calls on Latvian poultry keepers to strictly observe biosecurity and other regulations in order to prevent the introduction of bird flu and other diseases into the premises:
All cases of suspected poultry disease must be reported immediately to a veterinarian or PVD.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease of birds characterized by high mortality.
Reservoirs and distributors of the virus in nature are wild birds, especially waterfowl, which can develop the disease without characteristic symptoms.
Poultry can become infected through contact with infected wild birds, their secretions and faeces. Birds can also be infected with contaminated water, feed or objects (shoes, clothing, equipment) on which the virus has come.
"It should be noted that a bird carcass with the head and internal organs intact is valid for laboratory examination of bird flu, so we invite you to report only such wild birds that have not already been damaged (gnawed, taken away) by animals or other birds," the Food and Veterinary Service said.
The local government is responsible for collecting carcasses of wild birds unsuitable for laboratory examination and cleaning up the surroundings.
In Latvia, the highly pathogenic bird flu has so far only been detected in wild waterfowl. ■
A robust atmospheric river will continue to dump overly abundant moisture across the Pacific Northwest which in turn will keep the threat for excessive rainfall and flooding elevated through Thursday.