TRNC Veterinary Office issues "Bird flu" warning

Upon the announcement that "bird flu" cases were detected in two waterfowl enterprises in the south of Cyprus, the Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture issued a series of precautions and warnings.

In the statement made by the department, it was recommended that livestock breeders, especially in the Famagusta region and in residential areas close to wetlands, should keep all poultry indoors.

The Department explained the measures and recommendations as follows:

• Poultry breeders, especially in the Famagusta region and close to wetlands, keep all poultry indoors;
• Taking necessary precautions to prevent poultry from contacting wild birds;
• Feeders and drinkers are in closed areas and out of reach of other animals;
• Continuous cleaning of the henhouses and taking hygiene measures;
• Taking individual precautions such as protective masks and gloves when entering the henhouses and when in contact with animals;
• In particular, avoiding contact of children and other people with poultry;
• Hunters and bird watchers who have contact with wild birds do not come into contact with wild birds found dead, and;
• It is important to notify the Veterinary Department of the high number of deaths observed in both domestic animals and wild birds, at the contact addresses below, without delay, in order to prevent the disease and to stop the transmission.

Communication:

Girne Veterinary Office 8152110

Guzelyurt Veterinary Office 7142925

Famagusta Veterinary Office 3665335

Gecitkale Veterinary Office 3733326

Iskele Veterinary Office 3712575

Vadili Veterinary Office 3977551

Ziyamet Veterinary Office 3812106

Nicosia Veterinary Office 2253751

In the statement made by the department, the questions about bird flu were also answered.

The statement continued:

Bird flu 

Avian Influenza, also known as Chicken Plague, is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease of poultry. The disease is seen in all poultry. Features affect wild waterfowl such as wild goose, mallard, swan, and domestic poultry such as chicken, turkey, duck, goose. It has been reported that mammals such as pigs, horses, tigers, whales and seals are infected.

transmission of the disease

Migratory birds that carry the disease are generally resistant to the disease. Infected wild ducks, wild goose and other migratory birds transmit avian influenza viruses to the environment through feces, saliva, nasal and eye discharges. Pet poultry and other susceptible animals that come into contact with sick animals or come into contact with feed, water and other tools and equipment contaminated by them are infected with this disease. The disease can be transmitted through the digestive, respiratory, skin or eye routes.

Clinical signs in poultry

Symptoms usually appear 2-4 days after the virus enters the body and spreads rapidly in the herd. Animals may have all or some of the clinical symptoms listed below, or some may not be evident.

• Anorexia and severe depression
• breathing difficulties
• Swelling and bruising on the face, comb and beard
• Severe bleeding and bruising in internal organs, skin and subcutaneous tissue
• Diarrhea
• Sudden drop in egg production or production of soft-shelled eggs

Deaths usually occur within 3 days. Animals that live more than two days show nervous symptoms, inability to walk, paralysis and later death. Animals that survive the disease continue to shed virus for at least 10 days.

Source: Yeniduzen