Avian influenza: new scientific advice boosts EU preparedness
Migratory wild birds crossing the north-eastern and eastern border of the European Union is the most likely pathway for avian influenza to enter the territory, says EFSA.
Experts assessed the risk of avian influenza entering the EU and reviewed surveillance approaches – which comprise monitoring by Member States and the actions they take to minimise its spread. Their scientific advice is based on a thorough review of all the information on the avian influenza outbreaks that have occurred in recent years.
“This work will enhance the EU’s preparedness for avian influenza outbreaks, just ahead of the peak influenza season in autumn and winter. It would not have been possible without the close cooperation with Member States affected by this epidemic,” said Arjan Stegeman, Chair of the Working group on avian influenza.
One of the main recommendations is that water birds found dead should be reported to the local veterinary authorities – particularly during the influenza season.
Testing farmed water birds – such as ducks and geese – for avian influenza is also important because they can easily come into contact with wild birds and then spread the virus. This can be done by blood analysis of live poultry and by testing for viruses in farmed water birds found dead.
Farmers and poultry keepers should adopt appropriate management measures to increase biosecurity. These include preventing direct contact between wild water birds and poultry (by using nets or keeping poultry indoors during peak influenza season) and avoiding the movement of animals between farms.
International cooperation
EFSA, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the EU reference laboratory on avian influenza and authorities in affected Member States have also published a report on the avian influenza situation in the EU and at global level. The report will be updated quarterly.
Odkazy na vědu
- Avian influenza
- Avian influenza overview October 2016–August 2017
- Risk factors of primary introduction of highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza virus into European poultry holdings, considering at least material contaminated by wild birds and contact with wild birds
- Narrative overview on wild bird migration in the context of highly pathogenic avian influenza incursion into the European Union
- Report about HPAI introduction into Europe, HPAI detection in wild birds and HPAI spread between European holdings in the period 2005-2015
- Data analysis and predictive modelling of HPAI H5 and H7 outbreaks in the EU 2005-2015
- LPAI detection in wild birds and LPAI spread between European holdings in the period 2005-2015
- LPAI detection in wild birds and LPAI spread between European holdings in the period 2005-2015
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