The Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment inform the public about the detection of cases of Avian Influenza in Cyprus.
Avian influenza is a viral, contagious disease of birds caused by the influenza A virus. Healthy birds are infected either directly, through direct contact with other infected or diseased birds, or indirectly through contaminated objects. Avian influenza is usually transmitted from one country to another through migratory birds.
Outbreaks were detected in two private waterfowl collections in Famagusta Province and the premises where the disease occurred have been immediately placed under restriction.
From the first moment of diagnosis, owners of poultry holdings and veterinarians have been informed and attention has been drawn to take strict biosecurity measures to prevent the risk of spreading the virus and to protect organised poultry holdings.
At the same time the Veterinary Services are in contact with the Community Reference Laboratory to send materials to determine the infectivity of the virus that has been identified.
We inform domestic poultry owners that they should confine their birds to enclosed covered areas to avoid direct and indirect contact with wild birds. This is particularly relevant in communities adjacent to wetlands. In addition, the keeping of poultry outdoors, the provision of food and water outdoors is strictly prohibited and the provision and distribution of food in a way that would encourage the opportunity for wild birds to feed on the food left for domestic farmed birds should be avoided. The feeding of poultry with water from surface water tanks to which wild birds have access shall also be prohibited.
Any owner who observes an increased morbidity and/or mortality of poultry which raises suspicion of a case of the disease is obliged, in accordance with the Animal Health Laws, to immediately inform the Provincial Veterinary Officer of the Province to which he belongs or the nearest Police Station of the suspicion by calling the following telephone numbers depending on the Province:
Nicosia District Veterinary Office, tel: 22 805241
Larnaca District Veterinary Office, tel: 24 821275
Famagusta District Veterinary Office, tel: 24 824555
Limassol District Veterinary Office, tel: 24 824555
Limassol District Veterinary Office, tel: 25 819512
Paphos District Veterinary Office, tel: 26 821261
(AK/MX)
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