Authorities are working hard to ensure that farm birds do not come into contact with wild migratory birds.
Belgium ordered the confinement of poultry throughout the country starting this Monday, after detecting a case of bird flu in a wild duck, thus extending quarantine measures already in force in neighboring countries.
Authorities are working to ensure that farm birds do not come into contact with wild migratory birds, as a way to prevent the H5N1 virus from spreading.
The sick wild duck was found in Schilde, a town on the eastern outskirts of Antwerp, the second largest city in Belgium.
France and the Netherlands have enforced the confinement of poultry for the past three weeks, following outbreaks in their territories.
Belgium’s restrictions require poultry farmers and hobbyists to keep their birds confined and ensure that they do not drink from the water accessible to wild birds.
The public was also urged to notify authorities of any dead birds found.
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“We want to prevent this disease from infecting our poultry and avoid the type of damage that the sector has suffered in the past,” said Agriculture Minister David Clarinval.
The Belgian national food safety agency explained that the “virus that is currently transmitted … is not dangerous for humans.”
He stressed that poultry meat and eggs can still be bought in Belgium.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control noted that the H5N1 virus “has been shown to be capable of being transmitted to humans,” but that such infections from birds were rare. (I)
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