After an eight-month respite, the threat of bird flu has returned to the Czech Republic, with a new outbreak reported among poultry in the Upper Slověnice region of České Budějovice. Veterinary testing conducted at the Prague State Veterinary Institute has confirmed the presence of the disease, specifically identifying the H5N1 strain. While no restricted areas will be designated around the affected poultry farm, this development raises concerns about the potential spread of the virus.

The State Veterinary Administration spokesperson, Petr Vorlíček, revealed that the farmer from Upper Slověnice reported the death of ten out of thirty hens. The hens were exhibiting clinical signs of the disease, including a decrease in egg-laying, during the inspection. Notably, the farmer’s coop with a run ensures no direct contact with wild birds, although the region is home to numerous ponds inhabited by wild ducks.

As a precautionary measure, the remaining poultry on the affected farm will be culled and the area disinfected by a professional company. In contrast to previous outbreaks, the regional veterinary administration will not establish closed zones around the affected farm, leveraging a recent change in European legislation. This decision is justified by the minimal risk of infection spread, given that the farmer does not market poultry or its products.

Zbyněk Semerád, the central director of the State Veterinary Administration, emphasized that the affected small poultry farm qualifies for an exception due to specific conditions. Notably, the farmer’s lack of involvement in marketing poultry or its products minimizes the risk of infection transmission.

Veterinarians underscore the importance of preventive measures against bird flu, emphasizing the necessity of keeping poultry in closed facilities to prevent contact with wild birds. For farms where securing a closed facility is challenging, implementing measures to minimize the risks of water, feed, and litter contamination by the feces of wild birds becomes imperative. This recent outbreak reiterates the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to biosecurity measures in the poultry industry.

Article by Prague Forum