An outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5) has been detected in a poultry farm in Tongeren, Limburg Province, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said in a statement on Thursday.
A 3-kilometre protection zone and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone have been established around the outbreak, the FASFC announced, adding that these areas are partly located in Liège Province.
“In accordance with European and Belgian legislation,” the poultry and birds still present have been euthanised to avoid any risk of spreading the virus, the agency said. It recalled that the avian flu virus has been circulating widely since September among wild birds, greatly increasing the risk of contamination of poultry.
The FASFC is therefore advising people who own birds to protect them as best as possible, although this is no longer mandatory since 14 May 2022.
“As a preventive measure, it is sufficient to cover the henhouse with nets to avoid any contact with wild birds,” the agency explained. “It is still compulsory to feed the animals indoors and to water them preferably under shelter.”
Should Belgian rearers or private owners notice symptoms of the disease in their animals, they should consult a veterinarian, the FASFC stressed.
