H5N8 bird flu present in Kosovo, eliminate birds in 5 cities' farms

Through a report to the media, AWA has suggested that birds have been eliminated on five farms in four cities.

Food and Veterinary Agency after conducting diagnostic research on suspicious farms. Tested specimens of the Food and Veterinary Laboratory have detected the presence of Avian Influence A Subtypeisation H5 and N8 (H5N8 bird fluke). The test was performed on the original Strishos (pul) method Real Time- PCR. The National Crisis Staff is working to coordinate operations on the ground, prevent and combat the disease. Birds have been eliminated on 5 family economies' farms in four different cities, and 2 other farms are being diagnosed and which are being kept in isolation”, said the AUV50 report. /Gazza Express

Full announcement:

In the analysis conducted at the Food and Veterinary Laboratory, it has proved that our country has witnessed the H5N8 Epix of Caves.

Food and Veterinary Agency after conducting diagnostic research on suspicious farms. Tested specimens of the Food and Veterinary Laboratory have detected the presence of Avian Influence A Subtypeisation H5 and N8 (H5N8 bird fluke). The test was performed on the original Strishos (pul) method Real Time- PCR. The National Crisis Staff is working to coordinate operations on the ground, prevent and combat the disease. Birds have been eliminated on 5 farms of family economies in four different cities, and 2 other farms are being diagnosed and kept in isolation.

According to WHO, H5N8 is a subspecies of the A flu virus (or, bird flu). which is too deadly for wild birds and birds. H5N8 usually does not infect people; however, seven persons in Russia were found infected in 2021, they were poultry farm workers who participated in a response operation to prevent a bird flu outbreak A (H5N8). The cases remained asmptomatic for the duration of the survey (some weeks). The following nazofaringeal strains gathered during the period of medical surveillance and were tested negatively for bird flu A (H5N8). In this case, no visible clinical manifestation was reported by any farm worker under medical supervision, members of their family, or other close contacts of seven cases.

Bird flu mainly spreads from direct contact between infected and healthy birds. It can also be transmitted when birds come in contact with equipment or materials (including water and animal food) that have been contaminated with waste or secretions from the nose or mouth of infected birds. People can also spread indirect disease from farm to farm by carrying the virus in their clothing, boots, or vehicle wheels. Wild birds can normally hold the virus without becoming ill themselves.

All official AUV veterinarians, along with private veterinary practices, have been mobilised and working on the field to locate the affected farms in which all services are performed, including the annihilation of dead birds and those present at the farm under the supervision of official veterinarians, respecting biosecurity measures. They're monitoring farms placed in isolation. And the launch of research on farms around them in three kilometers perimeter. All action is under way on administrative guidance framework No.24/2005 To combat zoonotic bird disease.