Belgium has seen a sharp increase in the circulation of bird flu in recent weeks, with eight cases detected on poultry farms and one in a hobbyist. Tests on dead and sick wild birds also show that the virus is now much more widespread. Although the risk to people remains low, health authorities warn that the situation requires increased vigilance, Belga reported.
Bird flu tends to circulate more intensively during the winter, in part because migratory birds can carry the virus into the country. An increase in the number of cases among wild birds increases the likelihood of further spread to domestic flocks. Bird flu causes severe disease in birds and can be fatal.
Although bird flu is not considered dangerous to humans, the Belgian Ministry of Health warns that infection in rare cases can allow the virus to change and become more transmissible. Currently, human infections are extremely rare and usually only occur when fluids containing the virus come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms in humans may include fever, sore throat, cough, eye inflammation, and gastrointestinal problems; neurological symptoms are possible in exceptional cases. Anyone experiencing such symptoms after recent contact with a sick or dead bird is advised to contact their GP immediately and mention the exposure.
The Ministry of Health also urges the public to report any sick or dead birds to the influenza hotline or to a bird rescue center, and to avoid touching animals without protective gloves and a face mask. Pets should also be kept away from infected birds.
The latest cases of bird flu in Belgium include cases detected on poultry farms in the provinces of Namur and Limburg. To prevent further spread of the disease, tens of thousands of animals were destroyed, and a protective perimeter was established around the affected farms.
Eggs in Belgium are also becoming more expensive due to the virus. The price paid to farmers for a 62.5-gram free-range brown egg rose to 18.63 cents this week, setting a new record. In addition to the reduced supply caused by bird flu, consumer demand is increasing due to end-of-year celebrations.
(Vijesti.ba/Fena)
