Cases of bird flu have been reported in the Galician towns of Ares and Xové. The Department of Rural Affairs recently notified the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food through the Veterinary Health Alert Network of the discovery of two cases of avian influenza in wild bird specimens. In the town councils of Ares (A Coruña) and Xobe (Lugo). and confirmed by the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Alguete (Madrid).
These are specimens of Horse-legged Gulls, one of which was found to be clinically symptomatic and the other dead. The birds were transferred to the Wildlife Recovery Center of the Second Vice-President of Oleros and Oberal and the Ministry of Environment, Territories and Housing, where they were sampled for laboratory analysis. tas – Archival image The body was subsequently disposed of in accordance with current regulations. With these two new cases, our community has a total of 12 reported outbreaks in 2023. Equivalent to 11 seagulls and 1 parasitic haystack specimen.
As these outbreaks only affect wild birds, notification of these outbreaks does not imply a change in the health situation related to avian influenza in Galicia. This also does not imply any additional restrictions or measures on the live poultry trade. and derivatives originating from autonomous regions.
favorable risk assessment
It must be remembered that the current national level risk assessment for the emergence of avian influenza remains favourable. Since we are not yet in a period of large influxes of wild migratory birds, they may be virus carriers.
As such, Galicia currently maintains certain health precautions in only seven municipalities in the province of Pontevedra. Among them are the Special Zone of the Cliffs (Cambados, O Grove, A Illa de Arousa, Meaño, Ribadumia, Sanxenxo and Vilanova de Arousa).
However, given the importance of the poultry industry in our communities, it is necessary to continue to implement biosecurity measures on any type of poultry farm. Both commercial and private.
Especially those who aim to avoid contact with wild birds. and increase monitoring for any signs of illness. This condition occurs in both poultry farms and wild birds, and suspicions should be reported to official veterinary authorities.
Keep in mind that the viruses that are circulating do not have significant ability to infect humans. Although as a basic biosecurity principle it is recommended not to handle birds found sick or dead in the wild. and notify official veterinary services of this fact. Cases of bird flu have been reported in the Galician towns of Ares and Xové.