MIDA calls for strengthening of biosecurity for avian influenza

He Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) calls on poultry farmers and the community in general to maintain and strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms, due to recently registered cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds.

Only three cases have been laboratory confirmed, the minister reported in recent days MIDA, Augusto Valderrama.

One of the registered cases was ia pelican found in the archipelago Pearlsanother was discovered in Vacamonte into exotic migratory birds.

The third case is string denunciation chickens who died in calovéborain the border area with the province Colonfor which more than 2500 birds.

In these cases, the agency recommends that if you notice sick or dead birds, you report them National Animal Health Administration by phone 6550-8486 or go to the nearest MIDA regional or agricultural extension agency or by mail [email protected]

In addition, they recommend not moving, touching or handling sick or dead birds, keeping them confined to avoid contact with wild birds, cleaning and disinfecting your equipment and tools, and preventing strangers from entering your farm.

MIDA reiterated that consumption poultry meat and eggsdoes not represent a source of influenza infection.

The Highly pathogenic avian influenza manifests in birds as fever, depression, lack of appetite, sneezing, bloody nose, diarrhoea, purple or bruised swelling of the comb, eyes, chin, ruffled feathers, tremors, weakness, incoordination, shrinkage and reduced egg production, also as eggs with or without soft shell.