Highly pathogenic avian influenza found in Belgium

Belgium was considered a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) free country for only a few weeks. But the outbreak in the pet trade is causing new concern.

The H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strain has been detected in birds at a pet shop in the Belgian municipality of Menin. According to the Federal Agency for Food Safety (FAVV) in Brussels, a 3 km radius protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone were set up around the farm last Thursday.

According to the FAVV, despite the outbreak, Belgium maintains HPAI-free status, which is relevant for commercial poultry production as the infection has only been found in poultry. In accordance with the decision of the World Organization for Animal HEALTH (OIE), Belgium has been free from HPAI since August 16, 2021. However, FAVV continued to urge all poultry farmers to exercise caution, avoiding contact between their animals and wild birds as much as possible. Therefore, the agency recommended that all birds be fed and watered indoors.