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On Wednesday 13 November 2024, Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture issued a statement on the reappearance of avian influenza (bird flu) in Europe.
Following the detection of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Germany, Austria and France, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA; part of the Agriculture Ministry) recalled that the biosecurity measures listed below are now more applicable than ever.
Measures applicable to all poultry keepers
It is mandatory to notify a veterinarian of any symptoms suggestive of avian influenza or any change in production parameters (reduction in feed and/or water consumption, reduction in laying, abnormal mortality).
Biosecurity rules must be strictly observed. Watering and feeding of poultry must be done indoors or protected from contact with wild birds. Moreover, the water served to poultry (for drinking) may not come from surface water. It is recommended to minimise contact between poultry and the environment.
ALVA also recommended preventively protecting poultry with outdoor runs with nets to avoid contact with wild birds as much as possible.
Any importation of poultry must be done under cover of a health certificate (TRACES) issued by an official veterinarian of the country of origin. This obligation also applies when purchasing poultry at a market.
ALVA added that no infections have been detected in the Grand Duchy so far in 2024, neither in poultry farms nor in wild birds. However, it is monitoring the situation closely and may take additional measures at any time.
In case of the discovery of a dead or sick wild bird (goose, duck, swan, raptor), this must be reported to ALVA via tel.: 247-82539 or via email: info@alva.etat.lu.
ALVA recalled that all poultry owners must register their establishment with the authorities (ALVA). It also stressed that the consumption of eggs and poultry meat remains safe for human health.
