Wincrange Egret Found to have Bird Flu

On Thursday 16 February 2023, Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development issued an update on the epidemiological situation concerning Bird Flu.

On 15 February 2023, a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (virus type H5N1) was confirmed in a large egret in the municipality of Wincrange.

Given that the avian influenza virus is widely present in wild birds in the Grand Duchy and in our neighbouring countries, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration has reminded poultry owners that it is imperative to protect domestic poultry against any contact with wild birds.

In order to avoid the spread of this highly pathogenic virus and the appearance of new outbreaks, since December 2022, the following preventive biosecurity measures have been put in place:

- Feeding and drinking must be done in places that are not accessible to wild birds;
- Poultry must be kept in closed premises;
- The poultry can have access to the exit areas provided that the latter are protected by nets, in order to avoid any contact with wild birds;
- Biosecurity rules are to be followed scrupulously;
- Gatherings of poultry (avicole exhibitions) are prohibited;
- Any abnormal poultry mortality must be reported to a veterinarian.

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration tends to insist that all poultry imports must be health certified (TRACES) by an official veterinarian of the country of origin. This obligation is also valid in case of buying poultry at a market.

In case of discovery of a dead or sick wild aquatic bird (goose, duck, swan), it must be reported to the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (tel: 247-82539, e-mail: info@alva.etat.lu).

Depending on the evolution of the disease, the measures may be updated. The consumption of eggs and poultry meat is without risk to public health.