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Thousands of laying hens have had to be destroyed on a farm in the Netherlands following an outbreak of Bird Flu.
The outbreak of H7N9 low pathogenic avian influenza was discovered on a poultry unit in the Hiaure, Friesland, region in the Netherlands. In the end more than 40,000 birds were destroyed to prevent further spread; a 1-kilometer restriction zone was set around the farm to restrict movement.
United Kingdom poultry farmers have been urged to be extra vigilant following the outbreak, by the department of agriculture. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the risk level remains the same, low but heightened, because there are several strains of avian influenza viruses that have been reported in recent months across Europe.
On the Dutch farm about 48,000 hens were destroyed in two production units, the majority of which were in an organic unit. The remainder had access to an outside field. No other poultry units were found in the 1-kilometer restricted zone around the farm.
The department said it wanted to remind all poultry keepers to maintain high standards of biosecurity, remain vigilant and report any suspect clinical signs promptly. In addition, use testing for avian notifiable disease where appropriate for early safeguard.
The latest outbreak in the Netherlands was in laying hens. The department has advised that any important mild clinical signs, such as egg drop, be reported quickly, so testing can take place. The precautions are also applicable in the United States.
Courtesy of agriview.com
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