A case of the H5N1 Avian Influenza, involving a goose, has been detected at the lake of the Athalassa National Forest Park in the Nicosia District, the Veterinary Services said in a press release on Tuesday.
They also advised those visiting the park to avoid approaching, feeding, and coming into close contact with the birds.
The Veterinary Services noted that they are continuing laboratory tests in collaboration with the Community Reference Laboratory to ascertain the pathogenicity of the virus that has been detected and have informed the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
“Poultry farm owners must take all necessary measures to prevent contact between wild or migratory birds and their farmed poultry,” they said.
They also pointed out that Avian Influenza is a viral, contagious disease of birds caused by the Influenza A virus, adding that healthy birds become infected either directly, through direct contact with infected or other sick birds, or indirectly through contaminated objects.
Finally, the Veterinary Services noted that any owner who observes increased morbidity and/or mortality of poultry that raises suspicion of the disease is obliged, under the Animal Health Laws, to immediately inform the Veterinary Officer of the District to which they belong about the suspicion by calling Nicosia District Veterinary Office at 22 805241, Larnaca District Veterinary Office at 24 821275, Famagusta District Veterinary Office at 24 824555, Limassol District Veterinary Office at 25 819512, and Paphos District Veterinary Office at 26 821260.