Bird flu suspected in Plav, preliminary tests negative

There are no newly registered cases of bird flu in Montenegro currently, after dozens of animals died from the disease last week on two small farms in Bijelo Polje and Nikšić. According to unofficial information from the ETV Portal, suspicion of the presence of this virus has also emerged on a farm in Plav. However, preliminary analyses of the samples have shown negative results.

The first cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus type H5N1 were confirmed on March 4, marking the first time it has been detected in domestic poultry. In Bijelo Polje 22 birds died, while in Nikšić 62 died.

As announced last week at a press conference of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, the dead poultry were buried on the farms because, as stated, the terrain met the necessary conditions for that.

Authorities have called on farm owners to report any changes they notice in animals, not to handle infected poultry, and to immediately contact a veterinarian.

According to information from the ETV Portal, the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs is carrying out detailed analyses of samples from farms where there is suspicion of the presence of the virus, in order to respond in a timely manner and prevent its further spread.

According to available data, this disease is currently present in several European countries. In the region, cases have been registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while in the rest of Europe they have also been recorded in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

The Institute of Public Health told „Vijesti“ over the weekend that there have been no confirmed cases of infection in humans so far. People who were in contact with animals infected with the bird flu virus are under health surveillance. According to the Institute of Public Health, one of them is currently undergoing testing.