First case of bird flu in wild birds confirmed

After the first case of bird flu in domestic poultry in Montenegro, the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has now also been confirmed in wild birds in Nikšić, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro announced.

As they explained, the carcass of a Eurasian magpie was found in Kočani, in the municipality of Nikšić, near a farm where the disease had already been confirmed in domestic poultry.

- Following a report from local residents, the competent veterinary clinic in Nikšić went to the site and, in accordance with prescribed protective measures, collected the magpie carcass and delivered it to the Specialist Veterinary Laboratory Podgorica for testing - the statement said.

The Ministry noted that the virus in wild birds was first confirmed in Montenegro in 2022, when dead Dalmatian pelican were found in the Pančeva oka reserve within Skadar Lake National Park. Since then, there had been no new cases until now.

- We emphasize that wild birds are the main reservoir of this virus, so biosecurity measures that include preventing contact between domestic and wild birds are crucial for protecting poultry - the Ministry stressed.

The Ministry called on all poultry keepers to report any change in the health status of poultry or other birds on their farms, as well as any increased mortality, to the competent veterinary clinic or veterinary inspector.

- To prevent the spread and suppress the disease, it is also mandatory to report any discovered carcasses of wild birds - the statement said.

The Ministry also announced that during yesterday there was suspicion of infection among domestic poultry at two farms in the municipality of Nikšić and at one farm in the municipality of Bijelo Polje.

- After the testing results are obtained, the public will be informed in a timely manner - the Ministry concluded.