it.euronews.com
Austria declares avian influenza risk zone
Avian influenza outbreak in Austria prompts nationwide alert and strict measures.
Italian
United States
HealthPublic HealthAustriaOutbreakAvian InfluenzaAnimal Disease
Austrian Ministry Of HealthAustrian ArmyEuropean Centre For Disease Prevention And ControlEuropean Food Safety Authority
Susanne Rosenkranz
- What is the main issue described in the article?
- Austria has declared a nationwide avian influenza risk zone due to a recent outbreak affecting approximately 200,000 birds across multiple farms. New measures, including keeping poultry indoors and banning outdoor feeding, are in effect.
- Where did the avian influenza outbreak begin in Austria?
- The outbreak initially started in Amstetten, Lower Austria, resulting in the culling of nearly 18,000 birds. The Austrian army is assisting with cleanup and decontamination efforts in the affected area.
- What are the risks and dangers associated with avian influenza?
- Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting poultry and wild waterfowl. While transmission to humans is rare, the highly pathogenic strain can be lethal to poultry.
- What measures are being implemented to control the spread of the virus?
- The risk is significantly elevated in 25 districts across several Austrian states, requiring farms with over 50 birds to keep their poultry indoors. Outdoor feeding is banned nationwide to prevent further spread.
- When were the first cases of avian influenza detected in Austria, and what might have contributed to the outbreak?
- Authorities are still investigating the source of the initial infections, which were first detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in September, around the time of catastrophic flooding in Lower Austria. The EU has warned of increased risk after summer bird migrations.