Bird flu was fatal for nine swans who were found dead: Zemun Quay marked as hotspot

Photo: Tanjug/Jaroslav Pap

Nine swans, which were found in Beljarica, on the left bank of the Danube, died from bird flu, it has been officially confirmed.

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Veterinary inspectors performed an extraordinary check, took swabs and concluded that the so-called avian influenza was fatal for the birds, Novosti writes.

The Veterinary Administration marked the Liberation Quay in Zemun, where the first infected swan appeared, as a hotspot, and this area has been declared endangered.

As stated, swabs from three dead swans were taken during the control, and the tests indicate the said disease. In addition to birds, humans, pigs, rodents and cats are susceptible to this virus.

"An area within a diameter of three kilometers from the hotspot, the Liberation Quay, has been declared infected," the Veterinary Administration said.

"Within a radius of 10 kilometers, the area is endangered. In order to prevent the spread of the disease, a decision has been made to make an inventory of farms and to inspect poultry. The list will include farms on the outskirts of the infected area. In addition to this, other decisions are made to prevent the spread of the virus."

Members of the association Eko-Pancevacki Rit will continue to appeal on the public company Srbija Sume and the Hunting Association Belgrade, to prevent the hunting of pheasants, ducks and game because they are carriers of the virus. They also said that they will ask Srbija Sume to remove other remains of other swans from Beljarica, because the company manages this area.

The virus that causes avian influenza is transmitted directly and indirectly through wild birds and infected poultry. The virus multiplies in the cells of digestive and respiratory tracts.

Different strains of this virus have caused three pandemics over the past century: the Spanish flu in the early 20th century, the Asian flu in 1957, and the Hong Kong flu in the late 1960s.

The bird flu caused by the H5N8 subtype of the virus is not transmitted to humans, but can cause huge economic damage if it jumps from wild birds to poultry.

(Telegraf.rs)