Alarm at Athalassa Park, where a case of bird flu was reported.
It was last Tuesday afternoon when a woman walking in the park noticed the bird behaving strangely. She immediately called the Game and Wildlife Service. After being captured, the goose was taken to an isolated area, where it was euthanized the following day.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Both the person who spotted the bird and three members of the Game Warden Service were placed under quarantine and underwent molecular testing, with negative results.
According to Alpha News, the person who found the bird had already been informed on Friday by the relevant authorities that, based on the test results, the goose had been infected with avian influenza.
However, it was not until today that the Veterinary Services announced the detection of the case.
“On Friday, it was transported to the Veterinary Services, where samples were taken and the identification process began. In this particular case, however, it took a few days to confirm that it was avian influenza and that it was a highly pathogenic subtype of the avian influenza virus. Specifically, the results came back this morning.”
Dimitris Epameinondas – Veterinary Officer / President of the Veterinary Association
READ ALSO: A case of avian flu was detected in a goose at Athalassa Park
The same person who found the bird behaving abnormally last Tuesday found another dead goose today.
“It was transported today so that samples could be collected and the necessary laboratory tests could be conducted.”
Dimitris Epameinondas – Veterinary Officer / President of the Veterinary Association
According to the woman, who visits the park daily, another five or six geese are currently missing. The relevant authorities are conducting on-site visits for further investigation.
Transmission to humans is rare
Transmission of avian influenza to humans, although rare, can occur through secretions. Experts say there is no cause for concern, but they are urging the public not to visit the park at least until Sunday.
“The virus is not expected to be contagious from that point onward. The risk posed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain primarily affects birds. Meat produced from these animals and their eggs poses no risk whatsoever.”
Dimitris Epameinondas – Veterinary Officer / President of the Veterinary Association
The most likely cause of the disease’s resurgence in our country appears to be migratory birds, as there are currently many outbreaks among wild birds in Europe. Poultry farm owners, as well as owners of domestic poultry, are urged to take all necessary measures to prevent their birds from coming into contact with wild birds.
Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou:
