Avian influenza : the advice of the EU to avoid the epidemic

ArturVerkhovetskiy/epictura

Published the 16.10.2017 at 17h28

A A

Keywords :

influenza aviaireEFSAsécurité health

Every year it is the same story. During the three months of autumn, France is home to many migratory birds. And in the face of an outbreak of avian influenza. The european Agency for food safety, then, attempts to take the lead. While the migratory season begins, EFSA issues recommendations to member States.

In fact, the report of the past year is mediocre. Between October 2016 and August 2017, thousands of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported in Europe. And France has not been spared. She had to use the crawlspace for the second year in a row in order to get rid of the virus.

Financial benefits

These epidemics are, a priori, without risk to human health, according to the analysis of EFSA. The health agency estimates that a cross-species transmission is very unlikely. And because, in Europe, no cases of avian flu have been reported in humans. The rare cases are reported in Asia in farmers in close contact with the sick birds.

Even in the case of a transmission from birds to man, the scenario of an epidemic remains implausible. As noted by EFSA, the avian viruses are not yet adapted to humans, which limits the possibility of movement between men.

So far, the outbreaks reported in poultry, the French have had repercussions that are catastrophic for the operators. They had to slaughter their animals for preventive purposes and have seen their income fall. To avoid such a catastrophe is therefore necessary.

Increase cooperation

To prevent a new outbreak of avian influenza, the member States of the european Union must learn the lessons of the past, according to the EFSA. That identifies a major risk factor : the migration of birds from the north-east and the east of the continent.

The avian flu cannot be eradicated in wildlife, the health care agency of the european consciousness. But a better vigilance can prevent the disease is transmitted to livestock through them. This is the heart of the strategy suggested by EFSA.

The agency has requested the establishment of a permanent surveillance, and increased, on the part of the member States of the EU. They would have any interest to continue, and even increase, the trade. EFSA recommends that practices should be harmonised, and that the data are systematically collected.

Breeders are also invited to put their. A reporting and analysis systematic of wild birds found dead are necessary. Similarly, the operators should improve the precautionary measures taken to improve biosecurity on their farms. Avoid all direct contact with wild birds, putting up safety nets, or avoiding the movement of animals between several farms are two recommended strategies.