13.06.2021 – 12:45
Weeks ago, the presence of H5N8 Avian Influenza in Kosovo was confirmed.
The Food and Veterinary Agency had reported that samples tested at the Food and Veterinary Laboratory had detected the presence of Avian Influenza Avian Influenza A Subtyping H5 and N8 (Avian Influenza H5N8).
As a result, about 10 farms have been destroyed so far. This is what the FVA spokesman, Lamir Thaçi, said in a statement for the Telegraph.
“So far there are about 10 farms that have been destroyed, mainly household farms that after sampling have tested positive for H5N8 Avian Influenza,” said Thaçi.
Thaçi has indicated that the Avian Influenza cases that have been confirmed are in most of the municipalities of Kosovo, including Prizren, Rahovec, Skenderaj, Mitrovica, Malisheva and some other municipalities.
He added that inspectors are on the ground locating the affected farms where all services are performed, including the disposal of dead birds and those present on the farm under the supervision of official veterinarians, respecting biosafety measures.
According to the WHO, H5N8 flu is a subtype of influenza A virus (otherwise called bird flu), which is very deadly to wild birds and birds. H5N8 does not usually infect humans.