Our experience in eradication of avian influenza and implementation of biosecurity measures

Abstract

H5N8 subtype of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus was first diagnosed in Serbia at the end of November 2016 in swans from the site of the Special Nature Reserve “Koviljsko-petrovaradinskirit“ (Kovilj – Petrovaradin marshes), near the village of Kovilj in South Bačka district. Shortly after the confirmation of the H5N8 avian influenza (AI) virus in dead swans, the disease was officially reported to OIE. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management made a decision to declare the infected zone on the territory of the settlement of Kovilj. The Department for Epizootiology of the Scientific Veterinary Institute of "Novi Sad" visited and observed swans and other wild birds on the site of marshes every day. Depopulation was performed on all poultry infected with H5N8 virus as well as all poultry in backyards that were in direct contact with diseased swans, in order to suppress and prevent the spread of the disease. By the end of February 2017, the virus was diagnosed in birds in 15 municipalities in 8 districts of Serbia, with a total of 24 outbreaks reported. The highest percentage of positive findings was in swans. During this epizootic of AI, there were no major economic losses in poultry production.