Ministry Announcement: “Avian Flu Detected at an Egg Producer in Konya”
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced the detection of avian flu at an egg production facility in Konya. It stated that “eggs had been destroyed before being made available for consumption.”
According to the ministry, the case was identified in the Meram district of Konya. The infected animals’ eggs were immediately destroyed, and the ministry emphasized, “There is no situation in our country that can be classified as an epidemic.”
In a statement shared on its social media account, the ministry noted that 158 countries reported avian flu cases last year, while 74 have reported cases this year. It highlighted that Turkey’s location along three major bird migration routes and its role as a temporary host for migratory birds increase the risk of cases from Europe entering the country.
“EGGS DESTROYED BEFORE CONSUMPTION”
The ministry provided details of the incident in Meram, explaining that information about deaths in egg-laying poultry had been received on October 31. Veterinary experts from the Provincial Agriculture Directorate immediately inspected the facility, and the area was placed under quarantine.
– Samples taken from the facility were analyzed by experts at the Konya Veterinary Control Institute, which confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza H5N1 (bird flu). In line with World Animal Health Organization (WOAH) principles, a protection and surveillance zone with a 10-kilometer radius around the affected facility was established, and necessary biosecurity measures were implemented in facilities within this zone.
– From the onset of the initial deaths, the movement of live animals, eggs, egg trays, and any potentially contaminated materials from the region was halted. The destruction of identified or at-risk animals, eggs, and feed began immediately.
– Every precaution has been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. The incident in Konya is an isolated case and does not constitute an epidemic in Turkey. Eggs from infected animals were destroyed before reaching the consumer market.
– The ministry assures the public that poultry products already available for consumption pose no threat to human health and can be safely consumed.
Avian Flu Alert in Europe: Spreading Faster Than Last Year
In European Union (EU) countries on the other hand, avian flu continues to raise concerns as it spreads more rapidly compared to 2023. This highly contagious virus has caused the deaths of hundreds of millions of poultry worldwide in recent years. Experts are also focusing on the potential risk of the virus spreading to humans.
Most of the avian flu outbreaks, which have caused significant losses across Europe, are concentrated in the eastern regions of the EU. (SÖZCÜ)
