Second bird flu case confirmed at Nicosia park — Cyprus Mail

Veterinary services have confirmed a second case of bird flu in a goose at Athalassa Park in Nicosia, Cyprus. The bird died after an infected goose of the same species had previously been found in the same park, Cyprus Mail reports.

Daily checks at the park

Veterinary services employee Dimitris Epaminondas said the park grounds have been inspected daily since Monday. According to him, the disease has a high morbidity rate. He listed respiratory problems and swelling of the head among the symptoms in birds and, in some cases, neurological manifestations, including an unsteady gait.

On Tuesday, veterinary services urged the public to avoid close contact with birds at Athalassa Park after the H5N1 bird flu virus was detected in a goose.

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Four people are tested daily

Four people who had direct contact with the dead birds undergo PCR testing at a hospital every day. All results obtained so far have been negative. They include the person who found the first bird and three forestry department employees who had contact with the animals.

Epaminondas clarified that these people were not placed in quarantine: the procedure is carried out as a precautionary measure. Veterinary services reminded that human infection with bird flu is rare and is usually associated with close unprotected contact with infected birds, poultry or livestock. The virus is also not easily transmitted from person to person.

Owners of poultry and other birds were urged to immediately report increased illness or animal deaths, which may indicate bird flu, to district veterinary services.