Avian flu outbreak in Udine chicken farm

An outbreak of Avian influenza has been recorded on a hen farm in the municipality of Fiumicello Villa Vicentina (Udine province). In response, a surveillance zone has been established within a 10-kilometre radius of the infected farm. Poultry must be kept within the surveillance zone under suitable cover to mitigate the risk of contagion. In addition, the public should refrain from picking up or touching live or dead wild birds, keep poultry indoors, and notify the local Veterinary Service (ASUGI) immediately in the event of any sudden abnormalities in mortality or respiratory or other symptoms occurring on the farm. The Avian influenza virus is not commonly transmitted directly from birds to humans. Yet it has caused significant outbreaks on poultry farms, resulting in considerable economic damage to the poultry industry.