General information
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (hereinafter – HPAI) is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease affecting various bird species, causing damage to multiple organ systems. HPAI is characterised by a high mortality rate in birds. Infected birds shed the HPAI virus through bodily secretions (saliva, faeces, and mucus). The virus can remain infectious for some time in the environment, including in water, soil, and on surfaces. Poultry usually become infected through contact with infected wild birds, by spending time in contaminated environments, by consuming infected feed, or through contact with contaminated environmental objects, including water.
HPAI affects chickens, gulls, ducks, geese, turkeys, quails, peacocks, pheasants, and ostriches, and more rarely other bird species. HPAI can also infect wild or captive mammals that come into close contact with or have access to the feed of sick wild birds, as well as those that eat sick or dead birds. In some countries (Poland, USA, Canada, France), cases of HPAI have been recorded in cats and dogs, whereas in Latvia, HPAI has been recorded in foxes. Humans can also contract HPAI if they come into contact with an infected animal, its secretions, or a contaminated environment. The risk of infection is higher for people who work professionally with or are otherwise closely involved in activities with infected birds or mammals (wild or domesticated).
Symptoms of HPAI in humans can be similar to those caused by human influenza viruses – high temperature, fever, sore throat, cough, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, red eyes, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the meninges and the brain) may develop.
Set of biosecurity measures to be observed by hunters
1. It is forbidden to wear clothing and footwear used for bird hunting in the following locations:
1) places where agricultural animals are kept;
2) when preparing feed for agricultural animals;
3) when carrying out other activities through which it is possible, directly or indirectly, to transfer infectious disease agents from wild animals to agricultural and domestic animals.
2. After bird hunting, clean soil and dirt from footwear and soles, and wash and disinfect hunting footwear using disinfectants that are effective against the HPAI agent.
3. When processing game birds, ensure that unauthorised persons, wild animals, agricultural animals, and pets cannot access the processing area. After removing the chest and abdominal cavity organs and processing the game, clean and wash the equipment, reusable protective clothing, and the game processing area. If necessary, disinfect the relevant equipment, reusable protective clothing, and the game processing area with disinfectants effective against the HPAI agent.
4. Collect by-products derived from game birds not intended for human consumption (hereinafter – by-products), store them in waterproof equipment (bags, containers, etc.), and transport them to specifically designated locations (e.g., by-product collection containers). If it is not possible to transport them to by-product collection containers, dispose of them by burning or burying them in the ground so that wild animals or pets cannot dig them up. Ensure that unauthorised persons, wild animals, agricultural animals, and pets cannot access the by-products. It is forbidden to feed by-products to agricultural animals.
5. Hunters are advised to follow personal hygiene practices when processing game birds, such as thoroughly washing hands with soap and water. If necessary, wear gloves, a face mask or respirator, and protect the eyes (wear safety goggles). Always heat-treat game bird meat before consumption!
6. If a person develops acute upper respiratory tract symptoms within 14 days of contact with sick or dead birds, cats, dogs, or other mammals, or after contact with the environment in a place where HPAI has been detected or confirmed in birds, they must stay at home, contact a doctor, inform them of the symptoms and the aforementioned infection risk factors, and follow the doctor's instructions.
7. If a hunting dog that has recently participated in bird hunting shows symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract illness, the animal must be shown to a practising veterinarian without delay.
Information on the collection of wild bird carcasses
Municipalities ensure the collection and destruction of stray animals, including wild bird carcasses. People involved in the collection and destruction of dead wild birds must follow safety requirements and protective measures in accordance with the guidance of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC).
Additional information
Additional information on the spread and outbreaks of HPAI can be found:
On the website of the Food and Veterinary Service and on the website of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.