H5N1 found in goose at Athalassa park, visitors told to keep away from birds
Cyprus veterinary authorities confirmed bird flu in a goose at the Nicosia park's lake and urged the public to avoid contact with wild birds.
Tests have confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in a goose at the lake in Nicosia's Athalassa park, as reported by the Veterinary Services on Tuesday. People visiting the area are being told to keep their distance from the birds and to stop feeding them.
Laboratories are still working to establish how virulent the strain is, while the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health have been notified.
Owners of domestic poultry are asked to keep their flocks away from wild and migratory birds, especially close to wetlands. Birds should be kept in covered, enclosed spaces, and feeding or watering them outdoors in a way that draws wild birds is not allowed. Water from surface reservoirs that wild birds can reach must not be used.
"Owners must immediately report increased illness or deaths among poultry that could indicate bird flu to their district veterinary office," the Veterinary Services said.
What it means for residents
The detection is a reminder that the virus is circulating among wild birds on the island, so everyday contact with waterfowl carries a small but real risk. Nothing changes for shoppers or restaurant-goers, but anyone keeping chickens or other poultry at home needs to act now.
- Park visitors: keep children away from the lake shore and do not throw bread or other food to geese, ducks or pigeons.
- Backyard poultry keepers: move birds under cover, stop outdoor feeding and watering, and use only water that wild birds cannot reach.
- Report early: a sudden rise in sickness or deaths in a flock should go to the district veterinary office the same day — Nicosia 22 805241, Larnaca 24 821275, Famagusta 24 824555, Limassol 25 819512, Paphos 26 821260.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
