Latest news with #Avian
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
One simple task you must do daily to help garden birds in the heatwave
As the UK continues to bask in the heatwave, it's important to remember that birds also need help to keep cool - and there's one simple task we can do to help them Heatwaves in the UK can be a double-edged sword. While it's a welcome relief from the country's notoriously gloomy weather, the soaring temperatures can be a challenging time for both humans and animals alike - especially birds. As they don't have sweat glands, birds rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, which quickly depletes their moisture levels. This is where bird baths become essential, and there's one simple step you can take to ensure they receive the care they need. Just like us, birds love to take a refreshing dip to cool down, and bird baths provide the perfect opportunity for them to do so. Whether it's a wood pigeon, blackbird, starling, robin, or another species, immersing themselves in cold water is an effective way to manage their temperature. As they paddle, splash, and fluff out their feathers, birds can not only cool down but also clean themselves in the process. According to wildlife expert Dominic Couzens, who spoke with the RSPB: "Every bird species has its own 'thermal neutral zone'. This is the range of external temperatures over which its normal rate of metabolic heat production doesn't change.", reports the Express. "Either side of this range, birds can die; however, this does take extreme conditions. An acclimatised, well-hydrated pigeon, for example, can cope with a temperature of 60°C." Yet there's a significant risk associated with bird baths that could be harmful to our feathered friends, but we can lend them a helping wing. The RSPB warns: "If you put out a bird bath, it's best to replace the water daily and make sure you give it a thorough clean once a week. This can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases." Indeed, as the temperature rises in the summer months, bird bath water can become too warm, so it's crucial to regularly refresh it to keep it cool and inviting. Moreover, if birds are using the water for bathing, the contaminated water might pose a health hazard. Birds can carry various diseases and pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which have the potential to infect humans and other animals. Some of the familiar culprits include salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, psittacosis, and Avian influenza.
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Meat traders delighted after South Africa resumes poultry imports from Brazil
The ban on poultry and poultry products due to Avian flu has been lifted by the Department of Agriculture on Monday Image: File The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) on Monday welcomed the formal resolution of the temporary suspension on poultry imports from Brazil. Two weeks ago, the Department of Agriculture partially lifted the ban on imports of poultry and poultry products from Brazil, which was imposed due to an outbreak of Avian flu contained to one state in Brazil. This resolution, confirmed by a directive issued by the Directorate of Animal Health on 4 July 2025, allows for the resumption of imports of poultry meat and products from all Brazilian states, except for specific consignments produced during the defined suspension period. The AMIE also commended both the South African and Brazilian authorities for their constructive engagement in finalising the necessary veterinary certification and import protocols. It said importers may now proceed with new applications for veterinary import permits in line with updated requirements. AMIE CEO, Imameleng Mothebe, said that they were deeply encouraged by the conclusion of this process and extend their appreciation to the Department of Agriculture. 'The reopening of trade with Brazil is vital for ensuring the steady supply of poultry products, particularly mechanically deboned meat (MDM), which plays a critical role in the production of affordable processed meats,' Mothebe said. 'This resolution will help restore stability to the supply chain, ease cost pressures, and support food security for South African consumers.' Mothebe also noted the clear procedural guidance provided by the department and encouraged all importers to comply fully with the new conditions to ensure a smooth and compliant re-entry of product into the market. 'We look forward to continued constructive collaboration with government and trade partners to strengthen South Africa's food system, and to ensure it remains resilient, safe, and accessible to all.' Dipepeneneng Serage, deputy director-general for agricultural production, biosecurity and natural resources management at the Department of Agriculture, said they lifted the suspension ban owing to Brazil having declared free status at the World Organisation for Animal Health. Serage said Brazil had contained the Avian flu and later eradicated the outbreak, which it managed to confine to one State of Rio Grande do Sul. BUSINESS REPORT
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Raw milk and wild birds: How the bird flu strain raising alarm in the US could enter Europe
A strain of bird flu that has jumped from animals to people in the United States could find its way to Europe, EU scientists have warned in a new report. EU-US trade of 'raw milk' products and wild bird movement appear to be the biggest risks, according to the analysis from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Avian influenza has been spreading at higher levels worldwide over the past five years, including in wild birds and poultry farms in Europe. The virus has occasionally jumped from birds into mammals, including foxes, mink, and cats. European officials are also concerned about an H5N1 bird flu outbreak among US dairy cows that spilled to people last year, infecting 70 and killing one. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, and the US strain has not been detected in the EU. But health experts fear that left unchecked, the virus could evolve to the point where it spreads more easily between people, raising the risk of a broader outbreak. 'Avian influenza viruses pose an increasing threat, with the potential to adapt to humans and trigger future pandemics,' Andrea Gervelmeyer, a scientific officer with EFSA's animal health team, told Euronews Health. Related EU keeps racing pigeons tethered as bird flu ruffles feathers That, Gervelmeyer added, is a 'major concern for global health'. For the new report, EFSA analysed all the possible ways the US bird flu strain could make its way into the EU. One risk is that as wild birds migrate in the coming months, they could bring H5N1 with them. The virus might be detected first in key European stopovers such as Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, western parts of Scandinavia, and major wetlands on the coasts of Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. EFSA scientists also scrutinised trade between the EU and US. Related Bird flu cases spreading faster and with greater impacts - report Imports of 'raw' milk, cheese, or other dairy products pose a 'potential risk for virus introduction into the EU,' they said. Raw milk products may be properly labelled or pasteurised, a process that kills bacteria and viruses such as avian influenza. That means dairy exports from parts of the US hit hard by the outbreak could be riskier. Since 2023, the EU has imported 889 tonnes of milk and cream and 10 tonnes of fresh cheese from the US that 'may not have undergone sufficient thermal treatment' to kill the virus, EFSA said. The EU also imports about 20,000 tonnes of beef from the US every year. But strict trade rules and limited presence of the virus in meat mean that while it is theoretically possible the bird flu strain could enter Europe that way, it's not likely, EFSA said. Related Is Europe doing enough to prepare for the potential threat of bird flu to humans? Scientists also do not believe that US exports of chicken, poultry, or bull semen – of which the EU has imported nearly 85,000 kilograms since 2023 – are likely to cause bird flu outbreaks in Europe. However, there is still some 'uncertainty' around data from the US, the agency said, and it will keep monitoring bird flu threats and issue recommendations to keep the US strain from entering the EU. For now, Gervelmeyer said the risk assessment should help to boost 'preparedness measures to protect public health in Europe'.
Euronews
03-07-2025
- Health
- Euronews
How could the bird flu strain raising alarm in the US enter Europe?
A strain of bird flu that has jumped from animals to people in the United States could find its way to Europe, EU scientists have warned in a new report. EU-US trade of 'raw milk' products and wild bird movement appear to be the biggest risks, according to the analysis from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Avian influenza has been spreading at higher levels worldwide over the past five years, including in wild birds and poultry farms in Europe. The virus has occasionally jumped from birds into mammals, including foxes, mink, and cats. European officials are also concerned about an H5N1 bird flu outbreak among US dairy cows that spilled to people last year, infecting 70 and killing one. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, and the US strain has not been detected in the EU. But health experts fear that left unchecked, the virus could evolve to the point where it spreads more easily between people, raising the risk of a broader outbreak. 'Avian influenza viruses pose an increasing threat, with the potential to adapt to humans and trigger future pandemics,' Andrea Gervelmeyer, a scientific officer with EFSA's animal health team, told Euronews Health. That, Gervelmeyer added, is a 'major concern for global health'. For the new report, EFSA analysed all the possible ways the US bird flu strain could make its way into the EU. One risk is that as wild birds migrate in the coming months, they could bring H5N1 with them. The virus might be detected first in key European stopovers such as Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, western parts of Scandinavia, and major wetlands on the coasts of Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. EFSA scientists also scrutinised trade between the EU and US. Imports of 'raw' milk, cheese, or other dairy products pose a 'potential risk for virus introduction into the EU,' they said. Raw milk products may be properly labelled or pasteurised, a process that kills bacteria and viruses such as avian influenza. That means dairy exports from parts of the US hit hard by the outbreak could be riskier. Since 2023, the EU has imported 889 tonnes of milk and cream and 10 tonnes of fresh cheese from the US that 'may not have undergone sufficient thermal treatment' to kill the virus, EFSA said. The EU also imports about 20,000 tonnes of beef from the US every year. But strict trade rules and limited presence of the virus in meat mean that while it is theoretically possible the bird flu strain could enter Europe that way, it's not likely, EFSA said. Scientists also do not believe that US exports of chicken, poultry, or bull semen – of which the EU has imported nearly 85,000 kilograms since 2023 – are likely to cause bird flu outbreaks in Europe. However, there is still some 'uncertainty' around data from the US, the agency said, and it will keep monitoring bird flu threats and issue recommendations to keep the US strain from entering the EU. For now, Gervelmeyer said the risk assessment should help to boost 'preparedness measures to protect public health in Europe'.
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
South Africa's poultry industry takes a proactive step with avian flu vaccination permit
Farming associations have welcomed news that South Africa issued its first permit to integrated poultry producer Astral for the vaccination of poultry against avian flu Image: File picture Farming associations have welcomed the issuing of the first permit to integrated poultry producer Astral Foods for the vaccination of poultry against avian flu. This comes after global outbreaks of Avian flu in America and Brazil. The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, on Tuesday announced that South Africa will embark on its first-ever vaccination campaign for poultry in the coming days as a proactive measure to minimise the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. Francois Rossouw, the CEO of the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), said that granting Astral a permit to vaccinate broiler breeding stock against HPAI was a crucial step forward for the poultry industry. 'From both a veterinary and agricultural perspective, this move strengthens our ability to prevent outbreaks, protect food security, and stabilise the industry economically. Breeding stock forms the foundation of poultry production,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Rossouw added that by vaccinating them, the industry was not only reducing the risk of disease but also avoiding the devastating financial and supply disruptions seen in past outbreaks. 'This decision shows that the department recognises the urgency of proactive disease management and is willing to work with the industry to ensure the continued availability of affordable, locally produced protein for South African families.' Izaak Breitenbach, the CEO of the South African Poultry Association, said that HPAI was a controlled disease managed by the department and therefore, the industry cannot just vaccinate when it wants to, like other diseases. 'Issuing the first permit for vaccination against HPAI to Astral Foods is a historically important event. To date, we could only rely on biosecurity and culling to control the disease, two processes that have proven ineffective against the disease, not only in South Africa but also in Europe and the USA,' he said. Breitenbach added that the issuing of the first permit in this regard was not the end but the beginning of a process to do mass vaccination of all long-living chickens in South Africa to prevent the huge losses the industry suffered in recent years. Dawie Maree, head of FNB Agriculture Marketing and Information, said it was a positive step in the right direction and long overdue. 'It must be noted that it is only long-living birds (breeding flock) that will be vaccinated and not broilers. And it is also for the one strain H5N1 and not H7N1 (the vaccine for the latter is not yet approved),' Maree said. 'But it is good that we can at least start. South Africa and the producers can't afford another devastating outbreak, especially in the breeding flock.' Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, said that this was an encouraging step and follows a lengthy scientific assessment process. 'We all recall the 2023 avian influenza outbreak that resulted in egg shortages and higher prices. We also have a vivid memory of the egg shortages in the U.S. at the start of this year, which were also caused by the widespread avian influenza that affected their breeding stock,' he said. Sihlobo added that South Africa's decision to kickstart the vaccination was a welcome development, and an approach that the country should follow even in the years to come. 'We must ensure that the regulations remain agile so that, if there are outbreaks of new strains in the future, we can register vaccines speedily and effectively, allowing poultry businesses to avoid losses and maintain solid food security conditions.' BUSINESS REPORT
