Moldovan authorities ask farmers to adopt enhanced biosecurity measures to protect birds from bird flu

Chisinau, 24 Jan. /MOLDPRES/ - Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) together with those of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) had a discussion with owners of farms specialized in poultry breeding and with veterinarians of the territorial subdivisions for food safety to assess the bird flu situation. The main message sent by the authorities is that all those involved in poultry farming should adopt rigorous biosecurity measures in farms.

According to MAIA state secretary Iurie Scripnic, the ministry's goal is to obtain the right to export refrigerated meat, and this requires joint efforts to ensure the safety of the products. "The Ministry is working on the development of the legal framework aligned with community standards and it is important that all actors collaborate in the implementation of policies and standards, in order to strengthen the country's position regarding exports. The next goal we have set is to get the right to export chilled meat to the EU. For this, however, we must be able to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, with a focus on preventing and managing the risk of bird flu," the official said.

According to ANSA, so far, bird flu outbreaks have been identified in wild fauna and in households, without any cases being reported on professional farms. However, the institution claims that it is essential that all poultry farmers adopt biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus. "Strict adherence to safety protocols and immediate reporting of any signs of illness or suspicious deaths are critical aspects in maintaining bird health and preventing the spread of bird flu," the quoted source explains.

Thus, to prevent the occurrence of bird flu, bird breeders (households of the population) are required to undertake a number of biosecurity measures.