Latest Animal Disease Events – February 5, 2025
Avian Influenza in Italy and Norway, Crayfish Plague in Croatia
Italy – Avian Influenza (H5N1) & Import Restrictions
Date: February 5, 2025
Affected species: Non-poultry, including wild birds
Significance:
The presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in wild birds poses a potential risk to commercial poultry farms. While in this case not detected in domestic poultry yet, spillover events can occur, leading to trade disruptions and economic losses for poultry producers.
Import Restrictions – Hong Kong Response
In response to avian influenza outbreak, Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has suspended the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the Metropolitan City of Torino with immediate effect to safeguard public health.
According to data from the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported approximately 150 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and 40,000 poultry eggs from Italy in the past year. The CFS is maintaining communication with Italian authorities and will continue monitoring the situation.
Norway – Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Date: February 5, 2025
Affected species: Non-poultry, including wild birds
Significance:
Similar to the situation in Italy, Norway has reported H5N1 in wild birds, increasing concerns about possible transmission to poultry farms. Producers are advised to reinforce biosecurity measures to prevent any spillover that could impact poultry production and trade.
Crayfish Plague (Aphanomyces astaci) – Croatia
Date: February 5, 2025
Affected species: Freshwater crayfish
Significance:
This disease affects freshwater crayfish, with potential consequences for the aquaculture and seafood industries. While it does not impact livestock meat production, it could cause disruptions in crayfish farming and supply chains.
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