Bird flu found on the coast: “No danger for people”
Several sick birds from various coastal municipalities have already been brought into the Ostend Bird Sanctuary. This mainly concerns colony animals that breed close to each other, such as gulls, terns and cormorants. In colonies, the highly contagious disease can spread quickly.
Sample research
“Under the supervision of the FASFC and on behalf of the Agency for Nature and Forests, we work with quarantine measures for suspected animals so that the biosafety for humans and animals in the Rehabilitation Center is guaranteed”, says Claude Velter, director of the Rehabilitation Center for Birds and Wild Animals. .
In the meantime, Sciensano confirmed by means of sample research that it is indeed bird flu.
No reason to panic
“There is no reason to panic”, Ostend’s ships Silke Beirens reassures. “The virus is very contagious for (water) birds, but only in very exceptional cases can people become infected. This concerns people who usually have close, repeated and long-term contact with sick animals or their faeces.”
So you can still go for a walk. There is also little to no danger for dogs. “In principle, infection is possible if your dog or cat bites a cadaver, but that will only rarely be sickening,” says the city of Ostend.
Do you find a sick bird? Then you can always take the animal to the Bird Shelter Center (VOC). Use gloves and put the animal in a cardboard box. Are you unable to bring it yourself? Then call 059 80 67 66. Did you find a dead animal? Report it via the free influenza line of the FASFC: 0800 99777.