A dead Dalmatian pelican in Lake Kerkini of northern Greece tested positive for the aggressive H5N1 strain of avian bird flu, which has killed hundreds of millions of wild and farmed birds throughout the world and raised fears of a new pandemic, the Central Macedonia regional government reported on Thursday.
The virus’s arrival in Kerkini follows the discovery of ten infected Dalmatian pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) in mid-February in Mikri Prespa and Cheimaditida lakes in Florina.
The resurgence of H5N1 in Greece now raises concerns of a repeat of the 2022 crisis when over 1,800 Dalmatian pelicans died from the virus in Mikri Prespa—60% of the local population.
Biosecurity Measures Urged
The Central Macedonia region is now calling for stricter biosecurity measures in poultry farms, including banning birds from staying in areas close to bodies of water- within 2 kilometers to be precise.
In regions where poultry confinement is not mandatory, authorities recommend keeping birds in enclosed or covered spaces at least until mid-May. Additionally, strict guidelines must be followed for handling meat, eggs, and by-products to minimize infection risks.
H5N1’s Spread and Human Infection Risk
The European Union has already stockpiled 600,000 human vaccines against H5N1 as a precaution against a potential pandemic.
Meanwhile, the virus has been spreading for months among dairy cows in the United States, where 70 confirmed human cases have been recorded, including one fatality. H5N1 is also one of the main factors contributing to the soaring prices of egg in the U.S.A.
Vaccination Call for High-Risk Workers
The Central Macedonia region is urging workers in close contact with animals—such as veterinarians, poultry and pig farmers, fur animal breeders, and slaughterhouse workers—to get vaccinated against seasonal flu, according to Ta Nea.
While the seasonal flu vaccine may offer some level of protection, it could also help prevent co-infection with H5N1 and other flu strains, which could potentially lead to the emergence of more aggressive variants.
Greece on High Alert Since October 2024
Bulgaria reported an outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) among poultry, according to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), in October.
Reuters reported at the time that H5N1 was detected in a flock of 7,669 poultry in the Bulgarian village of Maritsa, resulting in the death of 764 birds.
Bulgaria’s veterinary services informed Greek authorities due to the countries’ close geographical and trade connections, and the importance of large bodies of water in northern Greece for Europe’s migratory birds. Since that time, Greece started regular checks at poultry farms.
Globally, the spread of bird flu has put governments on high alert as it impacts not only poultry but, in rare cases, can also transmit to humans.
