Belgium Carries out Avian Flu Checks

BELGIUM - Since the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in neighbouring Netherlands, UK and Germany, Belgium's federal agency for the food chain (FAVV-AASCA) has carried out nationwide checks on disease control measures aimed to keep the virus out of the country.
calendar icon 11 December 2014
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Over the past three weeks, AFSCA has carried out nationwide checks of measures taken to prevent the introduction of avian influenza in Belgium. In this way, the Agency aims to ensure that these measures are properly applied by the operators of the sectors concerned.

A total of 585 inspections have been carried out in Belgium. The results of these audits are evidence of effective communication about the measures to be applied and a meticulous approach by the professionals.

The inspections were carried out in the sectors concerned. Trucks, and their equipment, which from the Netherlands to Belgium drive must undergo a cleaning and an additional disinfection under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and using approved biocides. Checks on cleaning and disinfection showed full compliance.

  • Slaughterhouses were checked for 355 controls relating to the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles, their equipment and transport crates, without any deficiencies coming to light.
  • 79 professional poultry farms were checked. In all companies the biosecurity measures were properly applied.
  • 58 packing stations were checked. Here are a few minor shortcomings were identified which were already in order.
  • In the 10 controlled feed business, two minor deficiencies were noted with respect to the cleaning and disinfection of the material. These shortcomings were already on order.

The Agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to evaluate and carry out inspections.

Finally, AFSCA reminded all organisations in the poultry industry and its suppliers of their responsibilities to maintain biosecurity measures.

Further Reading

You can visit the Avian Flu page by clicking here.

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