VMVT warns: irresponsible handling of dead birds threatens disease outbreak

January 23. On 18 January, inspectors of the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVT) arrived in Vadokliai municipality, Panevėžys district, following a tip-off and found discarded poultry carcases. Specialists warn that such irresponsible behaviour poses a real threat of spreading dangerous diseases that can be fatal to both domestic and wild animals, and in some cases even to humans.

In a field near the village of Vainoriai, on the roadside, VMVT inspectors found the discarded carcasses of 15 chickens, one duck and one turkey. They were quickly collected and safely disposed of.

„This behaviour is not only irresponsible but also extremely dangerous. By throwing carcasses into the environment, owners risk spreading infectious diseases that can cause enormous damage to both domestic and wild birds. By leaving dead animals in the open, owners risk causing disease outbreaks that can spread to neighbouring farms and wildlife, and the disposal of carcasses in this way also causes severe environmental pollution," said Žydrūnas Vaišvila, Adviser to the Surveillance Department.

In order to prevent the possible spread of avian influenza, specialists immediately took samples. They were delivered to the National Institute for Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment (NIVRA) in Vilnius on the evening of 27 January.

A comprehensive laboratory test on 28 January showed that the suspicion of avian influenza was not confirmed – the results were negative.

The HMA reminds you that the disposal of carcasses by throwing them on roadsides or in other places not designated for that purpose is strictly prohibited. Owners must immediately inform their veterinarian or contact the State Food and Veterinary Office directly (telephone 1879 or by filling in a questionnaire) if they notice a poultry or animal mortality. Only by reporting the incident to the authorities in good time can the real cause of the mortality be identified and the spread of dangerous pathogens to the environment and other farms be prevented.