Wild birds can spread avian influenza and domestic fowl should be therefore isolated and kept inside yards, specialists warn. Contacted by IPN for details, Yuri Panarin, chief veterinarian of the Chisinau Zoological Garden, said the infected domestic fowl fight the virus themselves but in 90% of the cases they die in 2-3 months. The birds that do not die remain contagious and continue to pose a threat to other birds nearby.

Yuri Panarin noted infected birds shed bird flu virus through their saliva, mucous and feces. The doves, sparrows, pheasants, peacocks and hens are most susceptible to this virus. These can have neurological symptoms, convulsions, diarrhea and coughing. There are no medicines for treating bird flu, but there are preparations that can strengthen immunity and can prevent infection.

The bird flu virus is not dangerous to humans, but a prudent behavior is nevertheless necessary. “When human influenza and avian influenza interact, the two viruses form new strains that are infectious for humans and for birds too. Such cases occur when a person with flu comes into contact with an infected bird at a poultry farm,” said the veterinarian.

Yuri Panarin also said that no hotbeds of avian influenza have been reported at the Zoological Garden in Chisinau. “All the bird cages are isolated and covered with nets so as to prevent contact with wild birds, such as doves and sparrows. We permanently give medicines that boost immunity to bird and add vitamins and supplements to their food every day.”

According to the National Food Safety Agency, three hotbeds of bird flu were recorded in Moldova in 2022. All the suspect cases and cases of morbidity and mortality among birds should be immediately reported to the veterinarian or the local public authorities.