The first case of H5N8 Avian Influenza, or as it is otherwise known, bird flu, has been confirmed in Durrës. The news was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, while it is reported that the case has been confirmed in a plant in Durrës that breeds poultry. 

As reported, the tracking of the disease by law enforcement authorities has begun with an in-depth epidemiological investigation after the Ministry of Agriculture received the first alert for the death of chickens. 

Successive analyzes, on different days, in different samples, in different establishments, all over the country, taken during this period, confirmed the laryngotracheal disease found only in two establishments in Durrës. 

As tracking and monitoring continued from the first signaling for each day of testing, a sample was taken on Saturday 19 March 2022, analyzed by the reference laboratory of the Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary, resulting after analysis with the advanced molecular method RT-PCR , in the presence of avian influenza, H5N8. 

The epidemiological investigation so far is reported to speak of an isolated case. The Ministry of Agriculture announces that quarantine has been established, instructed on safety and hygiene measures to be implemented, all measures have been taken to limit the spread of this disease by determining the perimeter of the area from which the movement of poultry, products and by-products is prohibited. 

Authorities suggest that chicken be cooked to temperatures above 70 ° C and that the eggs be well-cooked as well. Complete cooking of meat and eggs ensures the inability of the virus to be present in raw products entering the food chain. 

"There is no epidemiological evidence that this virus can be transmitted to humans through food (birds and eggs). The virus is sensitive to heat and disinfectants as well, so good hygiene practices (surface disinfection) and personal hygiene (handwashing) help control the risk. Through the National Food Authority, we inform consumers that foods of poultry origin on the market are within traceability standards and have been verified by our inspectors, who are re-inspecting every trader, poultry processor in the field for full traceability compliance," it is announced. 

Just a week ago, over 500.000 chickens died in a farm in Durres, but Ministry said that this did not happened due to the bird flu, but other viruses.