Bird flu brought to Lithuania by illegal suppliers of poultry

After an epidemiological investigation, the Lithuanian State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) found out the source of the bird flu virus and the cause of the outbreak in the southeast of the country.

Infected birds were brought in by illegal traders. Suppliers did not register or advertise their activities. They sold their goods in the markets of small towns or brought them on pre-order via the Internet without any documents confirming its origin. Some have already been identified. Offenders have been interviewed by VMVT representatives and will be held accountable for their actions.

DIRECTOR of VMVT Darius Remeika said that the success of the fight against the epizootic largely depends on the consciousness of citizens. There are no state borders for the virus: the desire to save money and buy poultry cheaper leads not only to the ruin of a personal farm, but also causes great damage to others. 

it is allowed to purchase young animals only on farms from the list approved by VMVT, reminded Remake. Those owners of private farmsteads who hide the facts of the death of poultry will also be punished in accordance with veterinary legislation.

As of Monday, April 25, 17 epizootic outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) have been registered in Vilnius, Trakai, Shirvinti and Molėtai districts and Elektrenai municipality.

The first outbreak of highly pathogenic influenza in the history of Lithuania occurred in January 2021 in Kaunas. Prior to this, the country claimed to be free from avian influenza.