After nearly two weeks
Outbreak of avian influenza among gulls in Sulaymaniyah confirmed
NEWSROOM — An outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed as the cause of the recent deaths of gulls at Sulaymaniyah’s Dukan Lake and Raparin’s Little Zap River.
Begard Talabani, the KRG Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, announced in a press conference Wednesday that examinations confirmed the presence of avian influenza, which has the potential to transmit to humans.
Talabani noted that the gulls’ habitats are isolated on islands and there are no nearby poultry farms or close contact with villages. “Necessary precautions have been taken to prevent the disease from spreading further. So far, no human cases have been reported,” Talabani said. “The situation is stabilizing, and the disease is moving towards being controlled.”
Saadi Tayeb, head of Raparin’s Veterinary Department, told 964media, “We have collected 500 dead gulls within our jurisdiction, buried them, treated the area with disinfectants, and restricted access to prevent the disease from spreading to domestic birds and poultry.”
Approximately 15 days ago, a mass die-off of gulls was reported, with thousands dying within a span of three days. “The avian influenza is now under control, and the gulls’ mortality rate has significantly decreased,” Tayeb added.
Dukan Lake and its islands, popular habitats for gulls especially during the hatching season, face an environmental threat due to the outbreak. Authorities have implemented immediate segregation measures to protect healthy wildlife and prevent the spread of the virus.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a type of influenza virus that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. It spreads among birds through direct contact with infected birds, or through contact with surfaces contaminated with their secretions and feces. Certain strains of avian influenza, like H5N1, have been known to cause severe respiratory diseases in humans, though such cases are rare and typically involve direct or close contact with infected birds.
Mass gull deaths in Dukan Lake spark concerns for the bird species
Bird flu outbreak suspected among gulls found dead at Dukan Lake
