Czech poultry officially free of bird flu

The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has published on its website that the Czech Republic is officially free of bird flu in poultry as of July 11, 2023, the Czech State Veterinary Administration (SVS) announced in a press release. Obtaining the status is important for freeing up trade in poultry products with countries outside the EU, which limited the import of Czech poultry following the bird flu epidemic in the country.

There were 23 outbreaks of bird flu in Czechia on farms this year between January and May. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns of the constant risk of bird flu in Europe due to the persistent circulation of the virus in wild birds.