H5N1 avian influenza detected at Athalassa Lake in Cyprus

On September 29, 2026, the Veterinary Services of the Cypriot Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment confirmed a case of H5N1 avian influenza in a goose found at Athalassa National Forest Park in Nicosia. The animal was spotted behaving abnormally by a visitor and died the following day. In response, authorities have alerted the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health while conducting laboratory tests to determine the virus's pathogenicity.

Public health officials have advised visitors to Athalassa Park to refrain from approaching or feeding wild birds to prevent further transmission. Furthermore, poultry farmers and owners of backyard chickens are required to keep domestic birds in enclosed, covered areas to avoid contact with migratory or wild species. Poultry owners are also prohibited from providing water from surface reservoirs accessible to wild birds and must report any unusual illness or mortality to district veterinary offices immediately.