Second case of H5N1 avian influenza confirmed at Athalassa Park in Cyprus

Cyprus Veterinary Services have confirmed a second case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain in a goose found dead at the Athalassa National Forest Park. The bird was part of a group of 10-15 geese, some of which remain unaccounted for, leading to concerns regarding their status or potential scavenging by other species. The Department of Forests has been tasked with locating the remaining birds, though authorities have yet to receive a formal report on their whereabouts.

Despite this second confirmed case, the Veterinary Services have stated that there will be no changes to current safety protocols. The public closure of the park is set to conclude, as officials deem the two-week period sufficient to break the virus's transmission cycle. Meanwhile, the Famagusta Gazette reports that tests on 100 additional wild and farmed birds returned negative results, and the 10-day monitoring window for these cases has expired. Previously, reports indicated that five individuals were under observation regarding the outbreak.