A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, a major poultry producing area that is home to MHP, the largest poultry producer in the country that exports large volumes of poultry to the EU.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) the Ukrainian outbreak, the first in the country for three years, killed 4,856 birds. The rest of the 98,000 strong flock was slaughtered. The OIE said the virus was of serotype H5.
MHP said its operations were not currently threatened by the outbreak. In a statement a spokesman said:
“We take all necessary measures to prevent potential outbreaks at Vinnytsia Poultry Complex located in Vinnytsia region. With regard to the outbreak in Buhakiv village, Vinnytsia region, we closely monitor the decisions of the meeting of the State Extraordinary Anti-Epizootic Commission at Nemyriv District State Administration which will approve the plan for disease elimination, define the anti-epizootic area, protection and monitoring zones.
“It is important to mention that MHP being a leading Ukrainian poultry producer employs one of the most up-to-date quality and biological safety control systems engaging more than two thousand daily control parameters of the entire production chain and finished products.
“We also emphasize that at all MHP Group poultry complexes, health and living condition of birds are constantly checked by State Veterinarian Service and Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
“Avian influenza outbreaks currently do not threaten MHP’s enterprises.
“In any case, MHP will comply with all the legislative regulations and rules for biological safety and monitor the situation and announcements of the Main Department of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Vinnytsia Region.”