Avian Flu Strikes Brescia Turkey Farm, Triggering Mass Cull and Regional Alert
Brescia, Italy – A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has been confirmed at a turkey farm in Seniga, Brescia province, prompting the culling of 34,000 birds as authorities scramble to contain the spread of the virus. The outbreak, detected October 30th, is the latest in a series of concerning cases across Lombardy, raising fears for the region’s notable poultry industry.
The first Lombardy case emerged October 27th on a turkey farm in Cremona, followed by an outbreak at a pheasant farm in Lodi on October 28th.The Seniga farm is now at the center of intensive preventative measures.
Local health authority (ATS) Brescia has implemented strict biosecurity protocols, establishing a 3-kilometer protection zone encompassing the municipalities of Alfianello, Milzano, and Pralboino. A wider surveillance zone extends to farms in Bassano Bresciano, Cigole, Gambara, Gottolengo, Leno, Manerbio, Pavone Del Mella, Pontevico, San Gervasio Bresciano, and Verolanuova.
Brescia is a critical hub for Italian poultry production,housing over 360 farms and nearly 10.4 million birds - approximately half of Lombardy’s total output and 7% of national production. The industry is still reeling from a similar avian flu epidemic in 2017-2018, which resulted in losses of around 10 million euros.
Farmers are urged to prioritize biosecurity measures, closely monitor animal health, and promptly report any suspected symptoms to minimize further economic damage and prevent wider transmission.
