Montenegro has confirmed its first case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in domestic poultry across two farms located in the municipalities of Niksic and Bijelo Polje. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, identified as type H5N1, was confirmed on March 4, 2026, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.
The virus was detected in non-commercial farms where birds were kept in free-range conditions with smaller populations. The Ministry emphasized the seriousness of the situation, as avian influenza is a viral disease that poses a high mortality risk for both domestic and wild birds. The disease spreads through direct contact among birds, contaminated equipment, water, and food, with wild migratory birds serving as the primary source of infection.
Symptoms that may indicate the presence of bird flu include sudden and increased mortality rates among birds, often occurring without prior visible signs of illness. Other general signs of the disease include lethargy, reduced or complete loss of appetite, and ruffled feathers. Respiratory symptoms can manifest as labored or rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. Neurological symptoms may include uncontrolled movements, tremors, head tilting, loss of balance, and paralysis of wings or legs. Additionally, changes in production, such as a decline in egg-laying and shell deformities, may occur.
In light of this outbreak, poultry owners are required to take stringent measures to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. The Ministry advises keeping poultry indoors with netting on windows and covering outdoor cages with wire mesh with openings no larger than 2 cm. Owners should avoid exposing their birds to any domestic animals and ensure that their drinking water is sourced from protected areas, avoiding open sources like ponds or rainwater collection.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of facilities are mandatory after raising poultry, alongside proper disposal of waste materials to prevent contamination. Owners must also limit access to their farms, ensuring that only designated personnel manage the birds, and they should refrain from introducing new birds into existing flocks or purchasing from unverified sources.
In the event of any health changes within their flocks or the discovery of dead wild birds, poultry owners are urged to contact the nearest veterinary clinic or inspector immediately. The disease is currently present in several neighboring countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Spain.
While human infections are rare, the virus can occasionally transmit to people, particularly those who have close contact with infected birds or their excretions. The Ministry has called upon all poultry keepers to report any unusual deaths or health changes in their birds and to adhere strictly to the recommended biosecurity measures.
The Veterinary and Food Safety Administration will provide timely updates regarding further measures to ensure public safety and animal health.
