Avian influenza in Barnim: Housing order in force from tomorrow!

Avian influenza in Barnim: Housing order in force from tomorrow!

The alarm bells are ringing in the Barnim district, Brandenburg: increasing cases of avian influenza have occurred, which is prompting the responsible authorities to take action. How Barnim.de reported, not only cranes tested positive for the virus, but based on the current risk assessment by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), a general animal disease decree was issued. This comes into force on October 26, 2025 and requires all poultry farmers to keep their animals in closed stables or under protective devices.

The decision to impose mandatory stables is no coincidence. The connection between bird migration and waterways in Barnim poses a high risk of virus entry from wild birds. In addition, stricter hygiene regulations apply to feeding, drinking and storing food and litter. Poultry exhibitions, markets and similar events must be suspended until further notice to prevent further spread. Unregistered poultry farms must be reported immediately to the veterinary and food inspection office.

The situation in Lower Saxony

The situation is also getting worse in Lower Saxony. Here, the districts of Cloppenburg and Gifhorn have introduced stable requirements for poultry. The Garrel area is particularly affected, where four outbreaks have already been confirmed in turkey fattening farms since mid-October, affecting over 36,000 animals. Loud Tagesschau.de The Cloppenburg district is in a restricted zone to contain the spread of the virus.

The transmission of the H5N1 virus by wild birds, especially cranes and wild ducks, is increasingly becoming a threat. Nature conservation associations such as BUND and NABU warn against feeding wild birds and ask that sick or dead animals be reported immediately. A walk in the park or by the water should now be chosen carefully, because even pets are affected: dogs should be kept on a leash and shoes should be cleaned after contact with wild birds.

Nationwide measures required

In view of the worsening situation, the Baden-Württemberg State Association of the Poultry Industry is calling for a nationwide requirement for stables. Chairman Georg Heitlinger makes it clear that quick action is now required to stop the spread of the virus and protect the animals. Bird flu is not new in Germany, but it is spreading at an unprecedented rate this year Zeit.de reported.

The FLI has raised the risk assessment to high, while the number of animals killed due to outbreaks is already over 200,000. In order to help poultry farmers, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is applying to the EU to increase the compensation cap for killed animals, which is currently 50 euros. This is to be increased to up to 110 euros, although the regulations vary depending on the federal state.

The situation is more tense than ever and the excitement over avian influenza shows how serious the problem is perceived. So let's stay vigilant and think about the animals that bring us so much joy!