Avian influenza in Neuhardenberg: 2,900 ducks killed! What now?

Avian influenza in Neuhardenberg: 2,900 ducks killed! What now?

In Neuhardenberg, a town in the Märkisch-Oderland district, the authorities reacted alarmingly: Due to an outbreak of avian influenza, around 2,900 ducks were killed today in a breeding farm in accordance with animal welfare standards. This was done on the orders of the veterinary office after an increased animal mortality rate on the farm led to a veterinary examination. The pathogen, the virus subtype H5N1, was detected in the Berlin-Brandenburg state laboratory and confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. Experts warn that such outbreaks are also increasing in other federal states and across Europe, which is making the situation even worse. [Maz-online.de].

Consumer Protection Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) informed about the growing danger posed by the virus, which is increasingly occurring in wild birds and poultry. She strongly advised poultry farmers to review their safety measures and take appropriate precautions. A protection zone with a radius of three kilometers and a surveillance zone with a radius of ten kilometers have been set up around the affected company. These zones are intended to be maintained for at least 30 days and affect a large number of poultry farmers: 27 in the protection zone and 564 in the surveillance zone, including many private farmers.

Protective measures and requirements

The requirements in the zones are strict: poultry must now be protected from possible contamination by wild birds. This means that the animals must either be kept in closed stables or live under protective nets. Daily disinfection measures are also required at entrances and exits to the company. Protective clothing and frequent changes of clothing in the stable are further hygiene measures that owners must follow. In addition, poultry exhibitions and markets with poultry are absolutely prohibited. Violations can result in fines of up to 30,000 euros.

A ban on the movement of chickens, ducks, geese and eggs applies within protected and monitored zones. However, transportation exemptions may be requested to minimize financial losses. The transmission of the avian influenza pathogen from wild birds to breeding animals represents a central problem: in the event of an infection, all animals on a farm are usually killed.

A look at the current situation

As Agrarheute reports, the threat from bird flu has changed in recent years. This now even occurs in summer, especially on the coasts of Germany. Between May and July 2023, thousands of birds died on the North and Baltic Sea coasts, while surviving chicks starved to death in the nests or died from the infection. The situation is serious and experts are concerned about the pronounced virus activity.

Such developments demonstrate the urgency with which poultry farmers and authorities must work together to contain this disease and protect animals. Given the outbreaks and warnings to date, it is essential to stay informed and take preventive measures - as avian influenza continues to be a serious threat, both to farms and wild bird populations.