Bird flu alarm: mandatory stables for poultry farmers in Lower Saxony!

Bird flu alarm: mandatory stables for poultry farmers in Lower Saxony!

Bird flu is currently causing concern in Germany: Strict measures have been taken in several districts, particularly in Lower Saxony and Brandenburg, to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. The Märkisch-Oderland district ordered a stable requirement for commercial poultry farmers. Private owners are initially spared from this. To minimize the risk of infection, all poultry and kept birds must be kept in closed houses or under secure devices, he concluded Top agricultural.

The situation is worrying: infected and dead wild birds have already been found in the Oberhavel and Spree-Neiße districts. This led to all poultry farming in these regions being subject to mandatory housing requirements. Affected poultry flocks in Kremmen even had to be killed in order to limit the spread of the virus. The Teltow-Fläming district is also following suit today and is introducing a stable requirement.

Precautions and symptoms

Avian influenza is spreading early and intensively this autumn, as the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) explains. Several outbreaks were recorded between early September and mid-October, resulting in the precautionary killing of over 500,000 domestic and wild birds. Mecklenburg and Lower Saxony farms are particularly affected. H5N1 is highly contagious in domestic poultry and is usually fatal. Infections often occur through direct or indirect contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl RND.

Poultry farmers – especially hobby breeders – should therefore be careful. Typical symptoms of infection include apathy, refusal to eat, high fever and breathing problems. Particular caution is required: in the event of suspected cases, an immediate report to the veterinary office is required. Severe penalties of up to 30,000 euros can be imposed for violations of the stable requirement.

Outlook and recommendations for action

The stable requirement has already been in effect for up to 30 days in various districts, and events involving poultry are currently prohibited. The districts are responsible for deciding whether and when to introduce stable requirements, which further complicates the situation.

In Saarland and Hamburg, nationwide stable requirements already apply to control the spread of bird flu. It is crucial for poultry farmers to take protective measures such as avoiding direct contact with wild birds, observing hygiene regulations and ensuring that their houses are protected from unauthorized access. The FLI also emphasizes that poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat as long as they are sufficiently heated during preparation.

At a time when bird flu threatens our poultry and agriculture, prudent action is required. Decision-makers are called upon to implement the necessary measures to stop the spread and protect human and animal health.