Compulsory stables for poultry: Potsdam-Mittelmark in alarm mode!

Compulsory stables for poultry: Potsdam-Mittelmark in alarm mode!

Amid concerns about bird flu, the Potsdam-Mittelmark district has taken new measures: From Wednesday, October 29th, a comprehensive stable requirement for poultry will apply throughout the entire area. This was positively announced by the relevant authority in order to combat the “widespread circulation” of the virus, such as [maz-online.de].

All operators who keep chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks and other poultry species must house their animals in closed coops or special facilities. In addition, poultry exhibitions and markets are now prohibited until further notice. These measures repeal a previous regulation from October 23 that only affected certain areas.

Crane found with bird flu

What is particularly alarming is that a dead crane that died of bird flu was discovered in the Potsdam urban area. This incident is considered the first confirmed case of current avian influenza in the city, as tagesspiegel.de reports. The Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture has therefore issued an order requiring poultry to be kept in stables throughout the city.

The veterinary office will also examine other dead wild birds. There is an increasing risk of infection for domestic poultry and owners are therefore urged to avoid any contact between wild and domestic poultry. Hygiene regulations such as wearing stable clothing must also be observed in order to contain the spread of the virus.

Increased risk for poultry farms

The situation also has an impact in neighboring regions: an outbreak of avian influenza was also reported in the Teltow-Fläming district and the obligation to keep poultry in stables also applies here from October 29th. Brandenburg has been particularly badly affected by the HPAI virus spread in the last few days, which zeit.de provides information about.

In addition, over 1,000 dead cranes have been reported at migratory bird stopovers in this region. This has already resulted in several large poultry farmers having to be culled, including geese and chickens. The risk of infection is high as many affected owners report symptoms such as fatigue and breathing problems in their animals.

Current developments show that the issue of bird flu is not only important locally, but nationwide. The order requiring stables could potentially become a model for other federal states, as an increasing number of infections can also be observed there. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether further measures will be necessary.