Bird flu shock in Rechlin: mandatory stable and protection zone ordered!

Bird flu shock in Rechlin: mandatory stable and protection zone ordered!

Bird flu has made itself felt again in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. On October 17, 2025, the highly contagious H5N1 virus was detected in a poultry flock in Rechlin. This news not only causes excitement among poultry farmers, but also leads to strict measures in the region that are intended to guarantee protection and safety for the animals, as NDR reports.

The responsible authorities reacted immediately and introduced a stable requirement for all poultry businesses and hobby keepers. There are exceptions for fewer than 50 animals, provided that appropriate protective measures such as nets or roofs against wild birds are in place. In addition, the animals must be fed and watered in the stable or shelter to avoid contact with wild birds. There are around 50 poultry farmers with around 600 animals in a cordoned-off protection zone of three kilometers around Rechlin.

Protective measures in the region

To contain the spread of bird flu, a surveillance zone of ten kilometers was also set up. Owners in this zone are required to immediately inform the veterinary office if they experience symptoms such as reduced egg production. Special hygiene requirements for poultry farmers have also been imposed to minimize potential transmissions. Herds containing more than 5,000 animals must be subject to the stable requirement throughout the entire district. These measures are particularly crucial because bird flu is highly contagious for all poultry species as well as numerous ornamental and wild bird species, as Bauernzeitung emphasizes.

The health risks posed by bird flu are not limited to poultry. People and other mammals can become infected through intensive contact with infected poultry. Indirect infection via the airborne route is possible in cases where there is a lot of dust. Food, on the other hand, is not affected by transmission risks, which is positive news for consumers.

Dead wild birds as an indicator

Additionally alarming are the discoveries of dead cranes on two lakes near Waren and Friedland, which also died from bird flu. Environment Minister Till Backhaus has urged the population not to touch dead or sick wild birds and to immediately report any finds to the veterinary authorities. The ongoing investigation into the flu virus from the dead birds should provide further information in order to prevent wider spread.

The country has recorded several outbreaks of HPAIV H5 in the past. By January 2024, there were nine outbreaks in domestic poultry and numerous cases in wild birds in Germany. The latest information shows that many geese species are affected, especially in the Wadden Sea FLI informs.

At a time when the topic of animal health is becoming more and more important, monitoring the health of animals remains a central concern. Everyone involved is well advised to adhere to the prescribed hygiene and safety regulations in order to protect the health of the animals and the health of people.