Compulsory stables for poultry: Threatening virus forces farmers to be careful!

Compulsory stables for poultry: Threatening virus forces farmers to be careful!

Starting tomorrow, all poultry farmers in Jerichower Land will be required to keep their birds in closed stables or under special wild bird protection devices. This decision was made through a new general decree published today in the Official Gazette number 21/2025. The measure is intended to help prevent the spread of bird flu. Comprehensive information for poultry farmers can be found on the district administration website: [www.lkjl.de].

It should be particularly emphasized that all poultry events - be they exhibitions, markets or competitions - are temporarily prohibited. The association of poultry farmers has already sounded the alarm and is calling on politicians to make stables mandatory across the country. “It is up to us to protect the animals and prevent the virus from spreading,” emphasizes Georg Heitlinger from the Baden-Württemberg State Association of the Poultry Industry.

Bird flu background

In Saarland, too, a requirement for poultry to be kept in stables was ordered on October 30th and will come into force for four weeks. At least eleven wild birds have already been infected there with bird flu, including the dangerous H5N1 virus. The latest information speaks of 18 additional wild animals that are currently being examined. Violations of this order result in severe fines of up to 30,000 euros. “There is a risk of mass slaughter if the situation cannot be brought under control,” said experts. So far, poultry farmers are worried about the financial risks.

However, bird flu is not only limited to the Jerichower Land or Saarland. The viral health status of poultry flocks across Germany is tense. Estimates from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute show that more than 200,000 animals have had to be killed this fall due to outbreaks of avian influenza. Over two million animals were culled in the winter of 2020/21, and tens of thousands were affected this year alone due to cases of infection on 50 farms.

The relevance for poultry farmers

The situation deepens the worry lines for poultry farmers. In addition to the financial loss suffered, they would also have the opportunity to apply for compensation in the event of proven outbreaks. However, these are currently limited to a maximum of 50 euros per animal, with a request from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the EU to increase this limit to 110 euros.

“The risk of infection for humans is considered to be very low,” the authorities reassure, while clearly focusing on the safety of poultry flocks. Against this background, poultry farmers must act carefully. In the event of sensitive observations, such as sudden illnesses or deaths in wild birds, you should immediately contact the responsible consumer protection office on 03921/949-3900 or by email at veterinaeramt@lkjl.de.

The development remains exciting and serious. It remains to be seen whether the measures will be enough to contain the situation.