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Bird flu alarm: Stables are mandatory in seven districts of Saxony-Anhalt!
The article provides information about the current bird flu situation in Saxony-Anhalt, including upcoming measures and stable requirements in seven districts as well as recommendations for poultry farmers.
Bird flu alarm: Stables are mandatory in seven districts of Saxony-Anhalt!
Concerns about bird flu in Saxony-Anhalt are increasing: in seven districts and independent cities, stables were ordered to be compulsory due to an outbreak. Agriculture Minister Sven Schulze emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the constant exchange with the veterinary authorities in the affected areas. This happens especially after the first suspected case in Kelbra, where the first dead birds that died from the H5N1 virus were found at the reservoir. So far, more than 1,500 dead cranes have met their end in the region, posing a serious threat to affected farmers.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the stable requirement applies in the following districts:
- Altmarkkreis Salzwedel
- Landkreis Börde
- Landkreis Harz
- Landkreis Jerichower Land
- Landkreis Mansfeld-Südharz
- Landkreis Stendal
- Magdeburg
In the Mansfeld-Südharz district, tens of thousands of laying hens, around 40,000 animals, are to be killed due to suspected bird flu. The veterinary office has ordered the entire population to be killed in order to prevent the virus from spreading further. Residents are asked not to touch dead birds and to report them to the authorities immediately.
High risks for agriculture
In the background of these developments is the fact that 25 farms in Saxony-Anhalt that keep laying hens outdoors are potentially affected, which includes over 3,000 hen-keeping places. Minister Schulze is demanding reports from the districts as to why some have decided against compulsory stables and has reserved the right to issue any necessary instructions. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture remains on call on holidays and weekends in order to respond quickly.
Bird flu is spreading rapidly throughout Germany, and Minister Schulze is not alone in his worries. Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has announced similar measures in other federal states. In Baden-Württemberg, for example, 15,000 animals in a poultry farm had to be killed due to an outbreak. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has rated the risk of further outbreaks as “high,” and over 200,000 animals have already been culled this fall due to infections.
Protective measures and appeal to citizens
To address the situation, a federal task force is scheduled for November 3, 2025 to discuss coordinated measures. An important point is the urgent recommendation to private poultry farmers to strictly follow the authorities' instructions and avoid contact with wild birds. This is particularly crucial because bird flu is caused by the HPAIV (H5N1) virus and is often fatal for affected animals.
There is currently no increased risk of serious illnesses for the population, but contact with dead wild birds should be avoided as much as possible and any findings reported immediately. Dealing with the situation in a targeted manner and adhering to hygiene rules are important for citizens in order to effectively contain the spread of the virus. Ongoing discussions with professional associations about the necessary steps to contain the virus are also very popular.
In order to prevent the tense conditions in agriculture from further escalating, it is very important for everyone involved to act prudently and wait and see. The situation remains tense and the next few days will show whether the measures taken can bear fruit. For more information on the current situation, read the reports from MWL Saxony-Anhalt, n-tv and daily news.