Avian influenza in the Greiz district: High alert level for farmers!

Avian influenza in the Greiz district: High alert level for farmers!

In the last few days, the Greiz district has spread alarming news. On October 2nd, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H5N1 subtype was detected in a farm that specializes in free-range waterfowl farming. 138 ducks and 15 geese are affected. The origin of this virus entry is currently being determined. This was reported by TBV Erfurt.

In order to limit the spread of the virus, the veterinary and food control office in Greiz has now initiated animal health measures. A protection area with a radius of at least 3 kilometers has been set up around the affected company. There is also a surveillance zone that covers a radius of at least 10 kilometers. These measures not only affect the Greiz district, but also parts of the Saale-Orla district and the Vogtland district in Saxony.

It's better to be safe than sorry

The affected farms in the regions are called upon to observe all information and instructions from the veterinary authorities and to carefully check their biosecurity measures. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as avian influenza or bird flu, occurs regularly in Germany, primarily due to the H5N1 subtype. This is confirmed by a further analysis by BMELH.

It is interesting that infections with avian influenza viruses have also been detected in dairy cow farms in the USA since 2024. The udders of infected dairy cows seem to be particularly susceptible to the virus. However, the risks for people in Germany are assessed to be extremely low and, in some cases, strict containment measures would be taken immediately.

The situation in Germany

The situation must also be viewed in an international context. In Germany, there were already nine outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) H5 in domestic poultry in January 2024, including in four laying hen farms, four private farms and one turkey fattening herd. Wild birds are also affected, as a recent report of 31 cases of HPAIV H5 shows, with barnacle geese in the Wadden Sea and other bird species in several federal states particularly suffering. The H5N1 subtype was consistently detected in these cases, with the exception of a dead black-backed gull on Heligoland, where H5N5 was identified, as the Friedrich Loeffler Institute informs.

Current developments highlight how important it is for livestock owners to plan ahead and take proactive measures to protect the health of their livestock. Compliance with hygiene and protective measures when handling poultry and wild birds is of great importance. If you have a good handle on this and act early, you can minimize the risks to your own animal husbandry.

Overall, the situation remains tense and local and national authorities are expected to continue to actively monitor to contain the spread of avian influenza.