Avian influenza alarm: Saale-Orla district under strict conditions!

Avian influenza alarm: Saale-Orla district under strict conditions!

Avian influenza has broken out in the Greiz district in Thuringia, and the alarming news is now also affecting the Saale-Orla district. The veterinary office in this region is forced to issue a general decree in order to get the situation under control. As of today, specific protective measures apply, including the definition of exclusion zones with a radius of three kilometers as a protection zone and ten kilometers as a surveillance zone around the affected company. This decision is necessary in order to contain the health risks to poultry flocks and the further spread of the virus Thuringia24 reported.

Several communities within the monitoring zone are particularly affected: Mittelpöllnitz, Tömmelsdorf and parts of Dittersdorf, Geroda, Lemnitz, Moßbach, Tegau and Triptis. Keepers of poultry and other birds in these areas are now required to report their populations and carry out daily clinical examinations of their animals. The movement and release of birds to increase the wild bird population is also strictly prohibited in order to minimize the risk of transmission.

What is avian influenza?

But what exactly is avian influenza? Highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease caused by viruses that causes severe symptoms and often death, especially in chickens and turkeys. This disease is divided into two main variants: low pathogenic (LPAIV) and highly pathogenic (HPAIV) forms. Particularly critical are the highly pathogenic subtypes, such as H5N1 currently detected in the Greiz district, which can cause high loss rates in poultry flocks. How Social Thuringia explains, wild waterbirds are the natural reservoir hosts of these viruses, which makes monitoring wild bird populations so important.

The current situation is not new, as epidemics occurred in the summer of 2022 and continued to spread in 2023 due to the significant persistence of the viruses in wild birds. These developments lead to a high risk of transmission to domestic poultry and can cause massive economic damage, which is why the control of this animal disease is mandatory by the state.

Preventive measures and outlook

While poultry farmers are now called upon to take all necessary precautions, organizing reports of dead animals is another important point. Citizens are asked to report dead wild waterfowl or birds of prey. The collection and sampling of such animals is organized to quickly identify and investigate potential infections, which is supported by the information from FLI is supported.

In conclusion, it can be said that the current avian influenza situation in Thuringia is worrying, but can be brought under control through consistent measures and reporting. Cooperation between farmers, authorities and the public will be crucial to stop the spread of this dangerous virus and protect livestock populations.