Bird flu on Lake Constance: Red alert for poultry farmers!

Bird flu on Lake Constance: Red alert for poultry farmers!

Bird flu (H5N1) has struck again in the Lake Constance region. Again South Courier reported, the carcass of a mute swan was discovered in Unteruhldingen on October 29th, whose viral infection was confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute on November 10th. This is the first proven case of bird flu in a wild bird in the Lake Constance district.

The veterinary authority warns of a possible spread of the infectious disease. Further cases in waterfowl are expected, which could represent a critical situation, especially for poultry farmers. However, according to the Robert Koch Institute, the risk of transmission to humans can be classified as very low.

Urgent measures for poultry farmers

Given the high risk of infection, poultry farmers are urged to take extensive precautionary measures. This includes preventing contact between wild birds and domestic poultry. Hygiene rules are of the utmost importance. This includes wearing protective clothing, changing footwear, washing hands regularly and storing food and bedding safely to keep wild birds away.

An important point is that poultry farmers should only feed their animals in the stable and only use tap water for watering. Reporting to the veterinary office is also an important step: owners of chickens, ducks, geese and other types of poultry must register if they have not already done so. Contacts are below 07541 204-5177 or by email vet@bodenseekreis.de possible.

Past and outlook

The region has experienced several bird flu outbreaks in the past, most recently in 2021. Environmental conditions and ongoing contact between wild and farmed birds pose a constant risk for the spread of the virus. The virus was identified in a black-backed gull in Friedrichshafen on December 21, 2024, which led to increased caution among all poultry farmers Bodenseekreis.de highlights.

Hobby and commercial poultry farmers are asked to actively monitor their flocks and immediately report any noticeable accumulation of dead birds or illnesses to the veterinary office. Animals and carcasses should not be touched or removed from the site to prevent further spread of the virus.

It remains to be hoped that the necessary measures will take effect and the spread of bird flu can be contained before the situation has serious consequences for poultry farming in the Lake Constance region.