Bird flu alarm in Donau-Ries: First cases among wild birds!

Bird flu alarm in Donau-Ries: First cases among wild birds!

The situation surrounding highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has worsened significantly in Europe in recent weeks. Since September 2025, many countries, including Germany, have recorded a worrying increase in HPAI cases in wild birds and kept animals. In Bavaria in particular, the situation is considered critical, as the current bird migration could further promote the spread of the virus. This reports donau-ries-aktuell.de.

Several suspected cases of wild birds have already been identified in the Donau-Ries district, and eleven outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in Upper Bavaria. Conclusion: Poultry farmers need to be particularly careful. The veterinary office is closely monitoring the epidemic situation, but has not currently imposed a nationwide obligation to keep animals in stables. As the risk assessment is still considered high, specific biosecurity measures are required by law to prevent entry into domestic poultry. These include, among other things, hygiene measures such as prohibiting people from outside the company from entering poultry flocks and using the company's own clothing.

Biosecurity measures for poultry farmers

What can poultry farmers do specifically? The recommendations are clear and include:

• Kein Betreten von Geflügelbeständen durch betriebsfremde Personen.
• Betreuung nur in betriebseigener Kleidung und unter Einhaltung strenger Hygienemaßnahmen.
• Eine ausreichende Lagerung von Futter und Einstreu, um den Zugriff durch wildlebende Vögel zu verhindern.
• Wildgeflügel nicht füttern und konsequent gegen Schadnager vorgehen.

The experts also recommend regularly consulting the University of Vechta’s “AI risk light” to check your own biosecurity status.

In parallel, the CDC has issued recommendations for protection against HPAI A(H5N1), which aim to avoid exposure as much as possible. In addition to the use of personal protective equipment, testing and antiviral treatments for exposed people were also recommended. In recent years, human infections caused by H5N1 have become rare, but the risk of unprotected contact has increased. Severe courses of the disease cannot be ruled out, which is why everyone involved in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine should be particularly vigilant. This raises the CDC out.

Current situation in Austria and Europe

The situation in Austria reflects the challenges in Germany. There have been first detections of H5N1 in wild birds since the end of September 2025. The authorities classify the risk of entry into domestic poultry as “medium”. So far, however, there have been no major outbreaks in domestic poultry farms. After a critical phase in autumn 2024, when several large populations were affected, temporary protection and monitoring zones were now required. Biosecurity measures are particularly important to protect domestic stocks as Austria has been defined as an “area of ​​increased risk” for HPAI. More information about this can be found on the website consumerhealth.gv.at to find.

The signs are clear: Although HPAI is currently not widespread in humanity, there have been reports in recent months of sporadic human infections caused by contact with infected poultry and other animals. This shows that both enclosure keepers and wildlife observers are strongly advised to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and to exercise particular caution when handling poultry.