Stricter stable requirements in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district: health protection for poultry!

Stricter stable requirements in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district: health protection for poultry!

In the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, things will be stricter again from Monday, November 3rd, 2025. The authorities have imposed a comprehensive stable requirement for poultry in order to protect the health of the animals. This is in response to the alarming outbreaks of bird flu in neighboring counties as well as the increasing number of dead waterfowl and wild birds in the region. The general order was published on Sunday afternoon and means that poultry farmers must now adhere to strict hygiene regulations. This reports op-online.de.

The decision to introduce mandatory stables is not surprising. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has registered several cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in Germany in recent weeks, particularly in the federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony and Brandenburg. These outbreaks have resulted in the deaths of numerous wild birds, including cranes, and several slaughterhouses have had to preemptively kill animals. Across Germany, over 500,000 domestic and wild birds were killed to contain the virus. RND.de provides further details on this worrying development.

Strict measures and hygiene regulations

The new measures stipulate that poultry farmers must keep their animals in stables - all poultry shows, exchanges and markets are taboo for the time being. This means that animals from the region are not allowed to be brought to such events. In order to prevent the spread of bird flu, comprehensive hygiene requirements must be observed. The entrances and exits to the stables must be secured against unauthorized entry, and every visitor is obliged to wear protective clothing and adhere to strict hygiene regulations. Violations can result in hefty fines, which can amount to up to 30,000 euros.

What does a poultry farmer have to consider? Before selling your animals, they must be tested for the virus. Hobby keepers of poultry are also called upon to monitor their flocks closely and, if there is any suspicion, to immediately inform the veterinary office. Typical symptoms such as apathy, refusal to eat or breathing problems should not be ignored as they could indicate an infection with H5N1. Federal Government.de explains the key points for reporting these symptomatic cases.

Understanding bird flu

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that primarily affects chickens and turkeys. The dangerous H5N1 subtype is particularly contagious and often fatal. Migratory birds play a central role in the spread of the virus and it is advised to avoid contact with wild birds. Pets such as dogs and cats can also become infected, but the risk to humans is low as long as contact with infected animals is avoided.

The situation remains tense as new outbreaks continue to occur and the health of poultry populations is at stake. The counties affected in our region make it clear how important it is to take increased precautions and be vigilant. The health and economic impacts are enormous for poultry farmers. We all hope that these strict measures will help contain the spread of the virus and ensure the welfare of animals in the region.