Red alert in the Diepholz district: bird flu is spreading!

Red alert in the Diepholz district: bird flu is spreading!

There is a sense of alarm in the Diepholz district because the bird flu virus has struck again. The virus was detected in several dead cranes, as reported by diepholz.de. However, these findings are preliminary and are still awaiting confirmation from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. As soon as further information is available, it should be shared immediately.

On October 18, 2025, there was an outbreak of avian influenza in a laying hen farm in Stuhr, affecting around 60,000 animals. The district administration then issued a general decree that includes a district-wide obligation for all poultry farms with more than 50 animals. One of the serious consequences was the evacuation of two mobile stables with a total of 1,000 hens, whose animals had to be killed. The situation is forcing the authorities to set up protection and surveillance zones: the protection zone extends over a 3 km radius around the outbreak site, while the surveillance zone covers a 10 km radius. The affected communities are Stuhr, Weyhe, Bassum and the town of Syke, although there is a strict ban on the import and export of birds and fresh poultry meat within these zones.

Prevention measures and behavioral tips

The district has also taken measures to prevent further spread. It is expected that further sick and dead animals could appear throughout the district due to bird migration from northeast to southwest Europe. The district administration recommends not touching dead or sick birds. Finds should be reported immediately by email to buergertelefon@diepholz.de. A citizen telephone has been set up and can be reached by citizens on working days and weekends. The number is 05441 976-2030.

The district considers the risk for people of contracting bird flu to be low. In addition, based on current knowledge, transmission from person to person is not likely. However, both people and pets should keep a respectful distance from dead wild birds.

Overview of the situation in the district

ndr.de increases the risk of further spread.

The situation therefore remains tense and the responsibility lies with the authorities and animal owners to contain the influence of avian influenza and protect the health of humans and animals. Until more information becomes available, precautions are key and citizens are well advised to remain vigilant.