Red alert: Bird flu forces Diepholz district to take strict measures!

Red alert: Bird flu forces Diepholz district to take strict measures!

There is currently a red alert in the Diepholz district because bird flu is spreading and leaving a trail of destruction in the bird world. The district administration has therefore imposed a stable requirement for all poultry farmers with more than 50 animals. The measure, which almost completely prohibits free-range farming, will apply from October 28th. This comes due to the recent positive findings of the HPAIV (H5N1) virus in cranes in the region. District Administrator Volker Meyer explains that a comprehensive risk assessment of avian influenza was necessary because there is evidence of contaminated wild birds in the area. Dead cranes infected with the virus were found particularly in Kirchdorf, Wagenfeld and Siedenburg. Reported on this Weser courier that over 500 reports of dead wild birds were received by the citizen hotline.

The extent of the situation cannot be underestimated: 1,300 free-range laying hens had to be killed in Stuhr alone and a total of 37,158 animals in Barnstorf. These are drastic measures being taken to prevent the virus from spreading even further. Hunting down infectious vectors is a key priority, so dog owners are encouraged to keep their dogs on a leash. Through contact with infected feces or dead birds, the four-legged friends could inadvertently spread the virus. The district administration appeals to avoid such contacts in order to get the spread even better under control.

Background on bird flu

According to information from District newspaper There is no nationwide obligation to set up buildings, as this falls within the competence of the individual districts. However, the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry is calling for such a regulation at the state level in order to better protect the animals. The Ministry of Agriculture sees a very high risk for poultry farming in the current situation, particularly due to contact between wild birds and farmed poultry near resting places.

Bird flu is widespread in Germany all year round, but reaches a new level of infection risk with the autumn bird migration. This reports daily news. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has therefore called for increased protective measures after thousands of cranes and many farm animals died in various federal states. So far, over 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys have been killed to prevent further spread.

The public is urgently asked to report any dead animals found immediately. The district's citizens' hotline can also be reached on public holidays and weekends at 0 54 41 / 9 76 20 30. Fair use of reporting points can help contain the spread. For inquiries there is also the email address: buergertelefon@diepholz.de. Citizens are encouraged to read available information on the district's website and at tierseucheninfo.niedersachsen.de.