County of Bentheim: Compulsory stables for poultry starting tomorrow! This is how the district reacts.

County of Bentheim: Compulsory stables for poultry starting tomorrow! This is how the district reacts.

From tomorrow, October 30, 2025, there will be a stable requirement for poultry farms with more than 50 animals in the Grafschaft Bentheim district. This measure is a response to the increasing cases of avian influenza nationwide and is intended to prevent the virus from being introduced into the flock by wild birds. So far there are no confirmed suspected cases of bird flu in the district, but the veterinary office still rates the risk for commercial poultry as high, especially for free-range laying hens. Therefore, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quails and other poultry species must now be kept in closed stables or in secure, covered runs to protect the animals.

How Regional update reported, poultry exhibitions and similar events are also prohibited in the district. The general order can already be viewed on the district's website and the stable requirement applies until further notice. There are around ten million poultry in the district, which underlines the importance of these measures.

Frequent outbreaks and dangers from wild birds

Why is this regulation so important? The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) pathogen can enter populations via feces or direct contact with wild birds. Since September 2025, 11 HPAI outbreaks have already been registered in Lower Saxony, which have led to the establishment of exclusion zones in several districts. Cranes in particular show central nervous disorders due to the disease, and a cure is not possible in such cases. This makes it all the more important that poultry farmers pay attention and protect their stocks as best as possible.

Avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, is caused by different subtypes of the influenza A virus. There have already been several outbreaks in Germany this year, and the risk of HPAI contamination in poultry farms has been classified as high. Animal disease information for Lower Saxony reports that since September 2025, of over 200 wild birds examined, 20 have tested positive for the disease.

Precautionary measures and advice to citizens

Poultry farmers should therefore exercise particular caution. Important precautions include adherence to biosecurity measures and vigilance for signs of illness such as lack of feeding, apathy or acute death. In case of any abnormalities, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. Animal Health Saxony also emphasizes that walkers should be careful when interacting with wild birds. Dead or sick wild birds should not be touched - instead, the veterinary office should be informed.

Given the current situation, it is of utmost importance that everyone involved, from poultry farmers to citizens, acts vigilantly and responsibly to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Only together can we ensure the health of our poultry flocks and prevent an outbreak.