Red alert: Avian influenza threatens the Osterholz district!

Red alert: Avian influenza threatens the Osterholz district!

A serious problem has emerged in Lower Saxony: an outbreak of highly pathogenic influenza A (H5N1) has been detected in wild birds, especially cranes and domestic poultry. The Osterholz district reacted immediately and issued a general animal disease official order to put a stop to avian influenza. This is reported by the Osterholz district website.

Various measures are required to protect poultry farmers. Keepers with more than 50 animals who have to keep their poultry flocks in closed stables are particularly affected. Alternatively, you can also use protective devices with tight covers and side barriers against wild birds. The general order is based on a risk assessment that was carried out as part of the Avian Influenza Ordinance. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has provided a relevant assessment that sheds light on the risk situation in detail.

Special features of the region

The Osterholz district is a permeable area for avian influenza due to its geographical features, particularly the rivers and wetlands that serve as resting places for many wild birds. Around 26,000 cranes currently live in the Teufelsmoor-Wümmeniederung. The risk to poultry farming should therefore not be underestimated. In addition to large owners, smaller farms with fewer than 50 animals are also at risk and must adhere to strict biosecurity measures.

In order to provide the animals with optimal care, even small owners should use special footwear to avoid infections. This is a simple but effective measure that can minimize many potential risks. Further recommendations and information can be found on the district's homepage and under the animal disease information platform.

Infections in mammals

Another issue is the increased inquiries about mammalian infections linked to a mink farm in Spain. The H5N1 virus could have entered mink farming via wild birds. According to one of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute Published study there is evidence that some mutations of the virus that specifically promote virus replication in mammals have been identified. These could indicate an initial adaptation to minks.

However, scientists do not yet agree on the exact mode of transmission. There is a possibility that the virus can be transmitted from animal to animal in minks because these animals are kept at high densities. Stronger surveillance and targeted biosecurity measures are therefore urgently needed to avoid potential further transmission to susceptible mammals.

In summary, it shows that the current situation requires both care and quick action. Both large and small poultry farmers are required to incorporate the new regulations into their daily routine and keep up to date in order to prevent the spread of the virus as best as possible.