Avian influenza in the Diepholz district: monitoring zone set up!

Avian influenza in the Diepholz district: monitoring zone set up!

Avian influenza is back and is spreading in the Vechta district. As Weser-Kurier reports, the dangerous disease was officially diagnosed in a company. This has far-reaching consequences for neighboring communities, especially in the Diepholz district, where a surveillance zone has been set up.

The new surveillance zone extends over parts of the city of Diepholz and the joint municipality of Barnstorf. Strict measures apply in this area: a ban on keeping all poultry species as well as a ban on the import and export of birds, fresh poultry meat, game birds and eggs. However, pork and beef, which can be traded without restrictions, are excluded. Citizens are still allowed to buy poultry meat in supermarkets.

High danger and recommendations

The Diepholz district warns of a high risk of further outbreaks. The region is particularly vulnerable because it is home to internationally important resting places for cranes, geese and wading birds. In recent days, numerous dead cranes have been discovered in the district. The administration has collected samples to test for the presence of the bird flu virus. Information from Diepholz.de suggests that further sick and dead animals are to be expected due to the migration of birds from northeast to southwest Europe.

The district administration strongly recommends not to touch dead or sick poultry and to report the locations immediately - either by email or via a public telephone set up. The latter is available Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Outside these times, information should also be sent by email in order to register potential sources of infection as quickly as possible.

Avian flu awareness

Fortunately, the health risk to humans is classified as low. According to current knowledge, transmission from person to person is not likely. However, people and pets should stay away from dead wild birds to be on the safe side. This is particularly true given the rapid spread of bird flu in Germany. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer reports an increase in infections in the past two weeks, with cranes also being particularly affected, informs [BR.de](https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/vogelgrippe-2025-die-mehrsten-fragen-and- Answeren,V0XhnZB).

Avian influenza is highly contagious and can be fatal to birds, which is why it is important to report any cases of illness as quickly as possible. Almost all federal states throughout Germany, including Bavaria, are affected. The states are responsible for combating animal diseases, while the federal government should play a coordinating role. A rapid exchange of information and prudent behavior are crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and protect animals. Anyone who sees potentially infected birds should act immediately and inform the authorities.

The general decree on avian influenza as well as important information on movement regulations and application forms for exemptions can be viewed on the Diepholz district homepage. Everyone would do well to find out about the current measures and recommendations and thus make a contribution to containing avian influenza.