Bird flu alarm in the Märkisches Kreis: The population is called upon to be vigilant!

Bird flu alarm in the Märkisches Kreis: The population is called upon to be vigilant!

In Germany, bird flu (avian influenza) is currently making a name for itself and is spreading rapidly. The situation is particularly alarming in North Rhine-Westphalia, where both wild birds and domestic poultry have tested positive. The Märkischer Kreis veterinary office has asked the population and especially poultry farmers to pay greater attention in order to detect and prevent possible infections at an early stage. Although there has not yet been a confirmed case of the highly contagious avian influenza in the Märkischer Kreis, the risk of an “introduction” by migratory birds should not be underestimated. The lokaldirekt.de reports that biosecurity measures are essential to protect the animals.

How exactly should poultry farmers react to the situation? It's quite simple: wherever poultry is kept, be it on a large farm or in the hobby sector, they have to make reports to the veterinary office and the animal disease fund in North Rhine-Westphalia. The veterinary office recommends feeding poultry only in places that are inaccessible to wild birds and not using surface water for drinking. Furthermore, food, bedding and work equipment must not come into contact with wild birds. In the event of unusual animal losses or signs of illness, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately.

Important information for the population

The veterinary office also calls on the population to report dead wild birds, especially waterfowl or birds of prey. If someone finds such an animal, it should not be touched or moved, but contact the veterinary office. The contact details are: Telephone 02351 -966 6551 (Lüdenscheid) or 02351 -966 8730 (Iserlohn), as well as by email at [email protected].

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) currently rates the risk of avian influenza occurring nationwide as “high”. This autumn, several outbreaks have already been detected in North Rhine-Westphalia among wild geese in Essen and Duisburg as well as a crane in the Soest district. Businesses such as a laying hen farm in the Paderborn district and a turkey flock in the Kleve district also suffer from this situation.

Impact on agriculture

The spread of the HPAIV (H5N1) virus also has dramatic consequences for agriculture. In Baden-Württemberg, 15,000 animals have already been culled in a poultry farm. In addition, over 200,000 farm animals were killed in Germany this year due to bird flu. According to current estimates, a total of around 2,000 cranes have died from avian influenza, which illustrates the severity of the situation. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has therefore called for increased protective measures and asked the EU to increase the compensation limit for culled animals from 50 euros to up to 110 euros in order to support farmers.

Bird flu is widespread in Germany all year round, but reaches new levels in autumn with bird migration. However, there is currently no increased risk to human health if you avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds. However, a seasonal flu vaccination is particularly recommended for people who have frequent contact with poultry.

A well-cooked poultry product remains harmless because the virus is sensitive to heat. The appeal to everyone who is active in agriculture or around wild birds is: hygiene and vigilance are the be-all and end-all to contain the spread of bird flu.