Attention: Avian influenza in Minden-Lübbecke - cranes severely affected!

Attention: Avian influenza in Minden-Lübbecke - cranes severely affected!

Concern about the health of poultry and wild birds is growing: an outbreak of the highly contagious avian influenza, also known as avian influenza (subtype H5N1), has been confirmed in the Minden-Lübbecke district. On October 27th, a wild crane in Bad Oeynhausen tested positive. Since then, the district has been waiting for feedback on other dead wild birds that are also being tested for H5N1. “The instructions for poultry farmers are based on the results of the investigation,” explains a spokeswoman for the district, “but there are currently no general stable requirements in the Mühlenkreis,” reports nw.de.

The authorities in the neighboring districts of Lower Saxony have already taken precautionary measures. 29 outbreaks have now been recorded in wild birds nationwide, with cranes particularly affected. Due to the increased risk of new outbreaks, experts are calling for strict adherence to biosecurity regulations. Stable requirements can be ordered quickly, which is why poultry farmers should not rest on their laurels. You are well advised to prepare well and adhere to the hygiene regulations.

Biosecurity measures are more important than ever

Anyone who keeps poultry should take particularly high biosecurity measures into account to minimize the risk of infection. Contact between domestic poultry and wild birds should be prevented at all costs. Proper storage of food and bedding to prevent access to wild birds is also a key point. In addition, stables should be protected from unauthorized access. Hygiene plays a major role, which is why it is important to clean and disinfect clothing, shoes, equipment and vehicles regularly. Visitors and employees must strictly adhere to the hygiene regulations and immediately report any suspected cases to the veterinarian, according to the recommendations of the Hessian Farmers' Association.

Not only poultry farms are particularly at risk, but also hobby farmers. In order to avoid damage in the event of an outbreak, they should contact the Animal Diseases Fund immediately so that they can secure a claim for compensation. Dead or sick migratory and resting birds as well as birds of prey should not be touched. Any discoveries must be reported immediately to the veterinary office to ensure a quick response and prevent further spread.

Supraregional developments

The situation is not only getting worse in the Minden-Lübbecke district, the first officially confirmed case of bird flu was also found in a turkey fattening farm in the neighboring Vechta district. Here, some of the approximately 14,600 turkey roosters showed symptoms and a positive rapid test for avian influenza was reported. All affected animals must now be killed to stop the spread. The affected business was temporarily closed. In order to prevent further spread, there are now exclusion zones around the affected stock, which are strictly monitored lomazoma.com reported.

Reports of dead cranes and other wild birds are also increasing in the Diepholz district, where over 140 reports have already been received. Citizens are asked not to touch sick or dead birds and to inform the relevant authorities. During this critical time, it is paramount that everyone involved remains vigilant and implements necessary safety precautions.