Bird flu alarm in the Ruhr area: zoos are taking drastic measures!

Bird flu alarm in the Ruhr area: zoos are taking drastic measures!

Concern about bird flu is spreading more and more in Germany and is particularly affecting poultry farmers and zoo operators. Latest information derwesten.de show that several cases have already occurred in the Ruhr area, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia. For example, a Canada goose in Essen and another in Duisburg tested positive for the virus. This alarming news has led to increased vigilance in cities like Duisburg, particularly at Duisburg Zoo, which is now on alert.

Particular attention is paid to the Witthausbusch in Mülheim, a popular park in the city. The operators of the Arche Park, which is home to numerous species of poultry, reacted quickly and took the animals to protected stables as a precaution. This was communicated on October 25, 2025 via a sign in a Facebook group. “This is a temporary measure,” said the operators, who thank visitors for their understanding and assure that the animals are doing well. The animals receive fresh bedding, enough space, good food and are cared for daily.

Current numbers and spread of bird flu

A look beyond national borders makes the problem clear: across Germany, over 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys have already been killed due to outbreaks. Loud tagesschau.de The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony are particularly affected. In Brandenburg, for example, around 130,000 animals in two poultry farms had to be killed due to the risk of infection.

Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has called for increased protective measures. These measures are intended to help prevent the spread of the virus and prevent damage to agriculture. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has upgraded the risk of further outbreaks to “high” and warns that bird flu is widespread in Germany all year round - but particularly increases in intensity with the autumn bird migration.

Precautions for poultry farmers

Strict hygiene rules apply to poultry farmers. They must register their business with the responsible authority and immediately investigate the causes of loss of animals. Testing for the influenza A virus is required if certain loss limits are exceeded. The bmleh.de informs that protective clothing is essential for people who work with poultry commercially to minimize the spread of the virus. It is also recommended to avoid contact with wild birds, as they can be considered carriers of the virus.

There is currently no increased risk of serious illnesses for the population, but contact with sick or dead birds should be avoided at all costs. The hygiene measures and precautions that apply to poultry farming are extremely important to protect the health of both animals and people and to prevent further outbreaks.