Avian influenza threatens North Rhine-Westphalia: Owners must take precautions!

Avian influenza threatens North Rhine-Westphalia: Owners must take precautions!

The issue of avian influenza has become more explosive in North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond in recent weeks. More and more cases have been reported, such as Lokalklick.eu reported. Not only wild birds such as ducks, wild geese and swans are affected, but also the first animals in poultry farms. What is particularly alarming is the rapid spread of the H5N1 virus, which generates new reports every day gefluegelnews.de is documented.

Poultry farmers should make their preparations in the event of a requirement to keep them in a stable. This currently does not apply to the Recklinghausen district and the city of Herne. But the situation can change quickly and, according to experts, indoor stables may soon be necessary. The first cases within poultry farms are already known, and many districts are recommending that free-range animals be temporarily brought into the stables to protect the animals.

Current situation and protective measures

The spread of avian influenza is now affecting numerous districts in Germany. Significant measures have already been taken to protect the animals, particularly in Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. The Börde district has issued a stable requirement after over 50 dead cranes were found, while in the Cloppenburg district a general requirement for poultry to be kept in stables came into force, which also affects the surrounding districts. Such measures cannot therefore be ruled out in the event of further outbreaks in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Small owners in particular should be loud Lokalklick.eu now contact the animal health insurance fund. A leaflet from LAVE describes additional biosecurity measures that should be implemented now. The authorities' request to poultry farmers is clear: please report dead wild birds, especially waterfowl and birds of prey, when they are discovered, and make feeding places inaccessible to wild birds.

Nationwide measures and demands

The federal level has not remained idle either. The Federal Veterinary Association is calling for financial support and a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles to combat this threat. Reports of confirmed outbreaks are increasing: there was, among other things, a case in a turkey farm in the Vechta district with 14,000 animals and another suspected case, as well as in other farms in Brandenburg and Baden-Württemberg, where as many as 15,000 animals had to be killed. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry is also warning of an early and potentially devastating outbreak of bird flu.

While the authorities are keeping an eye on the situation, there is only one thing left to advise poultry farmers: they should now take the necessary steps to register their livestock farms and follow current developments closely. The situation is dynamic and requires quick action - a good hand is just as important as the courage to change.