Bird flu is approaching: Solingen's veterinary office sounds the alarm - act now!

Bird flu is approaching: Solingen's veterinary office sounds the alarm - act now!

Concerns about highly pathogenic bird flu are also increasing in North Rhine-Westphalia. According to current information from the Bergisches Veterinary and Food Inspection Office (BVLA), the virus (subtype H5) is spreading rapidly and is stopping near Solingen. So far, no cases have been confirmed in the Bergisch city triangle, but the risk of an outbreak occurring is currently high. This is noticeable not least in the increasing number of infections in wild birds, as can be seen from reports from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI).

The situation in Lower Saxony is particularly alarming, where 11 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have already been reported. The affected districts, including Cloppenburg, Diepholz and Vechta, have introduced strict exclusion zones and requirements for animal owners. The likelihood of transmission is high, particularly through the interaction of domestic poultry with wild waterfowl, which can spread the virus.

Correct measures for poultry farmers

The BVLA urges poultry farmers to take appropriate protective measures. This includes avoiding contact between domestic poultry and wild birds. Animals should not have access to open water and thorough disinfection of shoes, hands and work equipment is essential. Lack of hygiene could have fatal consequences, which is why all poultry owners are urged to be vigilant and to report any abnormalities, such as sudden deaths or respiratory illnesses, to the BVLA immediately.

Around 1,500 poultry farms are registered in the Bergisch city triangle, spread over 303 in Remscheid, 534 in Solingen and 637 in Wuppertal, which makes the need for protective measures all the more urgent. All poultry farms are subject to reporting, even if only one animal is kept. This also applies if dead animals are found.

The risks of bird flu

The symptoms of the infection can be dramatic. The abnormalities include sudden deaths, shortness of breath, apathy and a relevant decline in laying performance. Another warning sign is bluish discoloration of the comb and wattles as well as greenish-watery diarrhea. Of particular concern is the fact that ducks and geese are often infected without becoming seriously ill themselves, which can make them unwanted carriers of the virus.

The spread of the virus is not just a problem for poultry farmers. In a broader context, HPAI leads to high mortality rates in bird populations and, as shown by various studies, can also affect other animal species, including predatory mammals. These dangers illustrate how important it is to pay attention to current developments and to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the virus infection, as can be read on the pages of Tierseucheninfo Niedersachsen. is.

The current situation highlights the need for all poultry farmers to remain vigilant to ensure the health of their animals and the safety of the entire region. Be careful now!