Avian influenza in Unna: First warning for poultry farmers!

Avian influenza in Unna: First warning for poultry farmers!

Avian influenza is sounding the alarm in Unna! Today, November 10, 2025, the Friedrich Löffler Institute (FLI) confirmed the suspicion of avian influenza in a greylag goose. This goose was found on Otto-Hahn-Strasse at the end of October. This is the first documented case of this type in the Unna district, which is causing great concern among local poultry farmers. presse-service.de

The confirmation of the infection comes a little late because the response to the Unna district was delayed due to the large number of cases in Germany. The situation is serious and the district veterinary authority advises poultry farmers to exercise increased caution. Other animals tested, including another goose and a crane from Lünen, tested negative for the virus, but the danger remains. The negative results could also be explained by blunt trauma, presumably caused by traffic accidents.

Precautions for poultry farmers

The district veterinary office has so far refrained from making it compulsory to keep the animals because the legal requirements for this do not currently exist. However, poultry farmers are advised to take action on their own responsibility. A stable could prove to be useful in order to minimize the risk of infection. Dr. Kirschner, a representative of the veterinary office, particularly points out that vigilance is required, especially when dead wild birds such as waterfowl and birds of prey are found. All dead or sick animals should under no circumstances be touched by yourself - instead, it is advisable to immediately report relevant information to the responsible public order offices or the Unna district control center. consumerzentrale.nrw

Another important note concerns the registration of all poultry farms. Regardless of the number of animals, they must be registered with the veterinary office and the animal disease fund of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture. This not only applies to chickens and turkeys, but also ducks, geese, pigeons and other poultry. Newcomers among poultry farmers can register via the website nw.agrodata.de.

The effects of bird flu

Bird flu is extremely dangerous for birds and can spread quickly. In this context, the stability of poultry prices is also an issue: There are currently no signs of an increase in the price of poultry meat or eggs, although this year, according to reports, cranes in particular are affected by the disease. Europe has been battling this virus for almost 20 years - and the challenges it poses are ever-present, especially during the autumn and winter months when the risk of infection is highest.

In order to reduce the risk to farm animals, comprehensive protective measures are required. This includes keeping livestock and pets away from feeding and watering places that are also used by wild birds. In regions that are considered migration areas for wild birds, some federal states have already made it mandatory for poultry to be kept in stables, which does not make the situation any easier for many farmers. In the vicinity of a confirmed outbreak, a restricted area is set up in which all animals must be kept away from the stables - a procedure that has major consequences for the affected companies.

In summary, avian influenza is a serious issue that affects both farmers and consumers. It is important to pay attention and track all relevant information. Further updates and current information on bird flu can be found on the TierSeuchenInformationSystem TSIS website.