Avian influenza outbreak in Kamp-Lintfort: 10 km exclusion zone from November 1st!

Avian influenza outbreak in Kamp-Lintfort: 10 km exclusion zone from November 1st!

There is currently worrying news in the Wesel district: an outbreak of avian influenza has been detected in the poultry farm in Kamp-Lintfort. The clinical suspicion only arose on October 30, 2025, which has now been confirmed by the official results of the CVUA RRW in Krefeld. The influenza virus type H5 suggests a highly pathogenic form of avian influenza. The effects affect more than 18,000 animals, which must be killed in an animal welfare manner today, October 31, 2025, reports RP Online.

To contain the virus, a temporary exclusion zone with a radius of 10 km around the affected company was set up. This zone affects the districts of Kleve, Wesel and small areas in the Viersen district. The official maps of the exclusion zone can be viewed at Kreis Wesel. If the finding is authenticated, the exclusion zone will be converted into an inner protection zone (3 km radius) and an outer surveillance zone. To further prevent the spread of the virus, the stables should be empty after the weekend and all cleaning and disinfection measures must then be completed.

Instructions for poultry farmers

There are strict requirements for the numerous commercial and hobby poultry farms within the exclusion zone. In total, around 350 such companies are affected. All poultry stocks must be subsequently reported to the animal disease fund and changes in the stock must be documented. There are also restrictions on the marketing of poultry and poultry products. Owners are urged to contact a veterinarian immediately and inform the responsible veterinary office if they experience signs of illness or death.

The applicable regulations for animal husbandry are set out in the Avian Influenza Ordinance and the Livestock Traffic Ordinance. These regulations include, among other things, that keepers of chickens, ducks, geese and other types of poultry must register their businesses with the relevant authorities. They must keep complete records of incoming and outgoing poultry as well as transport operations, which is crucial for monitoring and combating animal diseases, as BMELH points out.

These measures are all the more important since numerous outbreaks of poultry influenza have already been documented in Germany this autumn and special cases in wild birds in the Wesel district. However, experts emphasize that the circulating influenza viruses pose no danger to humans.

The outbreak in Kamp-Lintfort reminds us how vulnerable animal husbandry is to such diseases and how important it is to proactively and carefully handle our animal companions.