Red alert: Avian influenza is spreading rapidly in Rhineland-Palatinate!

Red alert: Avian influenza is spreading rapidly in Rhineland-Palatinate!

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is spreading alarmingly in Rhineland-Palatinate. Current reports from Southwest24 According to the report, the H5N1 pathogen was detected in 60 wild birds and two domestic poultry flocks. Waterfowl such as cranes and geese are particularly affected. The disease is usually fatal for birds and spreads rapidly, while the risk to humans is considered low as long as there is no close contact with infected poultry.

Like the state investigative institute ( LUA ) further informed, district-wide stabling obligations were ordered in some cases, especially in Worms. Dead or sick birds should not be touched and citizens are urged to report any findings to the local veterinary office. Significant suspected cases of H5N1 were recently documented in the Südliche Weinstrasse district and among cranes in various regions.

Further spread of avian influenza

The challenges are great, as the Friedrich Loeffler Institute recently confirmed the highly contagious form of the virus in 29 wild animals and one domestic poultry population. Evidence of avian influenza has been recorded in almost all districts of Rhineland-Palatinate, especially in the Kaiserslautern, Trier-Saarburg and Rhein-Lahn district regions. A dead crane was also found in the Hunsrück, which underlines the alarming situation.

The veterinary offices are taking on an important role in this crisis by requiring small animal owners to keep them in stables in order to minimize the risk of infection. In addition, the veterinary authorities are working intensively together to prevent outbreaks in large poultry farms.

Safety measures and recommendations

The following applies to the population: keep your distance from sick or dead birds! In addition, contact between pets and dead birds should be avoided. There is a strong focus on hygiene, particularly in areas with a high density of domestic and wild birds. Citizens are asked to report any findings of dead or sick birds immediately to stop the spread.

The virus, which belongs to the H5N1 strain, was detected in Europe almost 20 years ago and is widespread worldwide. The Robert Koch Institute estimates the risk of infection for people to be very low. However, infection could occur if people come into close contact with infectious birds, so this should be avoided.

Overall, the situation remains tense and the authorities advise vigilance. The next few weeks are likely to be crucial in getting avian influenza under control before it spreads further. The population is asked to do their part to contain the virus and to observe the applicable safety measures. Stay safe and informed!