Neustadt remains bird flu-free: Authorities warn of dangers to neighbors!

Neustadt remains bird flu-free: Authorities warn of dangers to neighbors!

The situation surrounding bird flu in Germany is becoming increasingly worrying. While there have been no cases or suspected cases of bird flu in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, the veterinary authorities are calling for increased caution. Evidence of the virus has already occurred in neighboring districts, such as the Southern Weinstraßkreis and the Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis, which is ringing alarm bells.

Particularly alarming: An outbreak was discovered in the Südliche Weinstrasse district in which all animals in a private goose farm died. This is happening against the background that the spread of the virus cannot be stopped in Saarland either. A requirement for poultry to be kept in stables has already been introduced there in order to get the number of infections under control. There is currently no obligation to keep stables in Rhineland-Palatinate because the density of poultry farming is lower, but the situation is continually being reassessed. Should the situation worsen, protective measures could also be necessary here Wochenblatt Reporter.

Nationwide expansion and dynamic developments

Bird flu (H5N1) is spreading throughout Germany and has already affected tens of thousands of farm animals and wild birds. Stable requirements have already been imposed in Hamburg, Brandenburg and Saarland. In Brandenburg alone, around 155,000 animals were killed to contain the spread of the disease. The situation is so tense that the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry is calling for a nationwide “stalling requirement” to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds Tagesschau.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) warns that the risk of further outbreaks in poultry farms is considered high. There are currently no known H5N1-infected people, but there are indications that transmission to humans can occur when there is a high volume of the virus. The risk of serious illnesses for the population remains low so far as long as there is no direct contact with infected animals. However, it is advisable to avoid any contact with dead or sick birds in order to prevent the possible spread of the virus ZDF.

Recommendations for poultry farmers and the population

The recommendations of the veterinary authorities are clear: poultry farmers should avoid contact with wild birds and cover their animals' runs well. Food and water should be provided in protected areas to prevent contamination. Strict stable hygiene is essential - washing your hands is the be-all and end-all! All poultry farming must be reported to the relevant authorities and the Veterinary Office is available to provide information and support.

Additionally, it is advised that dogs be kept on a leash in riparian and wetland areas to avoid contact with wild birds. Citizens are asked not to touch dead or sick wild birds themselves, but to report any findings directly to the veterinary office. Detections of wild birds are expected to increase in the coming weeks, particularly during the birds' migratory season. The authorities' goal remains to prevent the virus from being introduced into domestic poultry flocks Wochenblatt Reporter.