Avian influenza heat: experts give tips for the Neuwied district!

Avian influenza heat: experts give tips for the Neuwied district!

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is currently causing a worried but calm mood among poultry farmers in Rhineland-Palatinate. While the H5N1 virus is increasingly spreading in wild animals, there have been no widespread outbreaks in poultry farms in the Neuwied district. This is reported by the Rhine newspaper. Operator Stefan Heinrichs of an organic farm is in close contact with the district veterinary office in order to receive current information and behavioral guidelines.

Currently, no cases of H5N1 in poultry houses have been reported in the Neuwied district. Nevertheless, a dead crane on the banks of the Rhine in Koblenz tested positive for the pathogen. This information comes from the Rhineland-Palatinate State Investigation Office. The virus is causing alarm, especially in the neighboring districts, as several cases of the disease have already been detected in cranes and a Canada goose in the Rhein-Hunsrück and Rhein-Lahn districts, such as the one SWR reported.

Precautions and recommendations

In view of the situation, the authorities are issuing strict recommendations to poultry farmers in Rhineland-Palatinate. Key advice includes measures such as banning contact between poultry and wild birds and only feeding and watering in protected areas to minimize risks. Feed should not come from meadows or fields to avoid contamination. If there are signs of increased mortality rates or a decline in laying performance, it is advised to contact the veterinarian and veterinary office immediately.

Another important point concerns the storage of food and bedding, which must be safe for wild birds. Separating stable clothing from street clothing and regularly combating gnawing are also essential measures. Products from blocked establishments do not reach store shelves, which provides a certain level of security for consumers. Eggs and poultry from regular sources are still available provided hygiene measures are observed.

Global danger situation

However, bird flu is not a local phenomenon. The H5N1 virus is spreading on a global scale and has been detected in North and South America. In Germany it is important to take the warnings seriously, as outbreaks in poultry farms have recently been reported in some federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, which led to the culling of animals. This highlights the need for farmers to remain vigilant all year round and, where necessary, house their poultry flocks safely to avoid infection, such as this Friedrich Loeffler Institute explained.

The fears are well-founded, especially since the risk of infection for humans is considered low, except through direct contact with infected poultry. More and more wild animals are carrying the virus, and the safety of domestic poultry must always be a priority in order to avoid anything worse. It remains to be hoped that further outbreaks can be prevented while farmers and hobbyists in the region keep an eye on the safe handling of their animals.