Bird flu in the southwest: 16 geese dead – What pet owners need to know now!

Bird flu in the southwest: 16 geese dead – What pet owners need to know now!

Concerns about bird flu are increasing in southern Rhineland-Palatinate. On October 30, 2025, a suspected case of avian influenza was confirmed in the Südliche Weinstraße district. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has detected the influenza A virus H5N1 in samples from a private geese farm, where 16 domestic geese have recently died. In addition, five chickens had to be culled as a precaution. This test result was confirmed by the Rhineland-Palatinate State Investigation Office. There was also a confirmed case of a dead Canada goose in the Rhine-Palatinate district.

The situation has consequences for the entire region. The districts of Südliche Weinstraße, Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis, Bad Dürkheim and Germersheim form the Rheinpfalz animal disease association. Those responsible strongly advise animal owners to protect their poultry stocks. This includes avoiding contact with wild birds and covering the runs. Food should be stored where it is inaccessible to wild birds and only tap water should be used. Separating street and stable clothing and washing your hands thoroughly are also important measures.

Prevention measures for animal owners

The recommendations also include information that participation in poultry shows should be avoided. The public is encouraged to report dead wild birds but avoid direct contact. Dogs in riparian and wetland areas should be leashed to prevent encounters with wild birds. There is no direct health risk to humans, but contact with sick or dead animals should be avoided at all costs.

The authorities in the affected districts receive reports of dead wild birds in order to monitor the spread of the disease. A current risk assessment by the FLI shows a high risk of further outbreaks, both in wild birds and in poultry farms. Keeping animals with chickens, ducks, geese and other types of poultry must be reported to the Rhineland-Palatinate animal disease office. A one-time notification is required to the responsible district administration.

Animal health and organic poultry farming

In times like these it becomes particularly clear how important the health of animals is. It plays a crucial role in organic poultry farming. Experiences and strategies for maintaining the highest standards in animal husbandry are of central importance not only to ensure the welfare of the animals, but also to detect and prevent developing diseases at an early stage. With a good hand for animal welfare, organic poultry farming can remain stable even in difficult times Bio-Austria.

The affected animal owners now need to act quickly. The spread of bird flu must be contained to protect not only the animals but also local agriculture. Cooperation between the districts and the animal owners is essential. Only together can we successfully overcome the challenge.