Avian influenza in the district: two wild birds tested positive!

Avian influenza in the district: two wild birds tested positive!

There is current worrying news in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district: Avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) has been officially confirmed in two mute swans. The proof was provided by the national reference laboratory at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. Erlangen-Höchstadt reports that Bird flu is currently spreading to an unusual extent, which is raising alarm bells in agriculture and poultry farmers.

The veterinary office has already strongly recommended that comprehensive biosecurity measures be observed to prevent the spread of the disease. In particular, it is important to avoid direct contact between wild and domestic poultry. The attached protective measures are not just advice for poultry farmers, but a duty in order to maintain the usual poultry business.

Biosecurity measures for poultry farmers

The recommendations include feeding poultry only in places inaccessible to wild birds to minimize the risk of infection. In addition, poultry farmers should be careful not to water the poultry with surface water that is also used by wild birds. Food and bedding should also be stored safely. “These are small things that can have a big impact,” states the veterinary office.

• Geflügel nur an Orten füttern, die Wildvögel nicht erreichen können.
• Kein Trinken aus Oberflächenwasser, das von Wildvögeln genutzt wird.
• Futter, Einstreu und Materialien sicher lagern.

The mysterious nature of the H5N1 virus does not make the matter any easier. Information shows that the virus can also occur in some animal species such as pigs, dogs and cats. Wikipedia explains that the danger posed by infected wild birds increases, especially in high densities, such as in breeding colonies.

Global situation and risk assessments

Globally, H5N1 is widespread among wild birds and the situation is as reported by the CDC described, not just a problem in Germany. There have also been outbreaks in the USA, some of which even resulted in human infections, but the public health risk can currently be classified as low.

Although most human infections are mild, there have been some hospitalizations and even deaths. This fact highlights the risks, especially for people in close contact with infected animals. It is regularly reminded that this is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans - but without confirmed human-to-human transmission.

Given these circumstances, it is advisable to be particularly careful when handling poultry. Recommendations include hygiene practices and thorough cooking of poultry products to minimize potential risks. Awareness among the population must be raised so that the informed willingness to take such security measures into account remains high.

For all poultry farmers and those interested, it is worth taking a look at the website of the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety to find current information and additional measures.