Alarm in Erlangen: Danger of bird flu – What owners need to know now!

Alarm in Erlangen: Danger of bird flu – What owners need to know now!

In the last few days, the authorities in Erlangen have made worrying discoveries. Dead wild birds were discovered in Kosbach and at the Dechsendorfer Weiher, which prompted the city administration to send samples to the national reference laboratory of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute to clarify the suspicion of avian influenza (AI). So far, only the H5 subtype has been detected, and these are currently only suspected cases like this Wiesentbote reported.

The spread of bird flu, which is currently evident in Bavaria, is calling on the city to raise awareness among poultry farmers about the necessary biosecurity measures. The Veterinary Office points out that these highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are potentially zoonotic, but the risk of transmission to humans is considered to be low. However, contact with sick or dead birds should be avoided. Finds like the current ones should be reported immediately to the veterinary office, especially if several dead wild pigeons or songbirds appear in an area. Further information is available on the city of Erlangen website.

Biosecurity measures for poultry farmers

Strict biosecurity measures apply to all poultry farmers to prevent the spread of the virus. These include, among other things, avoiding direct contact with wild birds and implementing important operational hygiene measures. These include restricting access to poultry flocks, wearing appropriate protective clothing and changing footwear before entering the stables. Health issues such as early detection of infections are also part of these measures, as losses or changes in laying performance must be immediately examined by a veterinarian, explains this LGL Bavaria.

An important point is the secure housing of poultry in order to avoid contact with wild birds and to make feeding places and drinking troughs inaccessible to wild birds. These measures are particularly relevant as several HPAI genotypes spreading in wild birds and domestic poultry have been identified in Germany since November 2023.

Important dates in the town hall

It's not just animal health that's on the agenda: the Environment, Transport and Planning Committee (UVPA) will meet on December 9th in the town hall. Topics such as traffic development, 30 km/h speed limits and climate mobile are on the agenda. Just two days later, on December 11th, the city council meets and deals with important aspects such as the municipal heating plan and budget consolidation. An Advent singing session by the CanteMania youth choir will also liven up the session.

In addition, an audio broadcast of the meeting will be offered from 6:00 p.m. so that interested citizens can follow the discussion from the comfort of their own home.

Construction sites and traffic information

There are changes in traffic technology that also require drivers in and around Erlangen to take new routes. On December 8th and 9th, the right lane on the A73 motorway between Erlangen-Nord and Möhrendorf will be closed, which is due to renovation work. It is also expected that no traffic will be possible on the Am Röthelheim street from December 8th to 19th due to a burst pipe. Herzogenauracher Straße will be used for construction work during the day on December 12th and may require additional diversions, so the city administration asks for your understanding.

We will continue to keep you informed of all developments and recommend that all poultry farmers follow current biosecurity guidelines to minimize the risk of avian influenza infection.