Avian influenza alarm: protection zone set up in the Regensburg district!

Avian influenza alarm: protection zone set up in the Regensburg district!

An outbreak of avian influenza is causing worried faces in Bavaria. On November 12, 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the H5N1 virus type was detected in Geiselhöring, in the Straubing-Bogen district. This development has resulted in the establishment of a protection and surveillance zone, some of which also extends across the Regensburg district [landkreis-regensburg.de](https://www.landkreis-regensburg.de/ Unser-Landkreis/Aktuelles/Aktuelle-Meldungen/Geflugelpest-Ausbruch-im-Landkre is-Straubing-Bogen-Monitoring-Zone-concerns-den-Landkreis-Regensburg.php?object=tx,3987.5.1&ModID=7&FID=3987.72856.1&NavID=3987.3605&La=1) reported.

The affected communities and districts that fall under the strict epidemic regulations are diverse. These include Irnkofen and Neumühle near Aufhausen, as well as Oberhaimbuch in Mötzing and Hardt in Sünching. Special measures apply to these areas to contain the spread of the animal disease.

Measures in the surveillance zone

The decisive measures include the obligation to keep all poultry in stables as well as movement and transport restrictions. In addition, strict hygiene and documentation requirements must be adhered to and there is a ban on poultry exhibitions and markets. The authorities are urgently appealing to all poultry farmers, including private keepers, to report their flocks to the veterinary office in order to make checks in this regard easier.

Proper handling is particularly important when a dead wild bird is found: contact with the veterinary office is essential, as dead birds are picked up by the district building yard employees. In addition, wild waterfowl and larger birds of prey should not be touched without protective gloves to avoid possible infection.

The risk of spread

The situation is not only local, but also affects other federal states. According to tierseucheninfo.niedersachsen.de, over 96 HPAI outbreaks have been reported nationwide since September 2025, including in Lower Saxony, where mainly the rural districts Cloppenburg and Emsland are affected. Over 50 cases in Lower Saxony alone show how urgent the situation is.

Experts fear a high risk of wild birds entering poultry farms, which increases caution in such areas. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute is observing an increase in infections in Germany, particularly in waterfowl, linked to the current HPAI wave. It is strongly advised to avoid unnecessary contact and observe all safety precautions to effectively prevent the spread of avian influenza, according to dlg.org.

In this context, biosecurity measures are not only recommended for all poultry farmers, but are also required by law. Only by strictly adhering to these measures can the dangerous animal disease be brought under control. If you have any questions, you should contact your local veterinary office directly for further information and specific advice.