Poultry plague threatens: High danger to house birds in Rhineland-Palatinate!

Poultry plague threatens: High danger to house birds in Rhineland-Palatinate!

The poultry plague is spreading in Germany and, especially in Rhineland-Palatinate, is a serious problem. According to Pfalz-Express there is already a successfully combated case in a small posture. Nevertheless, the pet owners are called up to take urgently suitable organic security measures. This is particularly important because the risk of infection in poultry is increased, especially by contact with wild birds.

The experts advise to avoid direct and indirect encounters between house and wild birds. Practical recommendations are not to feed poultry outdoors or to span water and outdoor enclosure with nets. Symptoms of the poultry plague, which must be recognized and treated quickly, are weakness, shortness of breath, equilibrium disorders and a significant decline in legacy. With such signs, it is essential to inform the veterinary office immediately.

organic security measures and rising risks

The risk of the poultry plague exists all year round, but is assessed as particularly high in winter. Wild birds can spread the virus over long distances, which is why additional precautionary measures are required. Unregistered attitudes should be immediately displayed at the veterinary office. The contact for questions can be reached at veterinaeramt@kreis-germersheim.de

The situation is worrying: In the period from January 1 to 31, 2024, a total of 9 outbreaks of Hochpathogenen avian influenza (HPAIV) H5 were found in house poultry, including affected laying hen companies and private postures. In addition, 31 cases of HPAIV H5 were reported to wild birds, especially nunning geese in the Wadden Sea and in other federal states such as Bavaria and Brandenburg. The vast majority of these cases could be assigned to the subtype H5N1, which underlines the urgency of the situation, such as friedrich- loeffler- institut reported.

long -term solutions and challenges

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute confirms that hundreds of infected wild birds and over 50 outbreaks in poultry have been reported in Germany since mid-October 2021. The dominant virus type is H5N1, and the institute classifies the risk of further spread as high. In view of the possible permanent circulation of the virus in wild birds, a discussion about additional protective measures could be necessary.

medium -term solutions may include reducing the dense commercial poultry farms, especially in densely populated areas or near wetlands. In the long term, however, the structures in poultry production should also be reconsidered in order to minimize the risk of virus input and spread. A central point is the availability of vaccines and the development of scenarios for their use, which is a major challenge, such as Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut last warned.

The poultry plague remains a serious and challenging topic in animal husbandry that must not be underestimated. The combination of acute outbreaks and the need to increase organic safety standards presents the affected owners of immense challenges. In view of the complexity of the situation, close cooperation between animal owners is essential.