Bird flu causes alarm: protection and surveillance zones expanded!

Bird flu causes alarm: protection and surveillance zones expanded!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, bird flu has once again caused worried faces. The Vorpommern-Greifswald district recorded another case of avian influenza, which led to the expansion of the protection and surveillance zone. This zone currently also includes the Mecklenburg Lake District, meaning pet owners and poultry businesses need to be particularly vigilant. According to [NDR]. In addition, another poultry population in Uckermark, in neighboring Brandenburg, tested positive for the H5N1 virus.

The expanded protection and surveillance zones extend across several municipalities, including Sassen-Trantow, Loitz, Dersekow, Levenhagen, Dargelin, Görmin, Bentzin and Tutow. In these areas, there is an immediate obligation to house poultry, which means that owners must keep their animals in closed stables or under special aviaries. The situation becomes particularly urgent in areas with more than 5,000 animals as authorities emphasize the importance of precaution and vigilance.

Urgent measures for owners

The affected poultry farmers are requested to report the number of animals they have, their location and type of use if they have not already done so. All transport of poultry, eggs, meat and other animal products from the affected herds is prohibited. In addition, no poultry exhibitions, markets or similar events can take place to prevent the virus from spreading further.

The transport of animals in particular remains subject to strict conditions, which puts a particular strain on trade. So far, Saarland and Hamburg have already made it mandatory for poultry to be kept in stables. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there are increasing calls to follow this example.

Caution and hygiene measures

The health authorities appeal to poultry farmers to immediately inform the veterinary office if they suspect illnesses. The spread of bird flu is taking place in northeast Germany, with cranes being considered the driving force. Animal owners must be particularly careful and observe hygiene measures to protect their livestock.

The information situation is important to protect public and private poultry stocks. A concerted effort is necessary to prevent the situation from getting worse. The authorities are ready to provide information about further developments and necessary measures.