Avian influenza causes concern among breeders in Western Pomerania!

Avian influenza causes concern among breeders in Western Pomerania!

There is concern in the Uecker-Randow region. The first cases of avian influenza have occurred in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, and the pedigree poultry breeding clubs are looking forward to the upcoming exhibitions with concern. Henri Tews, chairman of the judges' association in the regional association of pedigree poultry breeders MV, emphasizes that no immediate cancellations of exhibitions are planned until further notice. After the dramatic events at the 2023 State Show in Demmin, during which many animals became ill and had to be killed, the situation remains tense.

The upcoming Penkun exhibition, scheduled for January 17th and 18th, gives cause for hope. Tews hopes that the situation will ease soon, even if the impact of the epidemic on pet populations is uncertain. “Avian influenza is occurring as an epidemic and is creating a critical situation,” said Tews. Protection zones and surveillance zones are the rule when cases arise; Past culls of private animals were even considered excessive.

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza, internationally known as avian influenza (AI) or bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease. It primarily affects chickens and turkeys, but can also affect other bird species. There are two main groups of avian influenza viruses, with highly pathogenic types such as H5N8 can cause significant losses in livestock poultry. Risk factors often include direct contact between animals, especially with wild waterfowl, which can act as a reservoir for the virus.

Hobby keepers are required to follow strict biosecurity measures and avoid contact with wild birds. According to Laves' recommendations, if avian influenza is suspected, the responsible veterinary office should be informed immediately. The symptoms are alarming: high fever, loss of appetite and a drastic decline in egg production can be signs of infection. The transmission routes are diverse and involve both direct and indirect contacts.

The view of the exhibitions

The upcoming exhibitions of the pedigree poultry clubs are the highlight of the year for many breeders. Rainer Rogalski, chairman of the purebred poultry breeding association “Ge Huhnfreund” Strasburg, is planning his exhibition for February 14th and 15th. This date is important not only for Rogalski, but also for the entire breeding community. He has already prepared the papers for the exhibition and now has to work intensively on planning the number of cages.

Jakob Buse, the deputy chairman of the Aufbau Pasewalk breed poultry association, admits that the situation is explosive. “Communication with the veterinary office is crucial to ensuring the health of our animals,” said Buse. Breeders agree that the exhibitions represent an essential source of income and that they should be held urgently despite the uncertainty.

Overall, the situation shows how important it is to take the warning signs of avian influenza seriously and act accordingly. While breeders hope that the situation will calm down, it remains to be seen how avian influenza will develop in the coming weeks.