Bird flu in the Wetterau district: Strict measures taken to protect!

Bird flu in the Wetterau district: Strict measures taken to protect!

Bird flu has now arrived in the Wetterau district! Detection of the dangerous H5N1 virus was recently confirmed by the Hessian state laboratory. The local authorities react promptly to the impending danger and have decided on comprehensive protective measures. These new rules are important to protect both poultry populations and livestock farmers.

The district administration has issued a general decree that requires poultry and other vulnerable bird species to be kept in stables. This means that bird keepers must house their animals in closed stables or under suitable roofing. “There is something going on,” comments a spokesman for the district administration and emphasizes the need to take strict action against the influx of wild birds that could carry the virus into domestic populations.

Strict measures to protect poultry

In addition to the stable requirements, a ban was imposed on bird markets, poultry exhibitions and similar exchanges. These decisions are aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, as the H5N1 virus is highly infectious and can affect chickens, turkeys, waterfowl and many other bird species. If there is an infestation of domestic poultry, the last resort is to completely cull the flock.

Migratory wild birds are particularly dangerous, as they are ideal carriers for the virus. The hygiene measures that must be adhered to are strict: shoes must be cleaned and disinfected before and after entering poultry areas. It is also essential to use disposable overcoats or change shoes at the stable entrance.

• Futtermittel und Einstreumaterial müssen so gelagert werden, dass Wildvögel keinen Zugang haben.
• Die Fütterung darf ausschließlich an geschützten Plätzen erfolgen.
• Trinkwasser muss ebenfalls vor Wildvögeln geschützt sein.

The H5N1 virus infections pose a risk not only to birds, but also to humans. That's what she reports WHO that there are documented infections in mammals, including humans. In humans, these infections can cause illness ranging from mild to severe, sometimes even fatal. What is particularly alarming is that many of those affected are initially said to have asymptomatic courses.

Global observations and developments

Known since 1996, this virus has caused numerous outbreaks in birds since then and has impacted wild bird populations in an unprecedented wave since 2020. Leading experts have long been warning about the global consequences of this epidemic. Europe and North America will report the largest epidemic of avian influenza from 2021 to 2022, which is characterized by the unusual persistence of the virus in wild bird populations.

In addition, they report Wetterauer newspaper an increase in reports of fatal outbreaks in mammals caused by influenza A(H5) viruses. This includes both domesticated and wild animals that came into contact with infected birds.

The situation is tense and the Hessian authorities are monitoring the situation closely. It remains to be seen how events will develop and what measures will continue to be taken. Bird keepers in the region now have to be careful and strictly follow hygiene recommendations in order to protect the health of their animals and ultimately that of the people in the area.