- Avian influenza in ducks and geese in the county of Rostock
Avian Flu is back in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. On Tuesday, the district of Rostock reported that the highly contagious virus subtype H5N1 had been detected in two neighboring poultry holdings in Zarnewanz. The affected animals were waterfowl. Around 6,500 ducks and geese were precautionarily culled and safely disposed of. Veterinary disease control measures have been initiated.
The last avian flu infections in the northeast were recorded at the beginning of the year. The epidemic had lasted from October to February. According to the Ministry of Agriculture in Schwerin, approximately 137,700 animals had to be culled due to the animal disease. This was more than ten times the number in the previous year's period.
Protection zones established
To prevent the spread of the virus, which is mostly transmitted by migratory birds, to other livestock, a protection zone with a radius of three kilometers around the affected businesses has been established in the Amt Tessin. The regions within a ten-kilometer radius are considered surveillance zones. In these zones, there are specific regulations concerning animal husbandry and the marketing of certain products.
In the protection zone, poultry must be fundamentally protected from wild birds. Feeding and watering are only permitted in an aviary secured against wild birds. Ducks and geese must also be kept away from ponds. The responsible veterinary office appeals to poultry farmers to report any cases of disease or death in animals immediately.
No transmission to humans in Germany known
The Robert Koch Institute assesses the risk of humans becoming infected with avian flu viruses as very low. No cases have been known in Germany so far, but there have been cases abroad.
The Commission, being responsible for avian flu mitigation strategies, will be assisted by the Member States in managing this situation. Due to the detection of the H5N1 virus in waterfowl, the Member States will provide necessary resources and expertise to help contain the spread.
