Bird flu in Brandenburg authorities alerted

H5N1 infections detected in ducks in Brandenburg

02/16/2013

After an outbreak of bird flu from Hesse was reported in early January, the pathogens have now been detected in ducks in Brandenburg. „In the district of Märkisch-Oderland, the H5N1 virus (avian influenza) was detected in a duck farm“, This is the message of the Brandenburg Ministry of the Environment.

For four years, Germany was considered avian flu-free, until almost two weeks ago in Hesse again infections with pathogens of the genus H5N1 were registered. The H5N1 infections, also known as bird flu or avian influenza, are a significant health risk for birds. Often the disease ends with the death of the animals. In the past, whole poultry stocks have often fallen prey to viruses. Thus, the authorities were "in the face of evidence of the pathogens on the duck farm in the district Märkisch- Oderland quite alarmed." The country set up "a task force and a crisis center".

In duck-fattening self-inspections, antibodies to bird flu were detected in the ducks, whereupon the competent authorities intervened. „The stock was closed on 14 February 2013 by the responsible veterinary office and further official investigations were initiated“, reports the Ministry of Environment, Health and Consumer Protection of the State of Brandenburg. According to the statements of the Brandenburg Consumer Protection Minister Anita Tack (The Left), the district has „The Ministry informed immediately.“ It exists „close cooperation and a constant exchange of information.“

For the first time in almost six years bird flu in Brandenburg
The measures to combat epidemics required in view of the outbreak of bird flu in Brandenburg will be coordinated at the state level, according to the Brandenburg Ministry of the Environment. „All necessary measures to control and combat“ have started. The infected animals must be killed according to official notification in any case. „The positive samples from the state laboratory Berlin-Brandenburg were immediately forwarded to the relevant reference laboratory (Friedrich-Löffler-Institut in Riems) for confirmatory examination and determination of the pathogenicity (aggressiveness) of the pathogen“, reports the State Environment Ministry in its latest press release. The results of further investigations are expected later this evening. So far, however, the cause of the H5N1 infection remains unclear. In the investigation, the county veterinary office is supported by a country task force. The last outbreak of avian influenza was recorded by the authorities in Brandenburg in 2007. (fp)

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Image: Gerd Altmann, Pixelio.de