Avian flu Stallpflicht in risk areas

Avian flu: Stallpflicht prescribed for risk areas in Hannover region

29/11/2014

After a stable obligation for poultry has already been ordered in certain risk areas in northeastern Germany due to the risk of avian influenza, the Hanover region is now also issuing a so-called housing requirement in four special risk areas.

Minimize the risk of introduction
The Hanover region will receive a report from the „Hannover newspaper“ According to this study, an order to fish in four special risk areas has been issued to minimize the risk of introduction and spread of bird flu. The order will become final after its public announcement from the middle of next week. However, the Region Hannover calls on the affected owners to voluntarily feed their animals from now on. Poultry farms in the affected areas are no longer allowed to keep their animals outside, but only indoors, or under a so-called protection device, which must be protected against invasion by wild birds.

Disposal is valid until further notice
In total, 39 companies were affected. There were areas involved in the compulsory housing, which are preferred by roaming birds as resting places. The disposition is valid after publication until further notice. If it should require the epidemic situation, the stable duty can also be extended. The report of the „Hannover newspaper“ According to Dr. Petra Spieler, Head of the Consumer Protection and Veterinary Service Hannover Region: „We take the danger that wild birds can also carry the H5N8 pathogen into the Hannover region seriously.“

Various bird flu pathogens
Over the past few years, various types of avian influenza agents have cropped up again and again. The virus subtype H5N8, which was found in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, so far occurred only in Asia. Another variant (H5N6), which is said to be highly infectious, warned the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in September. In the past, H7N9 and H5N1 in particular have proven to be particularly dangerous. In infected people, the typical bird flu symptoms often did not appear until after weeks. Complaints that occur at the beginning are similar to those of a conventional flu. As a rule, they include fever, cough, sore throat, dyspnoea and, more rarely, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. (Ad)