Poultry plague alarm in Schleswig-Flensburg: taken strict measures!

Schleswig-Holstein is once again faced with the poultry plague (H5N1). A new case was found in a private poultry stock in the district of Schleswig-Flensburg. The Ministry of Agriculture then asked the poultry holders to observe increased bios safety measures in order to contain the spread of the disease.

The recommended measures include wearing protective clothing, the disinfection of devices and stables as well as the ban on poultry purchases in markets. In the event of suspicion of infections, a veterinary examination is urgently required. These measures are part of the efforts to ensure public health security and the stability of the poultry stocks.

Current location of the poultry plague

The poultry plague has captivated Schleswig-Holstein since October 2021, and the last significant outbreak ended in spring 2024. Experts suspect that migratory birds from affected areas represent the main cause of the virus's entry to Europe. When transferred to house poultry, both direct contact with infected wild birds and indirect contacts are risky. Invisible traces of feces or nasal secretions can lead to transmission.

Various organizational protective measures are imperative in order to minimize the risk of virus suspension. This includes feeding and watering the poultry in places that are inaccessible to wild birds, as well as the storage of feed and objects in safe places. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of clothing and devices are also necessary. In the event of unclear cases of illness or increased losses, a veterinary examination is required. All poultry postures should also be registered with the responsible veterinary office.

A stable obligation for open-air poultry can be arranged by the responsible circles and independent cities, depending on the respective poultry plague situation. The monitoring of domestic wing and wild bird populations takes place all year round, with a passive wild bird monitoring being reinforced as an early warning system. It is also recommended to immediately report the dead or sick water birds or birds of prey to the order or veterinary offices.

For detailed information about the poultry plague in Schleswig-Holstein, the articles from NDR as well as schleswig-holstein.de to consult.