Austria explains Vogelflippe area: Stricter measures for poultry owners

Austria explains Vogelflippe area: Stricter measures for poultry owners

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has recently taken extensive measures to combat bird flu in Austria. The situation is serious, since cases of poultry and wild birds have already been confirmed in several regions. It is important that all of Austria was classified as a risk area from midnight, which means that considerable safety measures are necessary for poultry owners.

A total of four companies in Upper and Lower Austria are already affected, which together hold around 200,000 animals. In order to contain the spread of the disease, blocking zones have been set up. These measures are not only limited to the affected companies, but also affect the surrounding poultry farming, which are now subject to strict controls by official veterinarians. The transport of poultry and their products from the restricted zones is only allowed under certain conditions.

increased security measures for all poultry farming

Originally, the focus was on individual companies, but due to the current situation, the Ministry of Health decided to introduce stricter security protocols nationwide. These new rules require poultry owners to avoid the contact between their animals and wild birds in the best possible way. This is required by the installation of technical devices, such as networks and roofing.

In addition, feeding the animals is only permitted in the stable or in the shelter provided. The use of water from collecting corners that are accessible to wild birds is also prohibited. Breeding companies also have to keep ducks and geese separated from other poultry in order to minimize the risk of infection. Particular attention is also paid to organic security, which includes measures such as wearing stable clothing and hand hygiene.

Stable obligation in particularly affected regions

The new regulations also lead to the introduction of a stable obligation in 25 districts in six federal states, including Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Styria. Here, companies with more than 50 animals are obliged to keep their winged animals in the barn. Smaller companies can keep their animals outdoors, provided they can ensure an effective separation of ducks and geese in terms of health

The districts concerned are far -reaching. In Burgenland, Güssing and Oberwart include, for example, while cities like Waidhofen an der Ybbs are affected in Lower Austria. Upper Austria has regions such as Braunau am Inn and Linz-Land, Salzburg included the city of Salzburg and surrounding communities. Germanysberg and Leibnitz are affected in Styria, and also in Carinthia, with districts such as Klagenfurt-Land, the new regulations apply.

The authorities call up all poultry holders to be particularly vigilant. It is particularly important to report dead water birds that can transmit diseases such as bird flu. Such finds must be communicated immediately to the responsible authorities. In order to prevent further spread of the disease, it is advisable not to touch these animals and to leave them at their location. This is a critical measure to maintain animal health and to ensure safety in poultry farming.

These comprehensive measures that are recorded in the Virgin Health Ordinance are a direct answer to the alarming infection rates and the risk of further spreading bird flu in Austria. Like www.oe24.at prevent and protect the health of animals and people.