Mass killings of poultry in the Amstetten district: alarm due to bird flu

Mass killings of poultry in the Amstetten district: alarm due to bird flu

In the past few weeks, Austria has been shaken by bird flu, starting with a laying hens operation in Kematen in the Amstetten district, where 50,000 chickens had to be killed. The situation quickly escalated when 137,000 animals were also killed in a second company in Biberbach and another 9,000 animals in a turkey operation there. Later there was a champagne of 12,000 animals in Ernsthofen and an additional 29,000 young legeine hens in another company, also in the Amstetten district. An additional surveillance area has been set up after a suspicion has been reported in a hobby company that, according to Christine Riedl, is expected to be confirmed by the Department of Veterinary Affairs.

The outbreak of bird flu fell with the annual monitoring of the wild birds, which is carried out at the beginning of the cold season. Wild birds are carriers of the virus, which is well spread at cooler temperatures. On November 8, dead swans were found in the Korneuburg district, another alarming sign of the activity of the virus. "The virus is more active in the cold season," explains Riedl, and pulls parallels to flu viruses in humans.

protective measures and monitoring zones

The reaction to the outbreaks in the companies puts a strict regime into force. For the affected companies, a protective zone is set up with a radius of three kilometers, while a surveillance zone of seven kilometers applies. Within these zones, a stable obligation applies to all companies with more than 50 animals. "Every company must be checked by the official veterinarian," adds Riedl.

In addition, every movement of animals within these zones must be monitored closely. Transport permits are only possible with a special permit from the responsible district administration. The regulations are particularly strict in the protected areas, access is limited and measures for decontamination are taken. If the Federal Army is called for help, even the vehicles that leave the area are subjected to a comprehensive disinfection.

The dangers of bird flu

The high infection rates of the bird flu virus require rapid action. Riedl explains that an infected animal is already sufficient to infect an entire herd within a very short time. The symptoms of the infection are initially invisible - the animals appear healthy, but the laying performance falls and there is breathing difficulties that often end.

Although the situation only affects the Amstetten district at this moment, the concern about possible spread remains great. The authorities are working intensively to keep the situation under control and observe the further developments. The strict measures of the authorities are intended to help protect the animal stocks and prevent broader spread. Information about further developments and measures can be found here .