Bird flu in Lower Austria: New regulations and risk areas explained

Bird flu in Lower Austria: New regulations and risk areas explained

The poultry plague, also known as bird flu, has made new measures necessary in Lower Austria. This disease is contagious in birds and represents a serious threat to poultry production. Due to the current outbursts of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza), adjustments were made in the legal regulations in order to contain the spread of the disease and to protect the health of domestic bird population.

The new regulations include the classification of different areas in a risk category. The Zwettl district is currently classified as an area with increased risk. This means that special precautions apply to poultry holders here, even if the stable obligation has not yet been ordered by law. However, it is imperative that compliance with the prescribed measures to prevent contact between wild birds and poultry is guaranteed to minimize the risk of infection.

guidelines for poultry holders

The regulation stipulates that owners of ducks and geese have to ensure that these birds are kept separate from other species. The protection of the animals from contact with wild birds is also important - this can be done with special networks or other suitable covers. Feeding and drinking the animals should only take place under conditions that prevent the rising of wild birds. This means that water sources and feed points must be designed in such a way that contact with wild birds is excluded. Particular attention should also be paid to hygiene, including the cleaning and disinfection of means of transportation and equipment.

In addition, it is essential for all poultry holders to adhere to the general reporting requirements. If poultry or other birds are kept, this must be communicated to the responsible authority within a week. This obligation also applies to hobby holders and employees in hunting. Exceptions only apply to home birds that are kept in closed rooms without contact with other birds.

There is a special report in risk areas. The owners of birds must report abnormalities such as a strong decline in feed intake or a high death rate to the authority. This serves to quickly identify and contain potential outbreaks.

In addition, events in which birds are issued or traded are subject to an official veterinary supervision. Such events must be reported to the authority at least one week in advance. In addition, the recent dead water or birds of prey must be reported in order to enable an investigation by the responsible authorities.