Bird flu: strict measures for poultry owners in Austria

Bird flu: strict measures for poultry owners in Austria

Current reports from Austria show that bird flu has been detected in wild birds, which leads to an increased risk of poultry farming across the country. The situation is so serious that the Ministry of Health took measures in Vienna to stop the spread of the virus. From November 8th, poultry holders are obliged to minimize contact between their animals and wild birds.

In several regions, including the federal states of Upper Austria and Lower Austria, cases of bird flu have already been documented. In these areas, four poultry postures were identified. According to the new regulations, wing animals must no longer be fed outdoors. In addition, they have to be protected from contact with potentially infectious wild birds by roofs or networks.

measures in risk areas

Especially in 25 districts, including those located on the border with Bavaria, there are strict regulations. Poultry postures with over 50 animals have to keep their birds in the barn. This regulation concerns:

• Burgenland: Güssing, Jennersdorf, Mattersburg, Oberpullendorf, Oberwart.
• Lower Austria: Waidhofen an der Ybbs, Amstetten, Melk, Scheibbs.
• Upper Austria: Braunau am Inn, Grieskirchen, Linz-Land, Perg, Ried im Innkreis.
• Salzburg: Salzburg City and numerous communities such as Anif, Bürmoos and Seekirchen.
• Styria: Deutschlandsberg, Leibnitz and other districts.
• Carinthia: Klagenfurt-Land, Völkermarkt.

The bird flu, also known as "aviary influenza", is a highly contagious virus that is mainly transferred to domesticated animals by wild birds. The disease often leads to the death of the birds concerned. The virus spreads especially in the transitional times spring and autumn and thus represents an ongoing risk of poultry farming.

Despite the serious situation, there are no confirmed cases of transfers to people in Europe, according to the Ministry of Health. The safety of food is not affected because the virus cannot be transferred to the consumption of poultry.

For agricultural companies, the focus is now on the implementation of the new regulations in order to ensure the safety and health of the animals even in these turbulent times. In -depth knowledge of the virus and compliance with strict organic security measures are decisive for the protection of the poultry stocks.

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