Transmissible to humans: Another case of bird flu in Bavaria - that should be considered

Created: 03/30/2022 05:03

By: Magdalena von Zumbusch

A buzzard: New case of bird flu in Bavaria © Julian Stratenschulte/dpa/Symbolbild

A bird flu case occupies a region in Lower Bavaria.

A buzzard tested positive.

The local district office therefore points out that the rules of conduct must be observed.

Freyung-Grafenau - The district office announced yesterday, Monday, March 28, 2022, that a new case of the bird flu virus (technical term: highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI) had been found in samples from the body of a dead common buzzard near Finsterau became.

Bird flu case in Bavaria: subtype H5 of the virus that can be transmitted to humans

The case in Freyung-Grafenau should call for particular caution when handling poultry in Bavaria: According to the laboratory results, it is the H5 subtype of the virus, which can in principle also be transmitted to humans.

In addition, repeated cases of bird flu have recently occurred in the district of Freising, so that Bavaria is currently a source of danger.

A general decree was issued for the Freuyung-Grafenau district in December 2021 because of the high risk of bird flu being introduced.

In addition to a ban on feeding certain wild birds and a ban on poultry exhibitions and markets, compliance with increased biosecurity measures was stipulated in particular.

Video: The bird flu has also recently reappeared in other parts of Germany

The problem of the bird flu virus: vaccination not possible

The problem in Bavaria should be taken seriously; cases have occurred in various districts since December 2021.

These must be avoided by hygiene measures alone.

Since preventive vaccination of poultry against the causative agent of avian influenza is not possible, the only way to protect domestic poultry stocks is through preventive hygiene measures.

Bird flu: Strict separation from wild bird husbandry is important

In all poultry holdings, care must be taken to prevent domestic poultry from coming into contact with susceptible wild birds.

Stables and runs should be securely fenced in and a tight roof cover designed in such a way that direct contact between domestic poultry and wild birds can be avoided.

Avian flu can also be transmitted through shared use of surface water such as ponds, so domestic poultry should not be watered in water to which wild birds have access.

Domestic poultry should also not have access to ponds where wild ducks or geese live.

Bird flu virus: Only enter bird stables with protective clothing

Influenza viruses can be transmitted to poultry through direct contact with infected animals or indirectly.

For this reason, stables should be entered with their own protective clothing and separate shoes, for example, and separate equipment should also be used.

Feed and bedding must be stored away from wild birds.

Stables must be protected against unauthorized access.

Important for all consumers: Only consume poultry meat that has been cooked through

Food (meat and eggs) obtained from poultry poses no danger if handled properly and hygienically.

The general principle that poultry meat should only be eaten well cooked applies anyway.

Thoroughly heating eggs also kills the pathogen.

Important for keepers: All poultry holdings must be reported

Anyone who has not yet reported their poultry stock (including hobby keeping) must report this immediately to the responsible district office.

In the district of Freyung-Grafenau, at the veterinary office, Kreuzstraße 4, 94078 Freyung (e-mail: vetamt@landkreis-frg.de).

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