In the current wave of bird flu, there is a suspected case on a poultry farm in Saxony for the first time. In a farm in Ebersbach (district of Meißen), the avian influenza pathogen was detected by the State Research Institute of Saxony, the district announced. The results of the investigation at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute are still pending.
8,000 animals killed as a precautionary measure
As other animals had died on the affected poultry farm, 8,000 animals were reportedly killed as a precautionary measure. This was agreed in consultation with the animal disease task force at the Ministry of Social Affairs in order to protect surrounding poultry farms, it said. On Monday (10 November), the district office will publish two general decrees on compulsory stabling and necessary restricted zones.
The first cases of avian influenza recently occurred in the Free State - albeit in wild animals. An infected crane and swan were found in the city of Leipzig and a greylag goose was found on Lake Markkleeberg in the district of Leipzig.
Recommendation for hygiene measures
Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) had recommended that all poultry farmers keep their animals indoors. She also appealed to them to comply with strict hygiene measures. Employees should wear protective clothing, disinfect their hands before entering the barn and change their footwear. In addition, walkers who notice dead wild birds should inform the relevant veterinary office immediately.
Copyright 2025, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
