Avian flu - first suspected cases in wild birds in Saxony

In Saxony, the first suspected cases of bird flu have been found in individual wild birds. "Although no livestock is yet affected in Saxony, the risk of bird flu entering poultry flocks is increasing," said Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD). The ministry is therefore "urgently" advising poultry farmers in the state to keep their animals indoors. In addition to adhering to strict hygiene measures, keeping animals indoors offers the best protection against the virus, it said. Wild bird-proof aviaries should also be used.

Fowl plague is an infectious disease. It is also known colloquially as bird flu. It is highly contagious and can quickly become fatal in many bird and poultry species.

More and more farms in Germany affected

"Poultry farmers who notice abnormalities such as increased deaths or reduced feed and water intake as well as a drop in performance in their flocks should report these immediately to the veterinary office and consult a vet," demanded Köpping.

In Germany, avian influenza is spreading to more and more farms. According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) in Greifswald, the number of bird flu outbreaks recorded in commercial poultry farms nationwide since the beginning of September has risen to 35. New cases are being reported every day and the infection rate is still very dynamic, said a spokeswoman for the Institute of Animal Health. Farms in Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg are particularly affected.