No bird flu in Saxony yet: Köpping urges caution

The current wave of bird flu has apparently not yet reached Saxony. According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently no cases in the state. Nevertheless, Health Minister Petra Köpping urged poultry farmers to be extremely vigilant and comply with strict hygiene measures.

Crisis structures are prepared

"The consequences of an outbreak are serious and we are doing everything we can to prevent the disease from spreading," said Köpping according to the press release. We are dependent on support for this. "Anyone who observes birds that may be sick or finds animals that have already died should not touch them under any circumstances, but should report them to the local food monitoring and veterinary office." The crisis structures are prepared for a possible outbreak in Saxony.

Wild birds pose the greatest risk

According to the ministry, the main risk is an entry from the wild bird population. Accordingly, the basic rules of biosecurity apply to poultry farmers. This includes the obligation to report even the smallest poultry holdings and to consult a vet in the event of unclear cases of illness or death.

Bird flu is an infectious disease that is often fatal in many bird and poultry species. According to experts, it is not dangerous for humans.

Cases registered nationwide

Cases have been increasing nationwide in recent days. Saxony's neighboring states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are also affected. For example, more than 1,000 dead cranes have been recovered in the Linumer Teichland in Brandenburg. In Saxony, the most recent evidence was in April.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) currently classifies the risk of the disease entering poultry flocks throughout Germany as high. As many cranes and other wild birds are currently migrating across the country, the infection is expected to spread further. According to FLI estimates, well over 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys have been culled so far this fall following outbreaks of avian influenza in order to contain the spread of the disease.