No clarity yet after suspected bird flu cases

After the first suspected cases of bird flu in Saxony, there is still no clarity. This was explained by the State Ministry for Social Affairs and Health on request. On Wednesday, the ministry reported the first suspected cases in individual wild birds.

"Although no livestock is yet affected in Saxony, the risk of bird flu entering poultry flocks is increasing," explained Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD).

The ministry therefore "urgently" advised poultry farmers in the state to keep their animals indoors. In addition to adhering to strict hygiene measures, keeping poultry 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.