Still no clarity after suspected bird flu cases

Almost a week 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. The test results of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute are still pending. Last Wednesday, the ministry reported the first suspected cases in individual wild birds.

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