Avian influenza spreads in the district of Bautzen

In the district of Bautzen, there are more and more suspected cases of avian influenza. According to the district office, the virus genome was detected in a wild goose that had fallen onto a roof in Steinitz (municipality of Lohsa). Dead swans had already been found at the pit pond in Rammenau on November 14. Tests on four carcasses also confirmed the virus.

The location where the swans were found is not a usual resting area for wild birds, which makes the search for the cause of the introduction more difficult, the report continued. There is currently no obligation to keep poultry indoors. However, the veterinary office strongly recommends that owners keep their animals in closed stables as a precaution or place them in appropriately secured aviaries. These should have a liquid-tight roof and close-meshed side walls with a maximum mesh size of 2.5 centimetres to prevent contact with wild birds.