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.
