Bird Flu Update: What Changes for Poultry Farmers Now
After there had been a confinement requirement for poultry farms in 25 Austrian districts since last November due to bird flu, this measure has now been lifted. The confinement requirement applied to farms with 50 or more animals. According to the current assessment, there are no longer any districts with a "significantly increased" risk - the risk throughout Austria is now "only" increased, it was stated on Wednesday from the office of Carinthian Agriculture Minister Martin Gruber (ÖVP).
Bird Flu: Risk Decreased
Preventive measures to prevent contact between domestic poultry and wild birds remain mandatory. This is done, for example, with nets, roofs, and fences, as well as feeding the animals indoors and separating ducks and geese from other poultry. All equipment, transport, and conveyance means for poultry, as well as loading areas, must also be carefully cleaned and disinfected.
There is still a reporting obligation if a "drop in feed and water intake of more than 20 percent" is detected in a poultry farm. It must also be reported if there is a reduction in egg production by more than five percent for more than two days, as well as a "mortality rate higher than three percent in one week" is noticeable.
Transmission Between Birds
The so-called Avian Influenza or bird flu is primarily transmitted between birds, and the animals often become severely ill and die depending on the subtype. Chickens, turkeys, and numerous wild bird species are particularly affected. Transmission to mammals is also possible, but infections in humans and fatalities are rare.
(APA/Red)
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