Information on bird flu

Responsibility for reporting dead birds

Reports of dead and sick birds (wild birds and domestic fowl) should be made to the relevant veterinary authorities. Finding a dead bird in fields or woods is a normal part of life; it is only when several birds have died at a single location that it is advisable to inform the veterinary authority.

What to do if bird flu is suspected (in animals and humans)

The relevant veterinary authorities must be notified immediately if there is any suspicion of avian influenza in wild birds or domestic poultry.

Dead animals should never be handled without wearing gloves or a plastic bag over your hand.

Dogs and cats must be prevented from coming into contact with sick or dead birds. Although there have been no known cases of the disease in these animals to date, they can contribute to the spread of the pathogen.

The infection first appeared amongst wild waterbirds on the Baltic Sea coast and on Lake Constance. It is thought that the virus was brought here by migratory birds and then infected the local bird population. Birds that survive the disease develop antibodies and are then no longer a threat.

Danger to animals (domestic fowl)

The keeper of domestic poultry is responsible for it; they must notify the veterinary authority if they suspect an outbreak of disease. They are subject to the provisions of the Avian Influenza Ordinance.

Domestic poultry is always at risk whenever there is direct (wild birds feeding alongside them) or indirect contact between wild and domestic poultry, primarily through the transmission of droppings and feathers.

All types of domestic poultry, apart from pigeons, are at risk of contracting the H5N8 virus. Among wild birds, ducks and geese were the first to fall ill, but the virus has since been detected in seagulls and birds of prey as well, as they have been feeding on dead animals.

No cases of the disease have been detected in mammals to date.

Danger to people

No cases of human infection with the current H5N8 virus have been detected to date, nor have any been reported worldwide. The risk to humans is therefore considered to be low. Nevertheless, all hygiene and biosecurity measures must be strictly observed when handling birds, poultry and poultry meat, as poultry may also carry other pathogens.

Precautionary measures

Poultry keepers can protect their birds by avoiding contact with wild birds, both for their own sake and for that of their birds. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has published a leaflet containing guidance on the necessary hygiene measures, which is recommended for all poultry keepers.

Poultry farmers are subject to the provisions of the Avian Influenza Ordinance. They are also subject to the Emergency Ordinance issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMEL) on 18 November 2016. This Order is expressly aimed at poultry farmers with fewer than 1,000 birds. It requires that poultry houses be secured to prevent unauthorised persons from entering, and it requires the farmer to wear protective clothing intended solely for use within the poultry house.

Dogs and cats should not be allowed into poultry houses at present.

Handling poultry meat

Meat from animals that are sick or suspected of being infected is not sold but is disposed of safely.

However, even poultry meat from healthy animals can be contaminated with bacterial or viral pathogens. It is therefore essential to always observe the standard hygiene measures when handling poultry meat: in particular, the meat must be handled separately from other foods and must be cooked thoroughly. Utensils (e.g. plates, knives, chopping boards) that have come into contact with raw poultry meat must be washed and dried before being used for other foods.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMEL) and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) provide detailed information on their websites.

A map showing outbreaks of avian influenza is constantly updated. The information sheet for poultry farmers can be found there, as can a risk assessment.