Currently, wild birds and domestic poultry living near water are suffering from avian influenza (bird flu). The pathogen is the avian influenza virus. It is highly contagious for wild birds and domestic poultry and causes severe symptoms. Various waterfowl are dying, as are, in isolated cases, gulls, birds of prey, and scavengers. Only isolated cases have been observed in mammals.

Responsibility for reporting dead birds:
The relevant authority for reporting dead and sick birds (wild birds and domestic poultry) is the responsible veterinary office. Finding a dead bird in a field or forest is a normal occurrence; only when several birds have died at one location, or when particularly susceptible birds, such as waterfowl or birds of prey, are found, is it advisable to inform the veterinary office.

Behavior in case of suspected avian influenza (in animals and humans)
If you suspect avian influenza in wild birds and domestic poultry, inform your local veterinary office immediately. Never handle dead animals without gloves or a plastic bag over your hand. Dogs and cats must be kept away from sick and dead birds. While these animals are also potentially at risk of infection, this can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds. The infection originated in wild waterfowl in Brandenburg. It is likely that the virus arrived with migratory birds and then infected the native birds. Birds that survive the disease develop antibodies and are then harmless.

Danger to animals (domestic poultry)
The owner of domestic poultry is responsible for their care and must inform the veterinary office if an outbreak of disease is suspected. The provisions of the Animal Health Act and the Avian Influenza Ordinance apply to them. Domestic poultry is at risk whenever there is direct contact (wild birds sharing food) or indirect contact, primarily through transmission via feces and feathers, between wild and domestic poultry. All domestic poultry species except pigeons are at risk of infection with the avian influenza virus. Initially, cranes, ducks, and geese were affected among wild birds, but the virus is now also being found in gulls and birds of prey because they have consumed dead animals.

Danger to people
No human cases of illness caused by the current avian influenza virus have yet been detected in Europe. Therefore, the risk to humans is considered low. Nevertheless, all hygiene and biosecurity measures must be strictly observed when handling birds, poultry, and poultry meat, as poultry can also carry other pathogens.

preventive measures
As a poultry owner, you can protect your animals by avoiding contact with wild birds for yourself and your animals. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has published a fact sheet containing information on the necessary biosecurity measures, which is recommended for all poultry owners. Poultry owners are subject to, among other things, the regulations of the Avian Influenza Ordinance. In addition to registering their poultry keeping with the relevant authority, owners are also obligated to comply with biosecurity measures. Dogs and cats should currently not be allowed in poultry houses.

Handling poultry meat
Meat from sick or suspected infected animals is not sold but is disposed of safely. However, even poultry from healthy animals can be contaminated with bacterial or viral pathogens. Therefore, the usual hygiene measures must always be observed when handling poultry: In particular, the meat must be processed separately from other foods and must be cooked thoroughly. Utensils (e.g., plates, knives, cutting boards) that have come into contact with raw poultry must be washed and dried before being used for other foods.

The Federal Ministry of Food and 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 and a risk assessment can also be found there.