Bird flu alarm: Partial stable requirement in the Hagenow office!

Bird flu alarm: Partial stable requirement in the Hagenow office!

Bird flu is on everyone's lips again, and for good reason. In Sülstorf, a small community in northern Germany, there is an acute outbreak of the dreaded disease. Again Northern Courier reported, the impact on poultry farmers in the area is serious: the locations of Bandenitz, Hoort and Zachun are in the monitoring zone. This means that measures must be taken to prevent the virus from spreading further.

For the affected chickens, turkeys, ducks and the like, this means that they must be kept either in stables or in closed aviaries. Contact with wild birds must be avoided at all costs. The stables must also be secured against unauthorized persons, and the trade in poultry and the sale of eggs is temporarily prohibited. It is also important that any abnormalities or signs of illness in the animals are reported to the veterinary office immediately. A strict hygiene concept when feeding and caring for the animals is essential.

Bird flu background

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is caused by influenza virus A of subtypes H5 or H7. The highly pathogenic variant (HPAI) is particularly dangerous for animals and people because it can result in serious illnesses. All bird species can be affected, with chickens and turkeys being particularly susceptible. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese often show no symptoms but can spread the pathogen. This information comes from BLV.

Domestic cats and dogs are currently not out of danger. The H5N1 virus can infect cats through direct contact with infected birds or their feces. The disease can be severe in cats and is often fatal. If symptoms are noticed, a veterinarian should be consulted quickly. Outdoor cats are best kept indoors for the duration of the danger NDR on the subject of bird flu.

In northern Germany, hundreds of thousands of farm animals have had to be killed due to bird flu since mid-October 2025. This sheds serious light on the impact of the current situation. While dogs are considered less susceptible to the virus, caution should still be exercised, especially with their diet.

Expected developments

The regulations in the surveillance zone, as they currently apply in Sülstorf and the surrounding area, will remain in force for at least 30 days even after the exclusion zone is possibly lifted. Legal remedies against the ordered measures can be lodged, but do not have a suspensive effect. This situation is particularly stressful for the affected poultry keepers and requires quick action and strict adherence to hygiene measures.

It therefore remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming weeks. Poultry farmers in the region must adapt well to the recommendations of the authorities in order to protect their own welfare and that of their animals. Ultimately, we all have an interest in ensuring that bird flu does not spread any further and that our local poultry remain healthy.