Avian influenza worries breeders: What now applies to exhibitions!

Avian influenza worries breeders: What now applies to exhibitions!

Avian influenza is causing great concern for breed poultry farmers in the Uecker-Randow region. The current outbreaks in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district are causing anticipation for upcoming exhibitions to dwindle. Henri Tews, chairman of the judges' association in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania regional association of pedigree poultry breeders, explains that there are no immediate cancellations of exhibitions planned for the near future. This gives breeders a small ray of hope, especially with a view to upcoming events, such as the Penkun exhibition on January 17th and 18th, 2026.

A look back at the state show in Demmin in 2023, where numerous animals fell ill with avian influenza and had to be killed, urges caution. Tews hopes that the situation will calm down, because the return to normality is of great importance for the breeders. After all, these exhibitions are not only highlights in the annual calendar, but also important sources of income for the clubs.

Rules for poultry exhibitions

For many breeders, the legal requirements for holding pedigree poultry exhibitions are often unclear. According to information from BDRG, such exhibitions must be reported in writing four weeks before the date, but no approval is necessary. It is important to distinguish between regional and national exhibitions. While regional exhibitions allow poultry from the district and neighboring districts without a veterinary examination, the situation is different at national exhibitions.

Here, all animals, including pigeons, shown together with chickens or waterfowl must be examined by a veterinarian. Interestingly, pigeons are no longer classified as poultry within the meaning of the Avian Influenza Ordinance, so they do not require examination at national pigeon shows. This gives growers a little more flexibility when it comes to logistics and planning.

Preparations for future shows

Rainer Rogalski, chairman of the pedigree poultry breeding association “Ge Huhnfreund” Strasburg, is also planning an exhibition for February 14th and 15th, 2026. He will send the necessary papers at the beginning of December and plan the number of cages. The deputy chairman of the Aufbau Pasewalk poultry breeding association, Jakob Buse, describes the situation as explosive and emphasizes the need to coordinate closely with the veterinary office.

It is also very important that the cages, equipment and the exhibition hall are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after the event. Requirements can be tightened by the authorities in the event of bird flu outbreaks, which creates additional uncertainty.

The assessment of avian influenza is uncertain. Epidemic outbreaks pose a threat not only to domestic animal populations, but also to the breeding community. Despite the challenges, Tews and his colleagues hold on to their traditions and are always looking for solutions to continue living their passion for pedigree poultry farming.

If you would like to find out more, you can do so on the website of Northern Courier, BDRG and BMLeH read up.