Compulsory stables in Lower Saxony: bird flu threatens poultry farmers!

Compulsory stables in Lower Saxony: bird flu threatens poultry farmers!

There is currently a mood of alarm in Lower Saxony because bird flu is spreading. Since October 29, 2025, stable requirements for poultry have been in effect in several districts after various outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were reported. Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte announced in Hanover that there are comprehensive stable requirements in 14 districts as well as the Hanover region and the city of Oldenburg, among others. Keepings with more than 50 animals are particularly affected. This measure aims to curb the spread of the animal disease, which, as the minister emphasizes, endangers not only free-range livestock but also stables. The change from free-range to stable farming can place a great deal of stress on the animals, which can potentially have negative consequences for their well-being.

The districts of Emsland, Grafschaft Bentheim, Cloppenburg, Oldenburg, Ammerland, Vechta, Diepholz, Nienburg, Celle, Gifhorn, Uelzen, Heidekreis, Harburg and Stade are particularly affected. In addition, some districts such as Rotenburg/Wümme, Peine, Wolfenbüttel and Salzgitter have made individual arrangements. In the Osnabrück district, however, there is currently no obligation to use stables because the risk assessment is continuously monitored. The importance of biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of bird flu outbreaks is highlighted here.

Current outbreaks and measures

A total of 11 HPAI outbreaks have been registered in Lower Saxony since October, drawing the attention of the authorities. The Cloppenburg district has introduced compulsory stables for 50 or more animals, while the Gifhorn district has also recently introduced stables. The recently confirmed cases in the Stade district also draw attention to the situation. The veterinary offices there advise increased vigilance and call on poultry farmers to check their biosecurity precautions and tighten them if necessary.

A spokesman for the Osnabrück district, Henning Müller-Detert, emphasizes that experiences from previous years show that there were no increased outbreaks in poultry flocks even without compulsory stables. This underlines the importance of biosecurity measures that go beyond the stable requirement. Information about this and a biosecurity concept are available on the Osnabrück district website.

Call for vigilance

In view of the alarming situation, calls were also made for reports of dead wild birds to be immediately forwarded to the veterinary services. In Lower Saxony, there is a high risk of HPAIV H5 entering poultry farms, which underlines the urgency of preventive measures. The virus is active in both wild birds and commercial poultry farms and great care must be taken when handling it. Animals particularly affected, such as cranes, show central disorders, which illustrates the need for intensive monitoring.

The situation remains tense and complex. The state government, supported by the health authorities, is closely monitoring developments and will continue to inform the public and affected animal owners about necessary measures. As dangerous as the current situation is, biosecurity practices are booming. Ultimately, safe husbandry starts with well-informed poultry farmers who are willing to take action.

For further information about avian influenza and the current situation in Lower Saxony, we refer to the articles by stern.de, noz.de and to the official information page of tierseucheninfo.niedersachsen.de.