Biosecurity measures are also mandatory for hobby keeping
Vienna (OTS) – Since the beginning of this year, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (avian influenza, bird flu) has been detected in wild birds, but also in poultry in small private holdings, in several federal states in Austria. An outbreak in a hobby farm in the Horn district was recently confirmed on February 5th, affecting chickens and ducks.
It can be assumed that already infected but still living wild birds also occur in these regions. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is highly contagious to domestic poultry and the disease is usually fatal; The infection occurs directly from animal to animal and the virus can therefore be easily transmitted from wild birds to poultry through infected wild birds or their droppings.
The current risk of avian influenza is continually evaluated by AGES, taking into account not only the occurrence of the pathogen in Austria but also the animal disease situation in neighboring member states, climatic conditions and known migratory bird routes. The risk of direct or indirect transmission of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus from wild birds to poultry flocks is still classified as high.
It is particularly important for hobby farmers to adhere to the applicable biosecurity measures – such as separating ducks and geese from other poultry. Experience has shown that these farms are affected by outbreaks significantly more often in Austria than larger poultry farms. In many cases, direct virus transmission by wild waterbirds could be traced as a probable route of infection due to failure to separate chickens, ducks and geese from wild birds. Poultry farmers are therefore obliged to comply with increased biosecurity measures and to report any suspected cases immediately to the authorities.
Measures in areas with a greatly increased risk of avian influenza
In order to protect domestic and commercial poultry, areas with an increased or greatly increased risk of avian influenza are currently identified throughout Austria, in which expanded biosecurity measures and obligations for animal owners must be implemented. In the designated areas with a significantly increased risk of avian influenza, enhanced biosecurity measures continue to apply to protect domestic poultry from possible infection:
- If there are 50 or more animals, they must be kept permanently in stables or at least in covered housing facilities (obligation to keep them stable).
- Poultry farmers who keep fewer than 50 animals are exempt from this housing requirement, provided they ensure that ducks and geese are separated from other poultry and their poultry is protected from contact with wild birds
In the rest of Germany with an increased risk of avian influenza, all poultry farming operations are obliged to comply with a minimum level of biosecurity measures. This includes:
- Separation of ducks and geese from other poultry
- Protect poultry as best as possible from contact with wild birds
- Feeding and watering only in the stable or under a shelter
- No watering of animals with surface water
- Cleaning and disinfection of means of transport, loading areas and equipment must be carried out with particular care
Based on the risk assessment, an increase in the number of outbreaks in wild birds is to be expected and there may be an expansion of areas with a greatly increased risk of avian influenza in the coming weeks. The consistent prevention of direct contact between poultry and wild birds as well as the correct implementation of extensive biosecurity measures in poultry farms are therefore crucial to prevent the entry into poultry flocks. As soon as the situation allows, the risk areas and the associated increased biosecurity measures will be withdrawn.
The exact scope and wording of the measures can be found in the Avian Influenza Ordinance 2007 and, in summary, in the “Consumer Health Communication Platform” (KVG).
Information about avian influenza and a description of the designated risk areas can be found on the AGES website
Questions & Contact:
AGES – Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety GmbH
Risk Communication Department
+43 (0)50 555-25000
presse@ages.at
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