Erlangen (dpa / lby) – To protect against the spread of avian influenza, the Free State of Bavaria is tightening its measures. The district administration authorities had issued general decrees to prevent the disease, also known as bird flu, from being introduced into Bavaria, the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) in Erlangen justified on Friday. The last case of avian influenza in Bavaria was found in a wild bird in April.
The regulations primarily affect the so-called itinerant trade. According to this, traveling traders are only allowed to sell poultry such as chickens, ducks or geese nationwide if the animals have tested negative for the avian influenza virus. According to the LGL, this test must not be older than four days. In addition, keepers would have to check their safety measures regularly and pay attention to the strictest operational hygiene. In addition, contact between wild and farm animals should be ruled out as far as possible.
According to the announcement, the viruses of the so-called influenza A are transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or with contaminated materials such as shoes, equipment, protective clothing or vehicles. An infection of humans with the pathogen via infected birds or excretions has not yet become known in Germany. However, the LGL advises not to touch dead birds and to report their find to the local authorities.
