Rastatt (dpa / lsw) – Avian influenza has occurred in the Rastatt district. As the district announced on Monday, the highly contagious H5N1 virus was detected in a dead black-headed gull that was discovered at a barrage near Iffezheim.
Poultry markets and exhibitions are not allowed to take place in the entire county up to and including Sunday 2 April. In a corridor of 500 meters along the Rhine, there is also a stable requirement for all poultry in the district of Rastatt. In the case of small stocks, this can be avoided in justified cases, the district said. Poultry farmers should then immediately contact the Office for Veterinary Affairs and Food Control at the Rastatt District Office. Exceptions are only possible if the outlet for the poultry is secured with close-meshed nets above and to the side.
The district appeals to citizens to report dead wild birds to the veterinary office.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been spreading in Germany since mid-October last year. It is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses, which occurs primarily in waterfowl. The virus is also spreading in Baden-Württemberg. However, the Ministry of Agriculture has so far refrained from making stables nationwide.