Gießen Veterinary Office requests poultry data to prevent avian influenza

The veterinary office in the Gießen district has requested approximately 2,300 poultry owners to submit updated stock data, including the species and number of animals, as well as contact information. This request must be completed by the end of November.

The measure aims to enhance protection against avian influenza. By maintaining an updated registry, authorities intend to react more effectively to potential outbreaks and utilize an email distribution list to inform affected owners quickly.

The initiative is prompted by the autumn bird migration, which increases the risk of the virus spreading via migratory birds. Officials noted that many cranes and other waterfowl died from the disease last autumn and winter. Additionally, an outbreak at a farm in Hungen earlier this year may have been linked to resting wild birds. The office also noted the recent emergence of Newcastle disease in Germany, which is classified as atypical avian influenza.