Bird Flu Alert - Austria Becomes "Area with Increased Risk"

The Ministry of Health has issued a corresponding announcement. Poultry may no longer be fed outdoors.

Bird flu cases also in Austria

At the end of September, the first detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds were reported in Carinthia, and since the beginning of October also in Lower Austria. In Upper Austria, bird flu has now been detected in four dead swans in Enns, confirmed the Upper Austrian Chamber of Agriculture on Friday. With the so-called autumn migration of migratory birds, further outbreaks are to be expected, it was further stated. Therefore, as of Monday, an "increased risk" of bird flu applies in Austria.

Although there is no requirement to keep poultry indoors, the poultry must be "protected as best as possible from contact with wild birds," for example, by nets, according to the guidelines. Feeding and watering of the animals must take place in the barn or under a shelter. Transport vehicles, loading areas, and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected with "particular care." If the poultry eats and drinks less, hens lay fewer eggs, or more animals die, the responsible authority must be informed mandatorily.

State Councillor speaks of only one case

State Councillor Michaela Langer-Weninger (ÖVP) informed on Friday afternoon in a broadcast that in Upper Austria, bird flu has so far only been confirmed in one dead swan: "What is important now is composure instead of hysteria. Through prudent action, we can continue to keep the risk of introduction into domestic poultry stocks low." There is no danger to humans. The risk of transmission of bird flu from animals to humans is very low, and transmission of the virus through food is also excluded.

(APA/Red)

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