Gießen/Hungen (dpa/lhe) - After the outbreak of avian influenza in a Hungen turkey fattening farm, there have so far been no new suspected cases in the region. Samples from chickens, ducks and geese were examined for the pathogen and no new indications of further infections of the animal disease were found, the Gießen district announced on Wednesday. A protection zone of three kilometers around the affected company will therefore be lifted on (tomorrow) December 1st. This means that there are no more stringent requirements for owners in the area. "However, all regulations of the ten-kilometer surveillance zone continue to apply," emphasized the district authority.
These affect all poultry farms or ornamental bird farms, pigeon or bird of prey farms. The measures include, for example, that the animals must remain permanently in closed stables or under a cover. The veterinary office is also planning to lift the surveillance zone in mid-December if the situation permits, it said. Because of the outbreak of avian influenza in the fattening farm in Hungen, around 8,500 turkeys had to be killed in early November.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious animal disease. The pathogens are influenza viruses, which in principle can also be transmitted to humans, as the district explained at the beginning of November. According to the Robert Koch Institute, there is no increased risk for the general population. However, people who come into close contact with infected poultry are at risk. Special precautions and protective measures are recommended for these.
