Torgau (dpa/sn) - With a general decree, the veterinary office of the district of North Saxony has banned exhibitions, markets, shows, competitions and events with poultry or birds. This should prevent an outbreak of avian influenza, the district office in Torgau said on Friday. "The avian influenza situation in Europe did not come to a standstill last summer and has shown a sharp increase since October," said the head of the office, Barbara Lemm, according to a statement. As soon as the epidemiological situation permits, the order that has now been issued will be restricted or lifted.
The so-called avian influenza is known as bird flu or avian influenza. The virus behind it is called H5N1. So far, it has only been linked to human infections in rare individual cases. However, it can easily spread in bird populations - for them it is a mortal danger.
