Bernburg. The Salzlandkreis district is once again calling on poultry farmers in the region to exercise increased caution! Due to current cases of avian influenza in Jerichower Land, the Harz district and other districts in Saxony-Anhalt, the risk of the disease being introduced into local stocks is currently particularly high. "We are refraining from imposing mandatory housing, but this requires poultry farmers to act very attentively and responsibly," says official veterinarian Dr Christian Lutter from the Veterinary Affairs & Health Consumer Protection Department.
Accordingly, poultry farmers must ensure that feed and water cannot be used by wild birds. Before entering the stables, it must also be ensured that the shoes are not contaminated with wild bird droppings. "Purchased animals should remain isolated from the flock for at least two weeks," explains the official veterinarian. He also advises letting chickens run between domestic geese and ducks, at least occasionally, in order to be able to recognise an introduction more quickly. The background to this is that experience has shown that chickens contract avian influenza more visibly.
Finally, the specialised service asks poultry farmers to report increased losses in the flock or unexplained causes. The following telephone number is available for this purpose: