End of compulsory confinement

Bird flu “house arrest” for poultry lifted

For domestic poultry such as chickens, the obligation to keep poultry indoors ends.

(Bild: Jürgen Radspieler (Symbolfoto))

The compulsory confinement of domestic poultry following cases of avian influenza, better known as "bird flu", has been lifted in Upper Austria. The risk areas have been downgraded. The number of infections in wild birds is currently low and it is also assumed that the greatest risk of infection has passed due to seasonal factors.

State Veterinary Director Thomas Hain has now informed us of this. Nevertheless, he urged caution and poultry farmers should continue to protect their animals from contact with wild birds as much as possible.

In those areas that still have an increased risk according to the relevant regulation, it must be ensured that ducks and geese are separated from other poultry and various precautions - feeding under nets or in the barn, disinfection measures, etc. - must be taken.

No humans infected
Avian influenza (bird flu) is caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 and H7, subtype H5N1 is highly pathogenic for birds. Infections with H5N1 in humans have not yet been detected in Europe.