#11,881
As expected, the German Ministry of Energy Transition, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas for Schleswig-Holstein has confirmed the finding of HPAI H5N8 in dead birds collected in and around Great Plön Lake (see Germany: Bird Die Off - Preliminary Tests Suggest HPAI H5N8 - Ministry).
Germany is the third EU country to report H5N8 in the past week, almost certainly carried in by migratory birds.
Yesterday, before Poland and Germany announced their findings, we looked at warnings from the FAO (see FAO On HPAI H5's 4th Intercontinental Wave) that parts of the EU, Middle East, and Asia are at risk of seeing additional outbreaks.
Below you'll find the (translated) statement from the German Ministry.
Avian influenza in Schleswig-Holstein
date 11/08/2016The Ministry of Agriculture today received a confirmation of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI), that on several dead wild birds in Schleswig-Holstein of avian influenza subtype H5N8 pathogen of was detected for the first time. The measures provided for in the avian Regulation as the establishment of prohibited areas with restrictions on poultry farmers are introduced immediately.
In addition, animals must be housed in free-range nationwide in a closed barn (stabling). "The active disease in wild birds is in this massive expression worrisome finding is cause for extremely high vigilance We need to strengthen the protection of poultry in the country of a possible entry of the virus -.. In close coordination with the local veterinary authorities," said Agriculture Minister Robert Habeck.
Since the weekend, more than 100 dead waterfowl had been found at the Great Plöner Lake and smaller lakes. Several of these birds were first examined Monday at the State Laboratory Schleswig-Holstein. Subsequently, the findings in were FLI , the national reference laboratory confirmed the established subtype was characterized. Only after confirmation by the FLI , the avian influenza virus has been officially recognized and provided for steps to be taken.
Blocking and monitoring areas are set up
The Veterinary Office of the circle Plön directed now to the specifications of avian regulation an a restricted area of at least three kilometers and a surveillance area of at least seven kilometers to the respective reference of wild birds. (:; Observation Area 21 days: 15 days Sperrbezirk) poultry must be housed individually and must not be temporarily moved: In these areas, restrictions on poultry apply. The holdings in the restricted area have regular clinical evaluations and there shall be sampled. In addition, strict Biosicherheitsmaßnamen, the stable hygiene, cleaning and disinfection are concern.
In the areas are both large animal facilities and many small holdings. Previously unreported poultry farmers should shortly report to the Veterinary and show their poultry there. The exact setting of the zones shall be defined by the competent district veterinary authorities, the affected poultry farmers will be informed of the necessary measures.We appeal to all poultry farmers in the country, meticulously paying attention to the precautions already existing.
Dr. Robert Habeck
(SNIP)
Further information
link Avian influenza - Overview (Ministry of Environment)
link Avian influenza - FAQ (Friedrich Löffler Institute)
link consumption of poultry (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment)
