On 9 October 2020, the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) was detected on a poultry farm in Braunau (Upper Austria). In the weeks prior to this, the virus had already been detected in wild birds in several regions of Austria, as well as on a small farm. It can be assumed that there are already infected but still living wild birds in these regions.
Due to the current cases, a so-called "restricted zone" has been declared in the district of Braunau in Upper Austria in accordance with animal health regulations. Poultry and their products such as eggs, meat etc. may no longer be taken out of the restricted zone. The corresponding amendment to the Poultry Plague Ordinance of the Ministry of Health comes into force on 22 October 2024. The veterinary authorities are closely monitoring further developments. If necessary, further restricted zones will be established.
The Ministry of Health now recommends that all poultry farmers pay more attention to compliance with biosecurity measures: direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds should be prevented as far as possible. If the animals have health problems, a veterinary examination should be carried out and avian influenza should be ruled out. Important to know: Every poultry farm, even if it is just one animal, must be registered with the relevant district administrative authority.
For early detection and the prevention of further spread, it is now all the more important that wild waterfowl and birds of prey found dead are reported to the locally responsible district administrative authority (official veterinarian). Such animals should not be touched and should be left where they are found. The responsible authority will arrange for recovery and testing.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus can be transmitted very easily to domestic poultry through infected wild birds or their faeces and is usually fatal for chickens and turkeys. So far, no human cases have been detected in Europe during the current epidemic. The current risk is continuously evaluated by AGES, taking into account not only the occurrence of the pathogen in Austria but also the disease situation in neighbouring member states, climatic conditions or known migratory bird routes.