The animals on the farm must be killed to prevent further transmission. A protection zone within a radius of three kilometres and a surveillance zone of ten kilometres have been established around the farm. In the weeks prior to this, the virus had already been detected in a poultry farm in Upper Austria and in wild birds in several regions of Austria. Transmission to humans through food can be ruled out.
Every year in spring and autumn, more and more outbreaks of bird flu are observed throughout the EU. This is due to the migration routes of wild birds. The avian influenza virus (bird flu) has also been detected in dead wild birds in several regions of Austria. Infection occurs directly from animal to animal. The virus can very easily be transmitted to domestic poultry through infected wild birds or their faeces from wild birds. It is highly contagious. The disease is usually fatal.
On Wednesday, 30 October, the Ministry of Health established a protection zone within a radius of three kilometres and a surveillance zone within a radius of ten kilometres around the outbreak farm. All poultry farms within the protection zone will be inspected by an official veterinarian. The veterinary authorities are closely monitoring further developments.
Increased safety measures recommended
The Ministry of Health recommends that poultry farmers throughout Austria take increased safety measures: Direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds should be prevented as far as possible. In the event of health problems in the animals, a veterinary examination should always be carried out so that avian influenza can be ruled out. Important to know: Every poultry farm must be registered with the competent district administrative authority - even if it is just a single animal.
In order to prevent 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 examination.
No human cases have been detected in Europe to date. The current risk is continuously evaluated by AGES. In addition to the occurrence of the pathogen in Austria, the epidemiological situation in neighbouring member states, climatic conditions or known migratory bird routes are also taken into account.
