Wichtiger Hinweis
Avian influenza
Stand: 17.02.2026
City sensitized to the spread.
Avian influenza (AI) was officially confirmed in several wild birds in Kosbach and Dechsendorfer Weiher in the city area. The mallard ducks and greylag geese carried the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) of the H5N1 subtype. The virus was detected by the national reference laboratory at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut.
According to the current risk assessment by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, the risk of HPAI entering and spreading in poultry farms and wild waterfowl populations remains high.
The City of Erlangen would like to draw the attention of poultry keepers in particular to compliance with the relevant biosecurity measures and recommends taking all possible biosecurity measures to avoid direct contact between wild and domestic poultry.
Recommendations for poultry keepers
As has already been widely reported in the media, avian influenza is currently spreading rapidly. In view of the current epidemiological situation, the Veterinary Office recommends that all poultry keepers observe the necessary biosecurity measures. This
- protect their own livestock and
- prevent the further spread of the disease.
Behavioral advice
HPAI viruses, the cause of avian influenza, are generally considered to be potentially zoonotic pathogens. However, the risk of transmission to the general population is classified as low. Close contact with sick or dead poultry should be avoided. Wild birds found dead must not be touched or moved. If contact does occur, hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Further information
Infected wild birds pose a significant risk to the keeping of poultry - regardless of whether it is a hobby farm with a small number of birds or a larger farm. The legal and animal health consequences of an avian influenza infection in a domestic poultry flock would be serious. It is therefore crucial to effectively prevent the infection of domestic poultry.
According to the Avian Influenza Ordinance, poultry farmers are obliged to implement the following protective measures:
- Only feed poultry in places that are inaccessible to wild birds
- Do not water poultry with surface water that is also used by wild birds
- Keep feed, litter and other materials with which the poultry may come into contact inaccessible to wild birds.
Increased biosecurity measures to protect poultry are also essential for smaller poultry holdings in order to minimize the risk of the avian influenza virus being introduced. The Veterinary Office recommends taking all possible biosecurity measures to avoid direct contact between wild and domestic poultry. Poultry should therefore be housed in stables or appropriately protected aviaries. These protective devices must have tight, top-secured covers and side barriers to prevent the entry of wild birds.
Furthermore, care should be taken to ensure that
- poultry flocks are not entered by persons from outside the company
- stables and enclosures are only entered with the shoes and protective clothing used there and after washing and disinfecting hands and shoes beforehand
- farm poultry cannot escape from the enclosure
- feed and bedding must be stored in a way that is safe for wild birds
- wild poultry must not be fed
- consistent rodent control is carried out.
Livestock farmers can use the so-called "AI risk traffic light"(www.risikoampel.uni-vechta.de) from the University of Vechta free of charge and anonymously. This allows you to check the biosecurity on your own farm.
The City of Erlangen asks the public to report any birds found dead - especially waterfowl such as swans, ducks or geese as well as birds of prey - to the veterinary office by telephone on 09131 / 86 1725 or by email to amtstieraerzte@stadt.erlangen.de, stating the exact location where they were found.
There is only a low risk of transmission of pathogens in wild pigeons and songbirds. Isolated dead animals of these species therefore do not need to be reported. However, if several dead wild pigeons or songbirds are found in an area, it is advisable to notify the competent veterinary authority. In addition, attention is once again drawn to the obligation to register poultry holdings with the veterinary office.
Detailed information on avian influenza and the recommended biosecurity measures can be found on the website of the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) under the keyword "Avian Influenza".
Website: www.lgl.bayern.de.
The current risk assessment for avian influenza can be viewed on the website of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut: Risk assessments | Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut.
Office for Veterinary and Consumer Health Protection
Head of office: Dr. Nikola-Simone Franz-Haas
Due to a move, the Veterinary and Food Inspection Department can only be contacted by e-mail from February 23 to February 27 inclusive. From Monday, March 2, the staff can be found on the 1st floor of Gebbertstraße 1 (Museumswinkel).
We offer a wide range of services in the offices at "Nägelsbachstr. 40". Appointments can be made by telephone: + (49) 09131 / 86 - 1725.
- Food hygiene
- Food inspection
- Veterinary medicines
- animal welfare
- Animal disease control
- Consumer protection (food law)
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