Nationwide order of biosecurity measures also for small poultry farms
From 21.01.2023, every keeper of chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants, ratites, quails, ducks and geese must therefore comply with a catalog of measures to prevent the introduction of the virus into their livestock. In addition to securing the entrances to stables against unauthorized entry, the wearing of protective clothing by persons outside the company and compliance with cleaning and disinfection measures, it is essential that livestock owners inform the competent veterinary office immediately if they notice symptoms of illness or unclear deaths in their livestock. These laboratory diagnostic clarification tests are free of charge for farms located in Baden-Württemberg and are to be carried out exclusively in the state testing facilities. The requirement to comply with these biosecurity measures applies indefinitely for the time being.
Homepage Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection
Development of avian influenza
| Year | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Wild animals | 3 | 0 | 513 | 1312 | 1177 | 1111 |
| Domestic poultry | 3 | 1 | 32 | 286 | 208 | 74 |
Source: FLI, as at 21.12.2023
Note: The numerous cases in domestic poultry in 2021 were caused in particular by the sale of diseased animals by a breeding farm to numerous hobby farms. In 2022, infection occurred via a state breed poultry exhibition in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. There have been no spread events to date in 2023. The high number of wild animals shows that the threat of AI remains unchanged.
Checklists for biosecurity
With the help of these checklists, poultry farmers can check and, if necessary, improve the biosecurity level of their poultry farming on their own, even without an acute epidemic situation.
Press releases of the MLR
- Press release of the MLR from 13.12.2024 Avian influenza in a bird park in the district of Karlsruhe Minister Peter Hauk MdL: "I call on all poultry farmers in the state to consistently to consistently comply with the biosecurity measures!" filetype: PDF , filesize: 110.13 KB
- Press release from 12.12.2023 Compliance with biosecurity measures in poultry farms still urgently required filetype: PDF , filesize: 347.38 KB
- General ruling on the sale of poultry or kept birds in the traveling trade extended Minister Peter Hauk MdL: "The additional testing and documentation obligations for the mobile poultry trade to protect against avian influenza outbreaks have proven their worth and will be extended for a further two years" filetype: PDF , filesize: 185.38 KB
- Press release from 20.01.2023 Minister Peter Hauk MdL: "The state-wide order for biosecurity measures, including for smaller poultry holdings, is an important measure to protect against avian influenza outbreaks" Compliance with biosecurity measures also for poultry farms with fewer than 1000 animals to protect poultry flocks required by general decree in Baden-Württemberg filetype: PDF , filesize: 88.39 KB
- Press release from 02.11.2021 Minister Peter Hauk MdL: "Close coordination between poultry farmers and the veterinary authorities and the early adoption of preventive measures minimize the risk of avian influenza outbreaks" Minister Hauk raises awareness of avian influenza prevention filetype: PDF , filesize: 178.36 KB
- Press release from 22.11.2021 Minister Peter Hauk MdL: "Avian influenza caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) officially detected in swans in Donaueschingen" Local authorities issue general orders / Biosecurity measures must be urgently observed filetype: PDF , filesize: 202.59 KB
- Press release from 15.11.2022 Preventive restrictions for the poultry trade in the traveling trade in Baden-Württemberg due to increased risk of avian influenza filetype: PDF , filesize: 192.82 KB
Compulsory vaccination Newcastle DC also for hobby farmers
Owners of chickens or turkeys are legally obliged to have all their animals vaccinated against Newcastle disease. Various live and inactivated vaccines are available for this purpose. The live vaccines can be administered via the drinking water, eye drops or as an aerosol spray.
StIKo Vet: Statement on compulsory ND vaccination of poultry in hobby farming
