In the outbreak farm itself, all laying hens were already killed on Wednesday, 24.3.21, in accordance with animal welfare regulations and the necessary cleaning and disinfection measures were carried out. There is currently no information that the avian influenza virus has spread. No clinical or epidemiological signs of the presence of the avian influenza pathogen were found in 24 poultry farms in the vicinity of the infected farm. The samples from these farms were all negative.
According to the current state of information, the introduction of the avian influenza pathogen occurred via the purchase of laying hens from a poultry farm in North Rhine-Westphalia. The District Office urges all other buyers from the district of Ludwigsburg who have purchased laying hens from a poultry farm in North Rhine-Westphalia since the beginning of March to contact the Veterinary and Food Inspection Department, as it cannot be ruled out that they are infected with the avian influenza pathogen.
In this context, it is once again pointed out that, against the background of avian influenza, it is of great importance that all owners of poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl or quails, who have not yet registered their holdings with the veterinary authorities, register their holdings, regardless of the number of animals kept. Furthermore, the necessary hygiene and biosecurity measures should also be observed in order to prevent the possible introduction of pathogens into the flock.
Irrespective of the designation of restriction zones in the form of a restricted area or an observation area, the outbreak farm is still subject to further restriction measures, for example, no further poultry may be housed for the time being or the excrement of the animals must be specially treated in order to safely kill off possible avian influenza pathogens.
