The obligation to keep birds in stables came into force on December 2, 2025 and expires on February 12, 2026. Since the end of December, no further wild birds infected with the avian influenza virus (bird flu/poultry plague) have been found in the Ludwigsburg district.
From February 13, 2026, poultry farmers will be allowed to let their animals outside again. However, it is still urgently pointed out that the already long-standing mandatory biosecurity measures, which apply all year round in Baden-Württemberg regardless of the number of animals kept, must be strictly adhered to.
Poultry farmers can protect their poultry by taking the following measures:
- Secure stables against unauthorized access
- Store and provide feed and water protected from wild birds
- Avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds
- Strictly implement hygiene measures (washing hands, changing shoes, separate stable clothing, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and stables)
- Carry out rodent control
- Monitor the health of the animals daily
- Report suspected cases to the veterinary office immediately
The health of the animals must be monitored daily. Conspicuous cases of illness or death in poultry must be reported to the veterinary office immediately.
Stabling as a measure against avian influenza
The stabling of domestic poultry was issued as a precautionary protective measure after highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) was officially detected in several wild birds found dead along the Neckar in November and December 2025 and an increased infection pressure was assumed. The measure served to protect domestic and farm poultry flocks from infection with avian influenza from wild birds.
Further information on avian influenza in the district of Ludwigsburg as well as references to further information from other authorities can be found at: https://www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/gesundheit-veterinaerwesen/veterinaerwesen/gefluegelpest/.
