Meldung toter und erkrankter Vögel (Wildvögel und Hausgeflügel)

If you suspect avian influenza, please use the information provided below and report this to the competent authority. They can check the suspicion and, if confirmed, make this public and initiate further measures.

Dead and sick birds (wild birds and domestic poultry) should be reported to the relevant veterinary office. Finding a dead bird in a field or forest is a normal part of life; it only makes sense to inform the veterinary office if several birds have died at the same location.

What to do if avian influenza is suspected (in animals and humans)

The competent veterinary authorities must be informed immediately if avian influenza is suspected in wild birds and domestic poultry.

Dead animals should never be handled without gloves or a plastic bag placed over the hand.

Dogs and cats should be denied access to sick and dead birds. There have been no known cases of illness in them to date, but they can contribute to the spread of the pathogen.

Danger for animals (domestic poultry)

The responsibility for domestic poultry lies with their owners, who must inform the veterinary office if an outbreak is suspected.

Domestic poultry are always at risk if there is direct (wild birds also eat) or indirect contact between wild and domestic poultry through the transmission of feces and feathers in particular.

All domestic poultry species except pigeons are at risk and can become infected with the H5N8 avian influenza virus.

No cases of disease in mammals have been identified to date.

Precautionary measures

Keepers of poultry can protect their animals by avoiding contact with wild birds for themselves and their animals. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) has published a leaflet containing information on the necessary hygiene measures and is recommended for all poultry keepers.

The provisions of the Avian Influenza Ordinance apply to poultry farmers.

Dogs and cats should not be allowed into poultry houses.

Handling poultry meat

Meat from sick animals or animals suspected of being infected is not sold, but is destroyed.

However, poultry meat from healthy animals can also be contaminated with bacterial or viral pathogens. For this reason, the usual hygiene measures must always be observed when processing poultry meat: In particular, the meat must be processed separately from other foods and it must be fully heated through. Utensils (e.g. plates, knives, cutting boards) that have come into contact with raw poultry meat must be carefully cleaned and dried before they are used for other foods.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture (BMEL) and the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) provide detailed information on their websites.

Further information is available:

Please contact the veterinary office of your local district administration