Bird flu in the Alb-Donau district: 15,000 animals in quarantine!

Bird flu in the Alb-Donau district: 15,000 animals in quarantine!

In the Alb-Donau district, the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 is causing worried faces in the poultry industry. As the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection announced on October 23, 2025, the virus was detected in a poultry farm with a population of around 15,000 animals. The pathogen was confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute on the island of Riems. Immediate action was taken and the affected business was immediately closed.

All animals in the infected herd are now killed in a humane manner and sent for carcass disposal. The responsible animal health authorities are on site and are taking all necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading further. Minister Peter Hauk emphasizes the high priority of biosecurity measures, which are essential to minimize the number of outbreaks and keep animal health in mind.[ Baden-Württemberg ]

Biosecurity in focus

Poultry farmers are called upon to take special precautionary measures to prevent the entry and spread of these dangerous animal disease pathogens. According to the State Office for Health and Food Safety, animal owners should, for example, introduce access restrictions on their farms and wear suitable protective clothing. Disinfection mats and baths in front of the stable are also essential.[ LGL Bavaria ]

It is particularly important to avoid contact between livestock poultry and wild birds, as the latter are known to be reservoirs for the avian influenza pathogen. Housing poultry is a measure that authorities may order when the risk of infection is high, particularly in areas frequented by wild birds.[ LGL Bavaria ]

Early detection is crucial

Another important point in prevention is the early detection of cases of illness. Owners should report losses of at least three animals or more than 2% of the total within 24 hours. In the case of ducks and geese, appropriate reports must be made if there is a loss of more than five percent of output. This shows how important it is to keep a watchful eye on poultry farming and to react immediately in order to prevent major outbreaks in the worst case.[ LGL Bavaria ]

The current situation in the Alb-Donau district is a clear indication that poultry farming is fraught with certain risks and that appropriate preventative measures are of great importance. Collaboration between authorities and poultry farmers will be crucial in the coming weeks to overcome this challenge and ensure the health of the animals.