Information on general rulings issued by the animal health authorities to combat avian influenza in wild birds
The virological examination carried out by the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (Friedrich-Löffler-Institut, FLI) on 26 January 2017 detected the highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus of subtype H5 in a dead wild bird (heron) recovered in the Plaue district of the municipality of Flöha on 22 January 2017. Subtyping for NA has not yet been completed. As a result, the food monitoring and veterinary office of the district of Central Saxony officially declared an outbreak of avian influenza in this wild bird.
The restriction areas (restricted area and observation area) established in accordance with the Avian Influenza Ordinance also extend to the south-eastern urban area of Chemnitz.
Only the district of Euba is affected by the restricted area to be established, whereas the observation area extends to numerous districts of Chemnitz (Ebersdorf, Hilbersdorf, Sonnenberg, Gablenz, Bernsdorf, Reichenhain, Adelsberg, Erfenschlag, Einsiedel, Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain, Euba).
In the restriction areas, numerous restrictions and bans apply to owners of poultry and other captive birds, but owners of dogs and cats as well as those authorised to hunt are also affected by the protective measures. For example, dogs and cats are not allowed to roam freely in the restricted areas. Hunting game birds is also prohibited.
If you have any queries, please contact the Food Monitoring and Veterinary Office of the City of Chemnitz (Tel. 0371 488-3901). The requirements of the general animal health regulations must be consistently implemented in order to prevent the virus from entering our domestic and farm poultry flocks in the best possible way and to recognise it quickly if necessary.
In addition, the Food Monitoring and Veterinary Office of the City of Chemnitz asks the public to report (also via the fire brigade control centre or the police) if an increased number of wild birds are found dead.
No cases of HPAI virus (H5N8) infection in humans are known to date. Poultry meat and poultry products are safe to eat. General hygiene rules should always be observed when handling and preparing raw poultry meat and poultry products. As a precautionary measure, care should be taken to avoid direct contact between people and pets and dead or sick wild birds.
Further information:
Detailed information from the official veterinarian and the general decrees of the city of Chemnitz on the restricted area and observation area can be found on the website of the city of Chemnitz: