Avian flu

Chemnitz Zoo: Avian flu protection measures gradually lifted

All retests negative

Chemnitz Zoo has announced that the final, extensive retesting of the bird population has been completely negative. This means that there is no further suspicion of an outbreak of bird flu in the flock.

On the basis of these results, the protective measures in place to date are now being gradually withdrawn. The birds can now fully utilise their aviaries and facilities again. The over-planning of the aviaries that was carried out as part of the precautionary measures has also already been removed.

The anti-epidemic mats remain in place for a transitional period as a final safety measure. The duck pond area is still designated as a protection zone. However, the lower path along the duck pond is once again passable for visitors. The connecting path between the Zwergzebus and the duck pond remains closed for the time being.

Since 5 March, the regular admission prices apply again for all visitors, as all bird species can now be seen again without restriction.

Pressemitteilung vom 4. März 2026

Important questions and answers

Normally you do not have such close contact with birds in the zoo that infection is possible. Infections occur almost exclusively through direct professional contact with sick or dead birds or their faeces.

Pets that eat birds infected with bird flu or their faeces can become infected. If you suspect illness, please contact a vet immediately.

  1. Do not touch!
  2. Keep your distance - keep children and pets away.

If you find a sick or dead wild bird of the following species, call the local police on 110 or the fire brigade on 112:

  • Wild geese,
  • wild ducks,
  • Birds of prey/owls,
  • swans,
  • cranes,
  • magpies,
  • cormorants,
  • little egrets, great egrets, grey herons,
  • white storks,
  • gulls,
  • crested grebes, little grebes, black-necked grebes
  • Bitterns,
  • pink pelicans, Dalmatian pelicans,
  • purple grouse,
  • wood sandpipers,
  • wood thrushes

No - a positive rapid influenza test indicates normal seasonal flu in the vast majority of cases. If you have any symptoms, please contact your GP practice.

Due to the very low risk of infection for the general population, vaccination is not currently planned in Germany.

No. It is not done to protect against infection with bird flu viruses.

Keyword "Avian influenza"

Avian influenza (AI), also known as bird flu, is caused by different subtypes of the influenza A virus.

Walkers should exercise vigilance when handling wild birds. For early detection of the disease, it is important that findings of dead or sick wild birds are reported. Please call the local police on 110 or the fire brigade on 112.