The district of Börde has issued a general animal health order to contain the disease and protect other poultry flocks. The aim of the measures ordered is to prevent further spread of the virus and to ensure animal health in the long term.
Establishment of protection and surveillance zones
In accordance with the relevant animal health regulations, a protection zone with a radius of at least three kilometres and a surveillance zone with a radius of at least ten kilometres have been established around the affected herd.
The protection zone includes the following localities in the single municipality of Oschersleben (Bode):
Groß Germersleben, Klein Oschersleben with the localities Bahnhof Siedlung and Flotts Höhe as well as Peseckendorf.
The surveillance zone includes:
In the single municipality of Oschersleben (Bode): Alikendorf, Altbrandsleben, Ampfurth, Andersleben, Emmeringen, Günthersdorf, Hadmersleben, Klein Alsleben, Neubau, Neubrandsleben, Oschersleben and Schermcke, in the single municipality of Wanzleben-Börde: Blumenberg, Bottmersdorf, Buch, Klein Germersleben, Klein Wanzleben, Meyendorf, Seehausen, Stadt Frankfurt and Wanzleben, in the single municipality of Sülzetal: Schwaneberg, in the association municipality of Westliche Börde: Municipality of Gröningen with the district of Großalsleben and Kroppenstedt.
Obligations for poultry keepers
In the defined areas, all poultry keepers are obliged to keep their animals exclusively in closed stables or under a suitable protective device. This device must be secured against entry from above and have a side barrier to prevent the entry of wild birds.
In addition, hunting game birds is prohibited in the affected areas.
Poultry that is acutely ill or has died must be reported immediately to the responsible health and consumer protection office. The further rules of behaviour listed in the annexes to the general ruling must be strictly observed by all livestock owners.
The general ruling comes into force on the day after its publication. Immediate enforcement has been ordered to ensure rapid and effective implementation of the protective measures.
Legal background
The measures taken are based, among other things, on the Animal Health Act, the Avian Influenza Ordinance and the relevant European legislation on the prevention and control of animal diseases.
Violations of the provisions of the general ruling can be punished as an administrative offence. In serious cases, fines of up to 30,000 euros are possible.
The district of Börde asks all poultry farmers to act responsibly and to consistently comply with the measures ordered. Only a joint and prudent approach can effectively prevent the further spread of avian influenza.