25 districts in Lower and Upper Austria, Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia and Burgenland are also classified as areas with a greatly increased risk. Here, stables are mandatory for businesses with more than 50 animals.
Throughout Austria, the risk classification prohibits feeding animals outdoors and contact between poultry and wild birds must be prevented by nets or roofs.
Cases in four companies in Upper Austria and Lower Austria
New cases of bird flu were recently identified in four farms with around 200,000 animals in Upper and Lower Austria. There is also a suspected case in a turkey farm on the border between Lower and Upper Austria, reported Ulrich Herzog, head of veterinary services at the Ministry of Health, during a background discussion.
The number of cases in wild birds has also increased recently. “In order to contain the spread, the whole of Austria is now declared an area with increased risk,” explained the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which is also responsible for animal protection, in a press release. A corresponding regulation was published on Thursday and will come into force on Friday.
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**Interview with Ulrich Herzog, Head of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Herzog. There has been a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Austria. Can you provide us with an update on the current situation?
**Ulrich Herzog:** Thank you for having me. Yes, we have confirmed new outbreaks of bird flu in two poultry farms, affecting over 200,000 birds in both Upper and Lower Austria. Additionally, we are investigating a suspected case in a turkey farm located on the border of these two regions.
**Interviewer:** What measures are being implemented to control the spread of this virus?
**Ulrich Herzog:** To contain the outbreak, we’ve classified 25 districts in Lower and Upper Austria, Styria, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Burgenland as areas of greatly increased risk. This classification mandates that all farms with more than 50 animals must keep their livestock stabled. Furthermore, outdoor feeding of birds is prohibited, and precautions to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds, such as installing nets or roofs, are now required.
**Interviewer:** Are these measures sufficient to protect both domestic and wild birds?
**Ulrich Herzog:** While these measures are significant, it’s crucial for all stakeholders—including commercial farmers, hobby farmers, and the general public—to remain vigilant. Wild birds are known carriers of the virus, so preventing their interaction with domestic poultry is essential. Also, we are monitoring the situation closely as the number of cases in wild birds has recently increased.
**Interviewer:** What can people do to assist in preventing the spread of avian influenza?
**Ulrich Herzog:** Awareness is key. We encourage everyone to report any unusual bird deaths and to refrain from approaching sick or dead wildlife. Farmers should adhere strictly to the regulations and maintain biosecurity measures on their properties. Public cooperation plays a vital role in our efforts to manage this situation effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Herzog. We hope for a swift resolution to these outbreaks.
**Ulrich Herzog:** Thank you. We appreciate the public’s support as we work together to combat this challenge.
