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Compulsory stables for poultry in Oberhavel: H5N1 is spreading!
In Oberhavel, poultry are now required to be kept in stables to protect against H5N1. Due to several outbreaks, measures are necessary.
Compulsory stables for poultry in Oberhavel: H5N1 is spreading!
From now on there are no longer any exceptions in Oberhavel: a requirement to keep poultry in stables now applies throughout the entire district. This measure was taken to protect domestic poultry from the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza. Not only chickens are affected, but also ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, partridges, pheasants, ratites and quails. Previously, the stable requirement was only limited to certain areas, but the cases of infected wild birds have made it necessary to expand the regulation, as hohen-neuendorf.de reports.
In recent days, numerous dead and infected wild birds have been spotted in the district. The sad highlight was the destruction of the poultry population of a farm in Kremmen. Those responsible, including the head of the agriculture and consumer protection department, Nancy Klatt, emphasize the urgency of these measures. Poultry must be kept in closed stalls or under protective covers, while disinfection of hands and clothing is a top priority.
Precautions and reporting requirements
The stable requirement also comes with some requirements. Poultry exhibitions and markets are prohibited until further notice. At the same time, there is a citizen hotline on 03301 601-6230, which is available to answer questions about avian influenza. In addition, poultry farmers are requested to report sick or dead animals to the veterinary office as quickly as possible by email. If dead birds are found, please provide their location and contact details.
The symptoms of avian influenza not only include high fever and loss of appetite, but also include shortness of breath and reduced egg production in chickens. “H2>The H5N1 pathogen system is increasingly spreading in Germany.
The fall of 2025 brought with it an intensified spread of the virus. As the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) notes, there were several outbreaks in Germany between September and October. The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony and Brandenburg are particularly affected. In total, over 500,000 domestic and wild birds were killed as a precaution to prevent further spread, emphasizes rnd.de.
How can poultry farmers protect themselves?
The virus is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl. Hobby owners should therefore pay attention to how they keep their animals and protect them from wild birds. Essential precautions include: protecting feed and bedding, avoiding kitchen scraps as feed, and securing stables. It is also recommended to disinfect hands and shoes after contact with the animals' habitats.
The health of pets such as dogs and cats is usually not directly at risk, but caution is advised. The preparation of poultry meat and eggs at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius is considered safe. Further information and recommendations can be found on the Oberhavel website as well as at the FLI and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Time is of the essence, because poultry farmers who have not yet registered their flock should do so immediately.