Avian influenza alarm: monitoring zone set up in the Regensburg district!

Avian influenza alarm: monitoring zone set up in the Regensburg district!

On November 8, 2025, an outbreak of avian influenza was detected in the Straubing-Bogen district. As a result, the Regensburg state district office issued a general decree establishing a surveillance zone that includes several municipalities in the district. These measures are part of the fight against avian influenza, which is regulated by the Avian Influenza Ordinance, which was announced on October 15, 2018 and aims to prevent the spread of the disease in Germany. According to the municipality of Aufhausen, the affected communities in the monitoring zone are: Aufhausen with the districts of Irnkofen, Neumühle, Niederhinkofen and Ziegelstadel; Mötzing with Dengling, Mötzing, Oberhaimbuch, Schafhöfen, Schönach and Unterhaimbuch; Sünching with Annahof, Haidenkofen, Hardt and Sünching as well as Riekofen with Hartham, Oberehring and Unterehring.

Animal keeping businesses in this zone are obliged to immediately report the number of birds and any dead animals to the veterinary office. In addition, companies located in the surveillance zone are considered particularly at risk and must comply with strict regulations. These include, among other things, bans on the transport of birds, eggs and animal carcasses on public and private roads. There is also a ban on the movement of poultry, poultry meat, eggs and animal by-products.

Protective measures for animal owners

Another key measure is the housing requirement, which stipulates that all birds must be kept in closed stables. Self-monitoring is also required: operators must check their animals daily for any changes. In addition, control measures against pest rodents and insects are required on the farm in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Various hygiene measures are also required. Daily disinfection must be carried out on the access routes and strict hygiene regulations apply to everyone who enters the company premises. Documentation of everyone entering the facility is mandatory. Animal owners must also ensure the disposal of animal carcasses in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 1069/2009.

The release of birds to support the wild bird population is also prohibited under the general order. Holding poultry exhibitions and markets in the surveillance zone is also prohibited. Transport vehicles associated with poultry must be cleaned and disinfected after each transport to prevent further spread of the virus.

Control measures and reporting system

The competent authority will carry out checks and investigations in the surveillance zone. If necessary, the killing and disposal of infected or potentially infected birds can be ordered. In addition, hunting of game birds may be prohibited in the region to reduce the risk of infection. Such measures are provided for in the general protective regulations against avian influenza, which contain detailed regulations for combating the disease.

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), there is a worrying increase in infections in wild birds and outbreaks in poultry farms, which underlines the need for such rigorous measures. Compliance with all regulations is crucial to ensure the health of the herds and prevent the spread of the disease.

Poultry farmers are required to conduct their operations in accordance with the BMELH guidelines to organize and submit all necessary documents to comply with legal requirements. Early detection measures, hygiene regulations and precise documentation of the populations are essential to protect the health of the animals.

The general order comes into force on the day after it is announced. It is therefore crucial for affected animal owners to immediately find out about current developments and take all necessary measures.