Additionally, in 25 regions a general confinement order is in effect until further notice for facilities housing more than 50 animals. Farms with fewer than 50 animals are exempt from this confinement requirement, provided ducks and geese are kept separate and their animals are protected from contact with wild birds.
Austrian poultry may only be fed inside the stable or in a shelter. Water from reservoirs accessible to wild birds may not be used. Ducks and geese must be kept separate from other poultry.
All poultry keepers are also asked to pay special attention to their biosecurity, such as stable clothing, hand hygiene, and measures to control rodents in the stables.
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There is a reporting obligation for waterfowl found dead. Veterinarians must ensure that dead animals are collected and examined. Passersby may not touch the animals or leave them at the place where they were found.
In Europe, outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) are increasingly observed every spring and autumn. The virus can easily be transmitted to domestic poultry through infected wild birds or their droppings. It is highly contagious. In poultry, the disease is usually fatal.
To date, no cases of bird flu in humans have been identified in Europe. In rare cases, very close contact with infected birds (for example, workers on poultry farms) can lead to transmission from birds to humans. The infection results in flu-like symptoms. Experts say transmission to humans via food can be excluded.
Due to bird migration, more waterfowl are arriving in the Netherlands these weeks. However, there are no reports of increased mortality among wild birds in countries north of the Netherlands. In other parts of Europe, relatively many outbreaks have been reported since early September this year, especially in Hungary and Poland. Outbreaks have also occurred in France and Italy.