District of Waldshut / Canton of Zurich: Outbreak of avian influenza in the canton of Zurich: This is what poultry farmers in the eastern district of Waldshut need to know
Avian influenza is back, at least in Switzerland. The H5N1 virus has been detected in the municipality of Hüttwangen in the canton of Zurich. This has had consequences for poultry farmers in the eastern part of the Waldshut district since Sunday. Protection and surveillance zones have been set up to prevent it from spreading. There are currently 19 farms in the protection zone and 175 farms in the surveillance zone between Hohentengen and Jestetten. The poultry farmers concerned must now pay attention to this.
Is avian influenza dangerous to humans?
No, is the statement made by the Waldshut district office. The message from the weekend literally states: “According to current knowledge, the proven H5N1 virus cannot be transmitted to humans.”
What measures has the district office taken so far?
A three-kilometer protection zone (formerly a restricted area) and a ten-kilometer surveillance zone (formerly an observation zone) have been set up on German territory around the affected company in Hüttwangen, in the immediate vicinity between Hohentengen and Dettighofen. According to the order of the District Office, the transport of poultry is prohibited within these zones. In addition, strict hygiene measures must be observed.
Which communities and districts are affected by the protection zones?
The protection zone includes parts of Hohentengen (Herdern and Günzgen), Klettgau-Bühl and parts of Dettighofen. The municipalities of Jestetten, Lottstetten, Dettighofen, Hohentengen, parts of Küssaberg (Küßnach) and Klettgau are in the surveillance zone.
What do affected poultry farmers in the restricted zone now have to pay attention to?
Poultry farmers in the restricted areas (Hohentengen herds and Hohentengen-Günzgen), Klettgau-Bühl and parts of Dettighofen) and according to the veterinary office, follow the following measures:
- 1. Poultry farmers who have not yet registered their poultry in the Waldshut District Office, Veterinary Office have their poultry keeping up to date when they are displayed.
- 2. Birds may only be kept in closed stalls or outdoors only under a cover that is still tight at the top or a net or grid with a mesh size of no more than 25 millimeters. The side borders must be secured against the play of wild birds.
- 3. Birds, eggs, fresh meat from birds, other products and animal by-products, including manure or manure, may not be brought into or out of the herd.
- 4. Entrances and other to the stables or other other areas When & be secured against unauthorized access or unauthorized driving.
- 5. The stalls or other locations of the poultry may only be entered by external persons with their own protective clothing or disposable protective clothing and these people & die take off protective or disposable protective clothing after leaving the stable or other location of the poultry.
- 6. Protective clothing is to be cleaned and disinfected after use and disposable clothing to be disposed of after being used cheaply.
- 8. An in-house facility for washing hands as well as facilities for changing and removing clothes and for disinfecting shoes must be provided.
- 9. Correct rodent control has been carried out and records are to be kept of this.
- 10. Dead birds & are disposed of via the animal body disposal facility (ZTN Süd).
What do breeders and hunters have to consider when?
“The detected H5N1 virus was probably brought in by migratory birds,” informs the district office. The veterinary office therefore advises all poultry farmers in the protection and surveillance zone that the required biosecurity measures are carefully implemented and when. There is also an obligation to register all poultry holdings with the veterinary office from the first animal onwards. Hunters should be vigilant about sick or fallen wild birds, especially waterfowl and birds of prey.
What other recommendations are there?
The veterinary office recommends keeping birds temporarily in the barn or in an aviary that is locked above, even outside of the restricted areas.
When was the last outbreak of avian influenza in the Waldshut district?
The most recent outbreak of avian influenza in the district was officially recorded on April 1, 2021. On May 15, the Waldshut District Office lifted the restrictions and bans again. The avian influenza had been introduced into the district by a traveling poultry trader.