Berlin sets up surveillance zone for Newcastle disease

According to the statement, there are only smaller private poultry farms in the affected Berlin area, each with fewer than 20 animals. These herds were examined by an official veterinarian and vaccination protection was also checked. The movement of susceptible animals and their products from the restricted zones is prohibited.

The aim of the measures is to prevent the animal disease from spreading further. Newcastle disease is considered a highly contagious viral disease that is often fatal in poultry. In Germany there is a compulsory vaccination for chickens and turkeys, which also includes hobby keeping. Under EU law, the disease is classified as a category A animal disease, which requires immediate countermeasures.

Last year, 32 cases of Newcastle disease were reported nationwide, including 26 in wild birds and 11 in farmed poultry. This year, 18 outbreaks have already been identified in kept birds, and larger poultry farms were also affected.

The disease is considered largely harmless to humans. In rare cases, close contact with infected animals can cause conjunctivitis or swollen ear lymph nodes; Eggs or poultry meat pose no danger.

The authorities are once again calling for poultry farms to be registered with the relevant veterinary authorities. Conspicuous illnesses or deaths in herds should be reported immediately. It is also recommended that the mandatory vaccination protection for chickens and turkeys be checked and renewed if necessary.