A virus is also raging in the animal world: AGES has confirmed the first case of avian influenza in a swan in Styria. Now the risk area is being expanded – chicken in the Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district and in neighboring communities in the Weiz district have to stay in the stables.
The avian influenza virus, subtype H5N1, was detected in a swan in the Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district on December 28th. With far-reaching consequences: As of December 30th, all chickens that live in farms with over 350 animals in the affected district and individual communities in the Weiz district must be in “quarantine” – that means they have to stay in the barn. In the area, a particularly large number of free-range chickens are kept. The virus is extremely dangerous for birds and can die from it. According to the ministry, however, there is no danger to people. Keepers should absolutely prevent direct and indirect contact between poultry and wild birds. If you have unclear health problems, you should call a vet, and you must also report if you find wild water birds and birds of prey dead.
source site-12