Low-pathogenic Bird Flu Reported in German Poultry Flock
GERMANY - A flock of free-range hens has been found with the low-pathogenic form of the H5N1 avian influenza A virus in Lower Saxony, near to the border with the Netherlands.The veterinary authority has sent an Immediate Notification dated 12 March to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
It describes an outbreak starting on 9 March at Laar in the state of Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), affecting a flock of 38,323 free-range layers.
A drop in egg production was observed and 48 birds died. A further five hens were culled for diagnostic purposes and the remaining 38,270 have been culled.
The presence of the H5N1 subtype low-pathogenic virus has been confirmed.
A Follow-up Report dated the following day, 13 March, states that no poultry have been moved to other regions in Germany, Member States or third countries.
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