The outbreak was of the H7N7 subtype of the disease, the same type as the recent outbreak in the UK.

The outbreak affected a farm holding 10,104 laying hens. 50 birds became infected with the disease and died. The remaining 10,054 birds were destroyed as a precautionary measure.

The authorities quickly enacted veterinary restrictions, involving the culling and safe disposal of the birds. Poultry from three non-commercial holdings situated in a 1km radius around the infected holding were pre-emptively culled and the carcasses safely disposed of after the infected farm was dealt with.

An epidemiological investigation is now under way, and no poultry products are thought to have been moved between regions of Germany or to other countries, although some eggs were moved within the Niedersachsen region.

Further Reading

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