Vogelgrippe: Five Farms Affected, All of Austria "High-Risk Area"
Further Spread of Bird Flu Feared
After the bird flu virus was detected in five farms in Austria, the entire country has been declared a "high-risk area". According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the virus has been confirmed in a turkey farm in the district of Vöcklabruck, Upper Austria, as well as in four other farms in the districts of Grieskirchen, Wels-Land and Gmunden.
In order to prevent the further spread of the virus, all poultry farms in the affected areas are being monitored and tested. Protection zones have been established around the affected farms, within which poultry must be kept indoors or under nets. In addition, the transport of poultry and poultry products is restricted in these areas.
Measures to Prevent the Spread of the Virus
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management is calling on all poultry farmers to take preventive measures to protect their animals from infection. These measures include:
- Keeping poultry indoors or under nets
- Avoiding contact with wild birds
- Disinfecting equipment and clothing
- Reporting any sick or dead birds immediately
The Ministry also advises poultry farmers to register their farms with the authorities and to participate in the national surveillance program.
Risk to Humans Low
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of infection with the bird flu virus for humans is currently considered to be low. However, people who come into contact with infected poultry or their secretions should take precautions to avoid infection. These precautions include:
- Wearing protective clothing and gloves when handling poultry
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with poultry
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds
- Consuming only poultry products that have been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit)
