Avian flu: symptoms, reporting requirements, prevention – what hobby poultry keepers need to know

Avian influenza spread remarkably early and intensely in the fall of 2025. According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), several outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain were recorded nationwide between the beginning of September and mid-October. Numerous wild birds, including many cranes, have already died from the virus; several slaughterhouses have had to cull animals as a precautionary measure.

In addition to commercial operations, avian influenza also poses a serious threat to hobbyists. This guide summarizes the most important information and protective measures. A checklist can be found at the end of the article.

The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, and Brandenburg are currently particularly affected. A total of over 500,000 domestic and wild birds have been killed to prevent further spread.

The virus, particularly the H5N1 subtype, is highly contagious for domestic poultry—such as chickens, ducks, geese, and quail—and is fatal in most cases. Transmission typically occurs through direct or indirect contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl. The FLI regularly confirms this connection in its risk assessments.

Direct contact means that domestic poultry comes into direct contact with infected wild birds – for example, through shared watering holes, feeding areas, or through wild birds entering runs and pens. Indirect contact can occur through objects contaminated with droppings, feathers, or secretions, such as shoes, feed, bedding, or water.

Dead cranes, helpers in protective gear, overwhelmed authorities: Avian flu is spreading in Germany. Martin Beer of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute explains the risks.

The H5N1 virus can infect even small flocks and spread rapidly. Waterfowl are considered particularly susceptible to the disease. Even a single infected bird can endanger the entire flock.

Therefore, hobby keepers should carefully monitor their animals and immediately inform the veterinary office if they suspect any problems.

The most common signs of illness include:

• Apathy, weakness and refusal to eat
• High fever
• Diarrhea
• Dull or shaggy plumage
• Breathing problems and an open beak
• Blue discoloration of skin, comb or wattles
• Decline in egg production
• Neurological deficits (e.g., abnormal posture and coordination problems)

Yes. If avian influenza is suspected, owners are required to report it immediately to the responsible veterinary office. This is regulated by the Animal Health Act (TierGesG). In the Ordinance on Notifiable Animal Diseases, avian influenza (fowl influenza) is explicitly listed as a notifiable animal disease.

You can find out which veterinary office is responsible on the website of the respective district or city administration. Many federal states also offer a central authority search.

There is currently no nationwide requirement to keep animals indoors. The decision on this rests with the districts, which act based on the respective regional risk situation.

Several districts in particularly affected regions—including Vechta, Cloppenburg, Gifhorn, and Diepholz (Lower Saxony)—have already imposed a housing requirement. In these areas, poultry farmers must keep their birds in enclosed coops or in runs protected from wild birds.

In view of the rapid spread of the virus and the high animal losses, industry associations are calling for a nationwide barn closure to better protect livestock.

To best protect your poultry, the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) recommends the following measures:

• Avoid direct contact with wild birds (for example through nets, roofing or feeding in the stable).
• Store feed, bedding and all items that come into contact with poultry in such a way that wild birds cannot access them.
• Do not feed food or kitchen waste, including eggshells.
• Secure the stable from unauthorized access.
• Do not visit other poultry flocks.
• Wear protective clothing when entering the stable.
• Disinfect hands and shoes thoroughly before entering the stable.
• Use egg cartons only once.
• Ensure that the stables are in good structural condition.
• Carry out effective rodent control on a regular basis.
• If an official order to keep poultry indoors is in place, even poultry from hobby farms are not allowed to have access to the outdoors.

Infection of pets such as dogs or cats is rare but not impossible, especially when they come into contact with infected wild birds or carcasses.

Humans can also become infected through intensive and repeated contact with infected poultry or their excrement. Isolated cases have been reported in the USA and Mexico, where poultry workers have become infected. No human infections have been reported in Germany so far.

According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), there is no evidence of transmission via food. Poultry meat and eggs are safe when cooked above 70 degrees Celsius, as the virus is reliably killed by heating.

1. Early warning system & observation

• Hobby keepers should observe the animals' appearance, behavior, and feed intake daily. A small barn diary (dates, observations) helps to quickly identify changes.
• Dead or suspiciously behaving wild birds should not be touched, but reported to the veterinary office or via the animal registry.

2. Safety measures in everyday life

• Disinfectant mats in front of stable entrances are a simple but effective measure. They should be regularly soaked with fresh disinfectant solution.
• Use a change of clothes and separate footwear only for the stable area.
• Wash or disinfect hands thoroughly after every contact with poultry.
• Do not share transport crates, drinking troughs or feeding buckets with other owners or disinfect them thoroughly beforehand.

3. Quarantine for new arrivals

• Newly acquired animals (e.g. from breeder exchanges or animal markets) should be kept separate from the herd for at least ten to 14 days and closely observed before being integrated.

4. Strengthen animal health in general

• Robust health helps them better fight off infections. This is facilitated by balanced feeding, clean drinking water, stress-free housing, and sufficient space and light.
• Ensure vaccinations against other poultry diseases are up to date.

5. Behavior in case of suspicion

• If you suspect this, immediately inform the veterinary office, which will check whether an infection is present.
• Never touch dead animals or dispose of them yourself.
• Isolate other animals.

Current information on avian influenza and legal regulations can be found on the website of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) .