Overview
- Laboratory testing confirmed H5N1 in a dead mute swan found at Esbacher See in Dörfles-Esbach, Coburg district.
- The Friedrich-Löffler-Institut assesses the likelihood of spread into wild waterbirds and poultry holdings as high.
- Pre-existing emergency orders from November 2022, amended in September 2023, remain in force with elevated biosecurity requirements.
- Holdings up to 1,000 birds must limit entry to farm-specific or disposable protective clothing and maintain cleaning and disinfection facilities.
- Authorities urge the public to report dead waterfowl and larger wild birds, avoid contact and prevent dogs from approaching carcasses, while noting no confirmed human cases in Germany and that properly cooked poultry remains safe.