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Bobenheim-Roxheim / Mainz (dpa / lrs) - The Federal Research Institute for Animal Health has confirmed the suspected bird flu case in a bird park in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Ministry of the Environment announced this on Saturday in Mainz.
The operation in Bobenheim-Roxheim (Rhein-Pfalz-Kreis) near the border with Hesse was immediately blocked on Friday after the suspected case became known.
The virus was found in a Hawaiian who died.
Other animals would also be screened for the virus called H5N8.
It is the first case in a poultry farm in Rhineland-Palatinate for a long time.
"We now know that the avian influenza virus has arrived in Rhineland-Palatinate and we take it very seriously," said the Rhineland-Palatinate State Minister Anne Spiegel (Greens).
She appealed to the poultry farmers in the country: "Check your biosecurity measures and make sure you prevent direct or indirect contact with wild birds."
All birds in the bird park were housed in stables, according to the state investigation office on Friday.
The bird park is recognized as a zoological facility and has had a safety and hygiene concept for a long time.
In addition, there is an exemption permit, by means of which the killing of the birds can initially be dispensed with.
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«Since October 2020 avian influenza has spread massively in the wild bird population in Germany and Europe.
Recently, poultry populations are also increasingly affected, ”said the statement from the Environment Ministry on Saturday.
The disease is contagious and usually progresses with severe general symptoms in domestic poultry.
However, there is no indication that the pathogen is dangerous for humans, said the ministry.
Meat can still be consumed without hesitation.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210123-99-141680 / 2