Probable New Outbreak of Bird Flu in Harz District - Avian flu outbreak triggers mass culling at Harz district turkey farm

Avian flu has likely struck again in the Harz district. Preliminary tests detected the virus in dead turkeys at a farm near Osterwieck. Authorities are now taking urgent steps to contain the outbreak.

The suspected outbreak was first identified after several turkeys died on a farm in Osterwieck. Lab results pointed to avian influenza, prompting immediate action.

All poultry on the affected farm will be culled to prevent further spread. Beyond this, the entire Harz district has been placed under strict restrictions. A mandatory indoor housing order now applies to every poultry farm in the area.

Poultry keepers must also enforce tight hygiene rules and secure coops against wild birds. Additionally, all bird shows, markets, and public events involving poultry have been banned across the district.

This follows earlier outbreaks in January 2026, including cases in Rottenau (Jerichower Land) on the 26th and Rollshausen/Germershausen (Landkreis Göttingen) on the 14th. No farm owners have been named in official reports.

The culling of infected birds and district-wide restrictions aim to halt the virus's spread. Poultry farmers must now keep flocks indoors and follow enhanced biosecurity measures. The ban on bird-related gatherings will remain in place until further notice.