Probable New Outbreak of Bird Flu in Harz District - Bird flu outbreak triggers mass culling and lockdowns in Germany's Harz district

A suspected outbreak of bird flu has hit the Harz district after dead turkeys tested positive at a farm in Osterwieck. While officials await final confirmation, strict measures are already in place to contain the virus and prevent further spread.

Preliminary tests detected the avian flu virus in several turkeys found dead on a farm near Osterwieck. The name of the affected farmer has not been released to protect their privacy. As a precaution, all poultry on the property must now be culled, even before official results arrive from the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute.

The Harz district has taken swift action to limit the risk. A mandatory indoor housing order now requires all birds to be kept inside. Keepers must also follow strict hygiene rules and secure their coops to block contact with wild birds.

In addition, all poultry shows, markets, and public events involving birds have been banned across the district. These restrictions will remain until further notice to reduce the chance of transmission between flocks.

The outbreak has triggered immediate containment steps, including culling, indoor housing, and event cancellations. Final lab results will determine whether further measures are needed to control the flu in the region.