Zoos in Schwerin and Rostock in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have introduced protective measures against avian flu. The institutions are using disinfectant mats, keeping birds in closed winter quarters, and have drained duck ponds to avoid attracting wild birds. The facilities remain in constant contact with local veterinary services. The situation is not new – according to statements, the threat of avian flu returns seasonally each year, and completely eliminating the risk for farmed animals is not possible.
Protective measures in zoos
Rostock Zoo has placed disinfectant mats at the entrances to aviaries, houses, and stables. Many bird species are currently housed in closed winter quarters, limiting contact with wild birds. Additionally, water has been drained from duck ponds so they do not attract wild waterfowl.
Constant contact with veterinarians
Both zoos, in Schwerin and Rostock, maintain close cooperation with local veterinary authorities. The exchange of information aims to respond quickly to developments in the situation and any potential disease outbreaks in the region.
Seasonal, cyclical threat
As zoo representatives indicate, avian flu has become a problem that returns at least seasonally every year. However, due to animal welfare, they cannot be kept in permanent isolation as a preventive measure. A certain risk always remains.
Zoos in the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – in Schwerin and Rostock – have taken specific preventive actions in connection with avian flu outbreaks in several federal states. The institutions reported that they remain in close contact with local veterinary services to monitor the situation. Representatives of Rostock Zoo explained that disinfectant mats have now been placed at the entrances to all aviaries, houses, and stables. Additionally, many birds are currently seasonally housed in closed winter quarters or fenced enclosures, which naturally limits the possibility of contact with wild birds that could carry the virus. As another precautionary measure, water has been drained from ponds intended for ducks so they do not attract wild waterfowl.Avian flu, caused by type A influenza viruses, poses a serious threat to both wild birds and farmed poultry as well as animals in zoos. In recent decades, particularly highly pathogenic strains of the H5N1 and H5N8 viruses have caused mass die-offs of wild birds and forced the culling of millions of poultry on farms, leading to significant economic losses. Since 2020, an unprecedented, year-round circulation of the virus has been observed in Europe, changing the traditionally seasonal character of the epidemic. As indicated in the statement, the avian flu problem is not entirely new for these facilities. „Fundamentally, avian flu is a topic that concerns us practically every year, at least seasonally” – it was stated. Zoo representatives emphasized, however, that animal welfare is of paramount importance, which is why it is not possible to keep them in long-term isolation solely as a preventive measure. „A certain residual risk always remains” – they added. A similar position was taken by Schwerin Zoo, indicating that the virus persists in the environment year-round and poses a constant challenge for animal collection managers. Cooperation with veterinary authorities aims to minimize this risk and protect valuable, often endangered species. Although the articles do not provide information about specific cases of the disease in the zoos themselves, the actions taken are a response to the generally unfavorable epizootic situation in the region. The implemented procedures – disinfection, separation, and removal of water points – are standard biosecurity methods used in animal breeding and husbandry in the face of zoonotic threats. Zoo authorities emphasize that their goal is to balance protecting animal health with providing them with appropriate living conditions, avoiding unnecessary stress associated with total isolation.