Berlin Animal shelter Reopens After Newcastle Disease Outbreak
Berlin, Germany – The Berlin animal shelter has fully reopened to the public after a several-week closure prompted by an outbreak of Newcastle disease among its pigeon population. The facility was temporarily shut down on September 15th after the highly contagious virus was detected, triggering strict hygiene protocols and the cancellation of all public events.
The outbreak, while posing no risk to humans or other animal species, underscored the vulnerability of bird populations to infectious diseases and the importance of preventative measures. The shelter’s reopening signals the success of those measures, with officials confirming no further outbreaks have been identified. “The protective measures were effective and ther were no further outbreaks,” the facility stated.
Newcastle disease is a viral infection that can be fatal, particularly to poultry.The initial detection at the Berlin shelter in December 2024 led to the deaths of several birds. Germany mandates vaccination for chickens and turkeys as a preventative measure.
Managing Director Toska Holtz expressed relief at the reopening, stating, ”The relief is now all the greater that we can fully reopen.” She highlighted the challenges faced by staff and visitors during the closure, and welcomed the return to normal operations, particularly the ability to allow birds access to outdoor aviaries.
Looking ahead, the Berlin animal shelter is planning investments to enhance biosecurity. These include the construction of new, isolated quarantine areas for vulnerable bird species and a dedicated entrance for found pigeons. The shelter emphasized its commitment to preventing future outbreaks and ensuring the health and safety of its animal residents.
