Dead cranes in Marzahn-Hellersdorf: danger from bird flu!

Dead cranes in Marzahn-Hellersdorf: danger from bird flu!

Two dead cranes were discovered in the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district last week. These sad findings raise concerns because the birds were taken to the Berlin-Brandenburg state laboratory to be examined for avian influenza, better known as bird flu. The first test results show a preliminary positive result, which is of course anything but positive. The virus detection is now being further examined by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in order to obtain final confirmation and differentiation as to how Berlin.de reported.

The dangers of avian influenza do not only apply to wild birds themselves. This is a highly contagious pathogen that is particularly dangerous for domestic poultry such as chickens, geese and ducks. Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings, which can be a real problem for poultry farmers. Therefore, the veterinary inspectorate in the district immediately notified all poultry farmers and urged them to exercise extreme caution.

Recommendations for action for poultry farmers

Now is the time to take precautions. The district mayor Nadja Zivkovic recommends keeping poultry in the house as a precautionary measure to minimize the risk of infection. Here are some important recommendations for owners:

• Lagern Sie Futter so, dass Wildvögel keinen Zugang haben.
• Vermeiden Sie die Nutzung von kontaminiertem Oberflächenwasser zum Tränken.

Bird migration is in full swing, and experts consider it likely that further findings of avian influenza could appear in the city in the coming days. This makes it all the more important to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures.

First steps for citizens

The public is also asked not to touch dead water birds, corvids or birds of prey on their own. As dangerous as the situation may be, it is best to report the discovery to the veterinary inspectorate. Inquiries and information can be directed to the relevant departments either by telephone on (030) 90293 6500 or -6532 or by email. The following applies here: Prevention is everything!

It is good to know that the pathogen that causes avian influenza is rarely contagious for humans and many other animal species. Nevertheless, the situation should always be taken seriously because major outbreaks can be avoided by acting responsibly. Stay informed and help protect the health of domestic poultry and wild birds!