Bird flu is spreading rapidly: thousands of cranes dead in Brandenburg!

Bird flu is spreading rapidly: thousands of cranes dead in Brandenburg!

The bird world in Brandenburg is in shock: thousands of wild birds have died of bird flu within just a few days. Cranes are particularly affected, as they have been massively affected by the highly contagious H5N1 virus in recent weeks. This rapid spread of the virus is not only leading to the tragic death of millions of birds, but could also have far-reaching consequences for the poultry industry. The Märkisch-Oderland district has now ordered the killing of around 85,000 animals in two affected poultry farms - including 35,000 ducks in Neuhardenberg and 50,000 broiler chickens in Neutrebbin.

How rbb24 reported, the first cases have been confirmed in Berlin, and suspected cases are increasing: so far, 14 new suspected cases have been reported in the capital, including at least one swan. The situation is particularly alarming in the Linum pond area, where over 1,500 crane carcasses were recovered. Volunteers, supported by around 20 people from the state forestry company, remove the dead birds under difficult conditions.

The increase in avian influenza

Current events have led to the safety of some areas and the Barnim district has been declared a risk area. Poultry farmers must keep their animals in closed stables, while poultry exhibitions and markets have been banned. The district administrator of Ostprignitz-Ruppin also points out possible price increases for eggs and poultry meat, as the situation is putting increasing pressure on the food supply Daily Mirror.

Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Germany, and nearly 200,000 animals have been killed since the beginning of September, including over 150,000 birds that were killed as a precaution. The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Baden-Württemberg are particularly affected. More than 1,000 cranes have already died in Brandenburg, and the situation could get louder Time will continue to escalate in the coming weeks.

Relief measures and challenges

The Ministry of the Environment offers assistance in removing the carcasses, but the operations are physically and emotionally challenging. Helpers often have to wade through deep water to reach the vulnerable birds. At the same time, the state government is promising compensation payments for the animals killed. The need for strict hygiene measures and early testing to contain this disease is becoming increasingly urgent.

In addition, the Federal Minister of Agriculture is calling for increased protective measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The requirement to keep poultry in particularly affected areas has already been waived. The challenge of controlling sick wild birds that act as vectors of avian influenza remains. Animal owners are encouraged to stay in touch with veterinary offices and report dead wild birds without making direct contact with them.

The crane population, which has been particularly hard hit by H5N1 this year, is particularly susceptible to this virus. Viruses such as H5N1 have been widespread in Europe since 2006 and have expanded dynamically in recent years. This makes it clear that both animal welfare and security of supply are at stake and that the protection of our wild birds must become more important.