Red alert: Avian influenza is raging – 85,000 animals are in danger!

Red alert: Avian influenza is raging – 85,000 animals are in danger!

Avian influenza continues to spread in Brandenburg and is causing worried faces among farmers and authorities. Around 85,000 animals in two poultry farms in the Märkisch-Oderland district have to be killed due to the highly contagious H5N1 virus. Deputy District Administrator Friedemann Hanke (CDU) emphasizes that the extent of this epidemic is surprising. So far this fall, five poultry flocks have been affected and nearly 18,000 geese, ducks and turkeys have already been killed. The agricultural sector fears significant economic damage, as transport and trade in poultry is prohibited in the affected restricted areas. According to Zeit.de new outbreaks must be reported in Neuhardenberg and Neutrebbin, where a total of 80,000 and 50,000 animals are affected.

What is behind this worrying development? Avian influenza, also known as bird flu or avian influenza, is primarily transmitted by wild birds. These can act as carriers of the virus via feces or directly. If an outbreak occurs, all birds in the affected flocks must be professionally euthanized to prevent further spread. The Farm.de describes that there is an obligation to report suspected illness, which must be reported to the veterinary office immediately. Symptoms range from fever and loss of appetite to shortness of breath and neurological disorders, with mortality rates reaching up to 100 percent in the worst cases.

Current measures and reactions

The authorities are currently taking various measures to control the situation. Helpers collect crane carcasses in the Linum pond area, with around 1,500 carcasses having been collected so far. This means that many cranes are also severely affected, which further fuels concern for the endangered bird population.

However, District Administrator Ralf Reinhardt (SPD) warns against hasty decisions, such as declaring a crisis. He explained that the existing regulations already severely restrict livestock farmers and that prudent handling is necessary to minimize the impact on the agricultural economy. Despite the dramatic situation, those responsible have to weigh things up in order to prevent losses for farmers and at the same time protect the health of people and animals.

A look into the future

With the ever-increasing challenges posed by avian influenza, the question arises as to what happens next. Dein Gartenhuhn points out that vaccinations against avian influenza are currently banned in Germany, which makes combating the virus even more difficult. Instead, the authorities are concentrating on informative offers such as regular lectures about the disease in order to better inform and support the affected owners.

In this tense situation, we can only hope that the measures take effect and that avian influenza can soon be contained. The coming weeks will be crucial to ensure both the health of animals and the economic stability of the agricultural industry.