Brandenburg in a state of emergency: 400,000 birds killed because of bird flu!

Brandenburg in a state of emergency: 400,000 birds killed because of bird flu!

Bird flu is causing worrying news in Germany. In Brandenburg, around 400,000 birds, including many ducks and geese, had to be killed due to a current outbreak. This drastic measure is not only a response to avian influenza, which is spreading more and more in Germany, but also a legally required response. Loud Focus is one of the main reasons why, if a positive test occurs in a herd, the entire herd has to be killed immediately. This is done for animal welfare reasons, as most infected animals have only a very small chance of survival.

The affected animals are handled in a humane manner: the animals are systematically anesthetized with CO₂ before they are placed in suitable containers to be killed. Christa Kühn, President of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, emphasizes that avian influenza is of considerable importance as a strictly regulated animal disease. Another aspect is animal welfare: without these measures, approximately 99% of infected animals would suffer and die miserably.

Growing concern about bird flu

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is spreading faster and faster not only in Brandenburg, but nationwide. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has called on the population to take additional protective measures. In Baden-Württemberg, for example, a farm in which 15,000 animals had to be killed was closed and there are reports of thousands of cranes dying. Federal states such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Thuringia and Lower Saxony are particularly affected. In these regions, over 200,000 livestock have been killed due to outbreaks so far, reports daily news.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) rates the risk situation as high and warns of further outbreaks, especially during the autumn bird migration, when many wild birds are traveling and the risk of virus transmission increases. The HPAIV (H5N1) virus is particularly dangerous in this regard because it is often fatal in animals. Fortunately, according to the FLI, there is currently no increased risk for people of suffering serious illnesses from bird flu.

Prevention and protective measures

Farmers and poultry farmers are required to adhere to strict hygiene rules and avoid contact with wild birds. This is crucial to prevent the virus from spreading further. Interestingly, experts recommend that private individuals also avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and report any findings to the authorities immediately. The Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs points out that the virus is also transmitted through contaminated air or dust.

Additionally, there are avian influenza vaccines for poultry that can be used in certain circumstances but are not suitable for broiler production. A high level of vigilance and willingness to act are now required to ensure the health of animals and safety in agriculture.