Avian influenza is spreading in Thuringia – chickens are threatened with death!

Avian influenza is spreading in Thuringia – chickens are threatened with death!

In recent weeks, avian influenza has reached dramatic proportions in Thuringia, resulting in an eerie silence in the fields. According to a report by Thuringia24 This year, around 400,000 animals in Germany, including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys, had to be killed in order to contain the spread of the highly dangerous disease. The situation is serious: Around 30 commercial poultry farms have had to completely clear out their flocks due to the virus.

The President of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), Prof. Christa Kühn, warns of the dynamic development of the situation and emphasizes that the worst may still be ahead. The north-east of Germany is particularly badly affected. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, almost 150,000 laying hens were killed, while in the Märkisch-Oderland district in Brandenburg, another 130,000 animals fell victim to the disease. Infections have also occurred in Lower Saxony, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg.

Precautions and Dangers

In order to prevent the H5N1 virus from spreading further, the Gotha district has introduced compulsory housing for poultry. This measure is intended to minimize contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, especially during autumn migration when the risk of transmission from infected wild birds increases. In Brandenburg, specifically in the Linumer Teichland, there is also a massive die-off of cranes, where around 65 proven H5N1 cases have been discovered.

The virus pressure from infected wild birds is currently extremely high. The FLI strongly warns against contact with dead or sick wild birds and emphasizes the need for protective clothing for people who handle affected animals. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) is now calling for an increase in compensation payments for the culled animals from the previous 50 euros to up to 110 euros per animal.

Additional research aspects

Interestingly, on the sidelines of the discussion about avian influenza, research into inhibitors such as LDN193189 has also come into focus. Loud MedChemExpress LDN193189 is a selective inhibitor used in research on bone morphogenetic protein signaling. This substance has applications in various therapeutic areas, including research into rare bone diseases.

The current events surrounding avian influenza and the associated economic and health challenges remind us of how vulnerable our animal husbandry landscape is. It is clear that something is going on and rapid action is essential to prevent further spread and protect the health of the animals.