Avian influenza shocks Brandenburg: 3,000 ducks plagued and killed!

Avian influenza shocks Brandenburg: 3,000 ducks plagued and killed!

There are currently serious concerns about poultry farming in Brandenburg. How tagesschau.de reported, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was detected in a duck farm in Altfriedland near Neuhardenberg. Around 3,000 animals are affected in this outbreak. The company reported increased animal losses and immediately informed the responsible authorities. In order to prevent further spread, the region was immediately closed and the animals were killed and disposed of in an animal-friendly manner.

The situation led to the activation of a general animal disease decree in the Märkisch-Oderland district. Protection zones have now been set up within a radius of at least 3 km around the affected company. In these areas, there is now an obligation to house poultry, while monitoring zones have been set up within a radius of 10 km to monitor the situation

Current avian influenza situation

Avian influenza, often also referred to as bird flu, is a well-known problem in Germany. Professionalism is required because how bmleh.de notes, this disease occurs mainly due to the dangerous H5N1 subtype. In recent weeks, several outbreaks have been recorded in wild birds and poultry flocks in neighboring federal states and across Europe. Brandenburg's Consumer Protection Minister Hanka Mittelstädt appeals to all poultry farmers: "Please check your organic safety measures!"

In Germany, nine outbreaks have been registered in various farms since the beginning of 2024, including laying hens and turkey fattening flocks. There were also 31 cases in wild birds in January, with the H5N1 virus detected in many of them. The dangerous bird flu occurs not only in birds, but also in other animal species, which makes combating the virus all the more challenging.

The challenge remains

Animal disease remains a key issue as the risk of the virus spreading from birds to other species must be taken seriously. According to that Friedrich Loeffler Institute The risk to people in Germany is assessed as extremely low, but the Ministry of Health and specialist authorities are prepared. Strict containment measures are taken in suspected cases.

The political relevance of the topic is reflected in the ongoing discussions and meetings at the federal and state levels to exchange and optimize information and strategies for dealing with avian influenza. The EU Commission and international institutions are monitoring the situation and supporting national and regional authorities in this challenge.

Brandenburg is therefore at the center of a critical situation that could affect not only animal husbandry, but also food security. Continued exchange between the institutions involved will be essential to prevent contamination and spread.