Avian influenza in Thuringia: 400,000 animals killed - the end of the chickens?

Avian influenza in Thuringia: 400,000 animals killed - the end of the chickens?

A shadow is spreading across the rural expanses of Germany: Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is currently causing considerable damage in various regions. Federal states such as Thuringia and Lower Saxony are particularly affected. Loud Thuringia24 This virus creates an eerie silence in the fields where the chickens and other poultry have to retreat. This year, around 400,000 animals have already been killed in Germany to curb the spread of the disease.

The situation is particularly worrying as several cases of infection have recently been discovered in Thuringia and Lower Saxony. The highly contagious H5N1 virus was detected in Thuringia, while in the Gotha district a stable stable was imposed in order to minimize contact between wild and farmed poultry. Prof. Christa Kühn, President of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, warns that the worst may still be ahead.

Current developments in Lower Saxony and Emsland

In Emsland, several measures have already been taken to prevent the spread. On October 30, 2025, the first case was confirmed in a turkey fattening facility in Geeste. The animals were then killed in a humane manner and the farm was cleaned and disinfected. Shortly afterwards, on October 31st, another case occurred, this time in a turkey fattening facility in Lengerich, where around 18,000 animals were affected. Emsland.de reports on protection zones that were set up to protect native populations.

The stable requirement, which was issued on October 28th, applies to all types of poultry in holdings with more than 50 animals and is to be maintained until further notice. Smaller holdings are exempt from this obligation, which gives small farmers a little breathing room.

A look at Brandenburg and the future

In Brandenburg the situation looks similarly dramatic. The killing of a further 130,000 animals was ordered in the Märkisch-Oderland district. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, too, almost 150,000 laying hens have already had to give way. The high risk of further spread is increased by bird migration in autumn, which means the virus from infected wild birds can spread widely. A mass death of cranes with 65 confirmed H5N1 cases has already been detected in the Linumer Teichland in Brandenburg.

There is currently a low risk of infection for the population, but the FLI warns against contact with dead or sick wild birds and emphasizes the need for strict hygiene measures. The Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer (CSU) is also calling for an increase in compensation payments for the culled animals from 50 to up to 110 euros per animal in order to support the affected companies.

How the situation will develop in the coming weeks remains to be seen. Animal owners in Germany are called upon to act prudently in order to ensure the health of their livestock and prevent the virus from spreading further.