Catastrophe in Brandenburg: 130,000 animals culled because of bird flu!

Catastrophe in Brandenburg: 130,000 animals culled because of bird flu!

In Brandenburg, the H5N1 bird flu is in full swing and is driving farmers crazy. Next Sunday, 130,000 animals will have to be killed in the Märkisch-Oderland district, after the original forecast for the number of animals to be killed was only 35,000 to 50,000. This drastic measure is necessary to stop the spread of the virus and to stabilize stocks again as quickly as possible. [Bild.de](https://www.bild.de/regional/brandenburg/brandenburg-verdammte-vogelgrippe-130-000-tiere- Werden-getoetet-68fdec99f72bfce482c0a52e) reports a massive loss, as the affected company in Neuhardenberg expects a loss of more than 500,000 euros. This loss is partly due to the Animal disease fund balanced.

Of the 130,000 animals to be slaughtered, around 80,000 are ducks and 50,000 are broiler chickens. In Neuhardenberg, all ducks in the flock are infected, while in Neutrebbin all chickens kept in barns are affected. Nationwide, bird flu is becoming an increasingly serious threat to the poultry industry, especially since the H5N1 virus variant is also widespread in wild birds. It is suspected that wild birds, such as the cranes, which are numerous in the region, act as vectors. Die Zeit highlights that almost 200,000 farm animals have already been killed.

The spread of the virus

The outbreak of bird flu continues to spread in Germany and is now a nationwide problem. Numerous cases of bird flu have been recorded since the beginning of September, with at least 15 outbreaks in poultry farms. In Brandenburg, over 1,000 cranes have died, especially in the Linum pond area, which is putting the crane population under great pressure. Tagesschau.de also reported that over 2,000 cranes died of avian influenza.

However, the dogs among the citizens are aware of the low risk of infection for humans. Experts from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) give the all-clear: The risk of infection for people is considered extremely unlikely, so there is currently no acute risk of the population becoming seriously ill here. However, the authorities urgently warn against touching sick or dead animals and advise avoiding contact with them completely.

Hygiene measures and future developments

In order to contain the spread of the virus, strict hygiene measures are urgently required. Owners are required to place the birds in safe stables and to strictly adhere to all hygiene regulations. Federal politicians, represented by Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer, are calling for increased protective measures to prevent further outbreaks. Currently, consideration is even being given to increasing compensation payments from 50 euros to up to 110 euros in order to mitigate the financial consequences for the affected companies.

In summary, the situation can be described as alarming. The current epidemic not only represents an economic challenge, but also threatens animal populations and biodiversity in our country. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether vaccines for poultry may also be approved sooner or later. Until then, the rest of the wildlife and people must remain vigilant and protect themselves well.