Bird flu alarm: 130,000 animals in Brandenburg must be killed!

Bird flu alarm: 130,000 animals in Brandenburg must be killed!

What's currently going on in Cologne and the surrounding area? A worrying issue is bird flu, which is spreading as a result of bird migration. Current reports from rbb-online.de show that confirmed cases have already occurred in nine districts in Brandenburg, while the first infections have also been reported in Berlin. In the Märkisch-Oderland district, a total of 130,000 animals have to be killed due to bird flu, which is an alarming development.

At the moment it is assumed that the Friedrich Loeffler Institute is assuming an increasing number of migratory birds dying from avian influenza. The president of the institute, Christa Kühn, warns of high virus pressure from infected wild birds and their excretions. Brandenburg's Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt also emphasizes that an increase in the wild bird population is to be expected as temperatures fall.

Background to avian influenza

In recent years, outbreaks of bird flu have increased, especially in Brandenburg. Loud rbb24.de Record-breaking numbers of birds dead due to the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus were found. Animals such as chickens and turkeys are particularly affected. The virus often causes a rapid and fatal progression. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea and shortness of breath.

The Brandenburg State Office for the Environment recommends avoiding resting areas for wild birds, as these often carry the virus without symptoms and make infection easier. Although transmission to humans is theoretically possible, it remains rare. Again NDR reported, there are currently no direct cases known in Germany that indicate human illness. The risks to human health are considered low, emphasizes the WHO.

Preventive measures and compensation

The outbreak of bird flu has serious financial consequences for poultry farmers. Compensation for killed animals could be increased from 50 euros to 110 euros. Meat from affected farms may not be sold, and healthy animals from restricted zones may only be sold under strict conditions. In short, the situation is tense and many consumers are keeping abreast of the social and economic impact of this infection.

It is clear that eating properly heated poultry meat and eggs is considered safe. Health experts strongly recommend taking extra care when handling raw poultry products to avoid possible contamination. In addition to avoiding contact between pets and sick birds, protecting poultry farmers from financial loss is as important as educating consumers.

This evening there is a special on rbb television on questions about compensation for companies and additional consumer information. It remains to be hoped that the current crisis situation can be brought under control as quickly as possible.