Bird flu alarm in Brandenburg: 130,000 ducks and chickens must die!

Bird flu alarm in Brandenburg: 130,000 ducks and chickens must die!

In the last few weeks, the situation surrounding bird flu in Germany has worsened dramatically. In particular, in the Märkisch-Oderland district, Brandenburg, authorities were forced to kill around 130,000 ducks and chickens. Dangerous bird flu pathogens were detected in an affected duck fattening farm with around 80,000 animals and a broiler farm with around 50,000 animals. This is reported by the South Courier.

Due to the worrying situation, the veterinary office has ordered the killing of the affected animals for animal welfare and health reasons. Avian influenza is spreading rapidly in Germany, with the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) now classifying the risk to animal health as high. Wild cranes are particularly badly affected, and hundreds of dead animals have already been recovered from a pond area near Linum. A small consolation: virus transmission to humans is currently considered to be low.

Stable obligation and economic consequences

In view of the alarming situation, many poultry farmers are calling for nationwide compulsory housing in order to prevent the virus from spreading further. Georg Heitlinger from the Baden-Württemberg State Association of the Poultry Industry emphasizes the urgency of protecting animals and businesses. So far, more than 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys have been killed due to bird flu. This leads to serious concerns about possible supply shortages of eggs and poultry meat, such as daily news reported.

ZDG President Hans-Peter Goldnick not only warns of rising prices, but also calls for a comprehensive discussion about vaccination strategies and adjustments to animal disease law. There are concerns that trade bans on eggs and meat products will be introduced, which could further strain the economic situation of producers in the region. In addition, there are already logistical problems, while the existence of affected companies is acutely threatened.

Pre-Christmas concerns and outlook

The spread of bird flu could even mean we see empty shelves in supermarkets before Christmas. Given the current situation, the supply of Christmas geese is still secure, but the situation is still being monitored closely. Experts fear that the current wave of infections could reach similar proportions to those in the winter of 2020/21, when over two million animals had to be culled in Germany. A supply shortage in the coming months cannot be ruled out, which could put pressure on consumers T Online reported.

In summary, it should be noted that bird flu is not only a challenge for animal husbandry in Germany, it could also have far-reaching effects on the market and consumers. The coming weeks remain crucial to contain the spread and ensure stability in poultry supplies.