Bird flu alarm: Over 500,000 animals killed – egg prices rise significantly!

Bird flu alarm: Over 500,000 animals killed – egg prices rise significantly!

Bird flu has been spreading in Germany since the beginning of September 2023 and the situation is worsening dramatically. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) has currently recorded 30 outbreaks in poultry farms and 73 cases in wild birds. So far, more than500,000 animals, including chickens, ducks and geese, are killed. This development is increasing fears among poultry farmers because, among other things, the cost of eggs could rise sharply, while significant price increases for poultry meat are more likely. The FLI's forecasts are alarming: the peak of bird migration is still ahead.

The federal states of Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg and Thuringia are currently particularly affected, where most outbreaks in poultry farms have been recorded. In Lower Saxony alone, 20,500 turkeys were killed, and in northern Brandenburg, thousands of dead cranes had to be rescued from fields. This is all bitter news for the poultry industry, which is not initially expecting a massive increase in prices. According to recent reports, a special increase in egg prices of up to 40 percent could be possible, depending on how the situation develops. Poultry farmers are still concerned and are calling for a nationwide obligation to have stables.

Alarming statistics

Record numbers of birds dying from the H5N1 virus were found in Germany. According to RBB24 reports, outbreaks have increased steadily in recent years, especially in Brandenburg. The virus mutates and becomes more aggressive, which makes the symptoms depressing: sick birds often show loss of appetite, diarrhea and shortness of breath and often die after a short time. What is particularly dangerous for poultry farming is that infected wild birds can spread the virus, often without showing any symptoms themselves. These can travel long distances and cause massive spread. Forest creatures and domestic animals coming into contact with contaminated materials also help complicate the situation.

The virus itself is considered harmless to humans, but poses a risk when in close contact with infected animals. This particularly affects poultry farmers who have to protect their animals from wild birds as best as possible. Healthy products from unaffected companies may continue to be sold under certain conditions, while meat from affected companies may not be marketed. In response to this threatening situation, an increase in the maximum compensation rate from 50 euros to up to 110 euros per animal is also being discussed.

The situation in detail

So what measures are necessary to contain the spread? Experts recommend avoiding resting areas for migratory birds and reporting dead or sick wild birds instead of touching them yourself. A clear appeal goes out to all animal owners to protect their animals in order to prevent further outbreaks. Particular attention is also paid to climate change, which affects the migratory behavior of birds and could promote the spread of infectious diseases.

The Greens in the Bundestag see the current situation as confirmation of the structural weaknesses of factory farming. The challenge will not only increase for poultry farmers, but will also have noticeable consequences for consumers.