Bird flu alarms: Thousands of animals in Germany are dying!

Bird flu alarms: Thousands of animals in Germany are dying!

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is currently making headlines in Germany. The situation has become drastically worsening in recent weeks, as the Young freedom reported. With dozens of poultry farms affected and the drastic culling of around 400,000 animals, the disease has caused the greatest damage in northeast Germany, particularly in Western Pomerania and Märkisch-Oderland.

A worrying infection situation, which even affects the mostly rare cranes, is causing problems for agricultural experts. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) warns of a repeat of the massive animal losses that occurred in the 2020/21 outbreak, where over two million animals had to be killed. The current epidemic, unusually, started early in the year and shows a high risk of introduction through bird migration.

Farmers' association and compensation

The Brandenburg Farmers' Association is now not only demanding compensation for the affected companies, but is also criticizing the strict stable requirements for free-range poultry. The mood in agriculture is tense and fears are high. A general ban on keeping affected poultry species outdoors increases the pressure on farms that have already been damaged. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry has also called for stricter measures to contain the virus.

As part of these efforts, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture plans to increase the compensation cap for culled animals from the previous 50 euros to 110 euros. In the last few weeks, various federal states, including Saarland, have already imposed stable requirements for poultry. Such requirements also apply in parts of Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Bavaria. These measures aim to stop the further spread of bird flu - a step that appears essential for the poultry industry to ensure the survival of businesses.

Risks to the public

A look at the health experts shows that the situation should not be taken lightly. Virologist Klaus Stöhr warns of the risk of a pandemic caused by the H5N1 pathogen. So far, however, the risk of infection for people can be classified as low. Nevertheless, the health authorities strongly recommend avoiding dead birds or poultry and, if necessary, informing the veterinary office immediately. Contact with infectious material is considered the main source of infection for possible human cases.

The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) also recommends a flu vaccination for people who have close contact with animals. The situation in Germany is currently anything but relaxed and the dangers are literally flying in our faces.

In view of the developments in the poultry industry and the associated challenges, it remains to be hoped that quick and consensual action by the authorities and associations can contain the devastating consequences of this disease.