Bird flu nightmare: 130,000 animals culled today alone!

Bird flu nightmare: 130,000 animals culled today alone!

Bird flu is triggering alarming headlines in Germany, especially in the last few days. Yesterday alone, 80,000 ducks were culled in the Märkisch-Oderland district. This drastic measure is a direct response to outbreaks of the highly contagious avian influenza virus H5N1, which is rampant in several regions of the country. Loud 20 minutes In addition, 50,000 broiler chickens were killed, which is to follow on Monday.

In total, around 400,000 animals, including chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys, have already been killed in Germany as a precautionary measure. The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg are particularly hard hit, where almost 150,000 laying hens were destroyed on two farms. While the economy is suffering from the enormous damage of around 500,000 euros, the agriculture ministers are under pressure to develop a coordinated strategy to contain the epidemic. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer emphasizes the urgency of a joint approach to avoid further damage MDR reported.

The spread of the virus

Numerous poultry farms in Lower Saxony, Bavaria, Thuringia, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg are also affected by preventive killings. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has found that virus pressure from infected wild birds has increased sharply in recent days. It is therefore advised to avoid contact with dead wild birds to prevent indirect transmission of the virus. The general population is at low risk of infection, but there is a moderate risk for people who come into direct contact with infected animals, particularly if they do not wear protective clothing.

The situation is becoming increasingly critical in Germany and Europe. In Baden-Württemberg, for example, 15,000 animals had to be killed in a poultry farm. There have already been over 29 outbreaks in wild birds, increasing the risk of further outbreaks in the autumn months due to bird migration. Loud ZDF An estimated 2,000 cranes have now died from avian influenza, which further exacerbates the tense conditions in the poultry population.

Measures and perspectives

The agriculture ministers of the affected countries are called upon in a special meeting to coordinate measures to “house” farm animals in order to separate the animals from wild birds. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry points out that waiting is not an option and is calling for comprehensive stable requirements in order to protect the entire poultry production. ZDG President Hans-Peter Goldnick warns that the situation is already serious and further steps are urgently needed.

Concern about poultry populations in Germany and the associated economic challenges are noticeable among the public. Vaccines against bird flu have not yet been approved in the EU, but in France there are special vaccines for poultry that could potentially also be of interest to German companies.