Bird flu strikes: 130,000 animals culled in Brandenburg!

Bird flu strikes: 130,000 animals culled in Brandenburg!

In a worrying development, bird flu, caused by the H5N1 virus, is hitting the poultry industry at the critical Christmas period. In the Märkisch-Oderland district, two poultry farms that keep ducks and broilers in particular are facing drastic losses: a total of 80,000 ducks and 50,000 broiler chickens have to be killed in order to contain the spread of the disease. These measures, which are to be continued on Monday morning, have already led to a 30-day closure of businesses in Neuhardenberg and Neutrebbin [Nordkurier] (https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/brandenburg/vogelgrippe-treff-gefluegelhoefe-mitten-in-der-gaensezeit-4045423).

The situation also has an impact on trade: a trade ban on poultry and eggs now applies within a radius of up to 10 km around the affected farms, and there is a ban on the transport of poultry and a ban on poultry markets. District Administrator Ralf Reinhardt (SPD) expressed the fear that these restrictions could lead to price increases, which is particularly important in view of the upcoming goose season before St. Martin's Day on November 11th. The majority of these geese are admittedly imported [Nordkurier] (https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/brandenburg/vogelgrippe-treff-gefluegelhoefe-mitten-in-der-gaensezeit-4045423).

Current threats and outbreaks

Bird flu continues to spread rapidly in Germany. In January 2024 alone, authorities counted a total of nine outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) H5 in domestic poultry. Four laying hen farms and a turkey fattening flock were particularly affected [Friedrich Loeffler Institute] (https://www.fli.de/de/aktuelles/tierseuchengeschehen/aviaere-influenza-ai-gefluegelpest/).

This fall, it is estimated that over 200,000 farm animals were killed due to the outbreaks in Germany. The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony are particularly affected, where, among other things, almost 150,000 animals had to be euthanized in two large farms with laying hens. The lack of vaccines against bird flu in the EU makes the situation even more precarious [Tagesschau] (https://www.tagesschau.de/wissen/faq-vogelgrippe-ausbruch-100.html).

Risks and precautions

The spread of the virus has also led to mass deaths of cranes in northwest Brandenburg. Last weekend alone there were around 15 to 20 reports of weakened and dead wild birds, with one wild bird being found near a daycare center in Neuruppin. In order to prevent virus transmission, these finds are quickly collected [Nordkurier] (https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/brandenburg/vogelgrippe-treff-gefluegelhoefe-mitten-in-der-gaenseszeit-4045423).

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has asked the EU to increase the compensation limit for culled animals. However, given the health risks to the population, there is currently no increased risk of serious illnesses. It is still recommended to avoid contact with dead birds and to strictly adhere to the hygiene rules [Tagesschau] (https://www.tagesschau.de/wissen/faq-vogelgrippe-ausbruch-100.html).

The current situation in the poultry industry and the wild bird population shows how urgent and challenging the situation is. Farmers, traders and consumers should be vigilant and take all necessary measures to contain the spread of this dangerous animal disease.