Drastic increase in bird flu: mandatory stables for the whole of Brandenburg!

Drastic increase in bird flu: mandatory stables for the whole of Brandenburg!

In the last few weeks, the number of animals affected by bird flu in Germany has reached alarming proportions. Already in mid-October, over 1,800 cranes died in Brandenburg from the dreaded animal disease that is spreading threateningly across Central Europe. That reported maz-online.de. A rest area on the Linum pond landscape near Fehrbellin was particularly badly affected. Local authorities are facing a dramatic situation and are warning of further deaths.

The acute risk of infection affects various bird species, including waterfowl, corvids and birds of prey. The requirement to keep poultry in stables has now been extended to several districts, so that chickens, geese and ducks now have to be kept in closed stables or under special protective devices. This is a direct response to the transmission of the virus from wild birds to breeding animals, which has been an issue in Germany for years. In the event of an infestation, the authorities plan to kill all affected animals to prevent further spread.

Nationwide containment measures

Over 200,000 animals were killed this fall alone due to bird flu, the reported daily news. This has alarmed many poultry farmers, who are now calling for a nationwide requirement to have stables in order to stop the spread of the virus. Georg Heitlinger, a representative of the Baden-Württemberg State Association of the Poultry Industry, emphasized how important it is to protect the animals and contain the spread of the virus.

The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG) warns of possible bottlenecks in the supply of eggs and poultry meat. ZDG President Hans-Peter Goldnick has suggested resuming the debate on vaccination strategies as other countries continue to refuse to import vaccinated poultry products. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) estimates the risk of further outbreaks in poultry farms to be high, especially during bird migration in autumn.

Distribution and effects

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is caused by the HPAIV (H5N1) virus and has become more widespread in Germany and Europe in recent months. Cranes are particularly hard hit, with an estimated 2,000 dying during the migration. More than 1,000 carcasses were recovered in northern Brandenburg ZDF Today.

To ensure public health, experts warn that contact with dead birds should be avoided. So far there have been no cases of H5N1 in humans in Germany, but there is a certain risk with high infection doses. The situation remains tense, and many people responsible for the cleanup report the psychological and physical strain associated with collecting the carcasses.

Given the dramatic situation, it is crucial that everyone involved works together to contain this animal disease and take appropriate measures. If you live near affected areas, please follow the instructions of the authorities and help manage the situation responsibly.