Red alert: Avian influenza hits Uckermark – act now!

Red alert: Avian influenza hits Uckermark – act now!

Avian influenza is currently making news in the Uckermark district. Today, November 1, 2025, the first reports report an outbreak in a goose farm in Lychen, where around 950 animals are kept. The farm owner noticed heavy animal losses and felt it was urgently necessary to inform the veterinary office. The animal population was immediately closed, sampled and the necessary measures taken to combat avian influenza. The animals were killed in a humane manner and disposed of harmlessly to prevent further spread of the highly contagious H5N1 virus, which has been detected in wild birds. The Nordkurier provides this information.

The consequences of the outbreak are serious: A general animal disease decree is published that establishes a protection zone with a radius of at least three kilometers and a surveillance zone of ten kilometers around the site of the outbreak. Special safety measures must be observed within these zones to minimize the risk of further infections. These measures are urgently needed because H5N1 is extremely dangerous for domestic poultry and, in the worst case, can also infect humans.

What is H5N1?

In addition to being a problem for birds, the H5N1 virus can also cause illness in various mammals, including humans. According to the World Health Organization H5N1 infections have been documented in people, which can cause illness ranging from mild to severe - in some cases even fatal. What is particularly worrying is that the virus has found its way into numerous animal species, necessitating widespread surveillance.

Since 2020, many countries have reported a worrying increase in infections in wild bird populations and also in terrestrial and marine mammals. The H5N1 virus types not only stop at poultry, but have also caused outbreaks in fur-bearing animals and various wild animals such as foxes and cats. This shows how important it is that all poultry farmers take biosecurity measures such as hygiene, cleaning and disinfection seriously - and immediately report sick or deceased animals to the veterinary office.

The current situation in Uckermark

Anyone who farms poultry in the Uckermark district must now prepare for the new housing order, which comes into force on November 2nd. This regulation applies to the entire district and is intended to help contain the spread of the virus. It is advisable to remain vigilant and listen to the instructions of the authorities. Thanks to a quick reaction from the business owner, who immediately reported the outbreak, something worse was prevented.

The situation once again shows how important it is to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of dangerous viruses. Contact with infected animals or their environment is proven to be risky, and therefore everyone involved is asked to show a sense of responsibility. In times like this, the commitment of veterinary offices remains crucial to protecting people and animals.