Avian influenza: farmers are slaughtering faster than ever before!

Avian influenza: farmers are slaughtering faster than ever before!

The poultry industry is currently facing major challenges in the region as the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is spreading rapidly. Restricted and observation areas have already been set up in parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Reported about it Northern Courier.

The districts of Vorpommern-Greifswald, the Mecklenburg Lake District and Vorpommern-Rügen are particularly affected. Here, Silvia Ey from the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Poultry Industry Association urgently advises farmers to slaughter their poultry more quickly in order to limit the risk of infection. Ansgar Schlingmann, a poultry producer, has already slaughtered hundreds of broilers and sells them directly to consumers.

Current situation for poultry farmers

Avian influenza is currently spreading with great intensity in Germany, particularly among wild birds such as cranes. According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), over 500,000 domestic and wild birds have already had to be killed to combat the virus in order to prevent it from spreading further. This represents a major risk, especially for hobby farmers and smaller businesses. There is also information about the symptoms of infection, such as apathy and refusal to feed, which poultry farmers should be aware of RND recorded.

In order to avoid possible infections, the authorities have clear recommendations for all poultry owners. This includes observing the animals and immediately informing the veterinary office in the event of suspicion. Even if there is currently no Germany-wide stable requirement, great attention should be paid to safety, even in regions where this is not directly ordered.

Consumers don't have to worry

However, there is an all-clear for consumers who want to buy geese and ducks in the run-up to Christmas: despite the current situation, they don't have to worry too much about their holiday roast. The level of self-sufficiency is currently low, which means that there will be enough offers. For example, Emanuel Reim from the Grüner Gänsehof has already slaughtered 500 geese early and made them available frozen in his farm shop.

With the arrival of the festive season, support for regional poultry producers is recommended. Purchasing St. Martin's goose and Christmas duck locally could help many farms suffering from the challenges of avian influenza. However, concerns about the availability of poultry meat and eggs can reassure consumers as correctly prepared poultry meat remains safe above 70 degrees Celsius, experts said. This provides a bit of security in turbulent times.

The next few weeks will be crucial to contain the spread of the H5N1 virus and continue to provide consumers with fresh and healthy poultry products. Signs providing information about avian influenza have already been put up in the affected locations to raise awareness of the situation and educate the population.