Sick crane near Rastow: Who will help the endangered bird?

Sick crane near Rastow: Who will help the endangered bird?

In Rastow near Schwerin, a sick crane is causing concern. Christian Radloff discovered the suffering animal on the side of the road, right next to a bus stop at the Achterfeld retirement home. He immediately informed his hunter friend Ralf-Egbert Scharlaug and the police about the bird's critical condition. However, he was not able to fly and showed clear signs of illness and exhaustion. However, the hunter had no choice but to watch, as cranes are protected and intervention is only permitted with a special permit.

Radloff tried in vain to reach the veterinary authority of the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. There was no one responsible at the weekend, and a call to the West Mecklenburg control center didn't bring any solution, as the professional fire department is not responsible for such cases. Radloff expressed disappointment at the lack of support in such a serious situation.

The threat of bird flu

The situation is becoming even more explosive due to the spread of the H5N1 bird flu in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Infected wild birds have already been spotted there, and the current situation is causing the authorities to react with alarm. District spokesman Andreas Bonin announced that bird deaths should be reported to the veterinary office during regular working hours.

What is particularly alarming is that thousands of cranes have already died in Germany due to bird flu and 15,000 animals had to be culled in a poultry farm in Baden-Württemberg alone. Although there is currently only a low risk to humans, precautionary measures should still be taken. Poultry farmers are advised to protect their animals from wild birds and to pay attention to hygiene in feeding places to avoid possible infections. The WHO is monitoring the situation closely and is urging people to be vigilant as the H5N1 virus has been fatal in animals.

A sad result

The next day the crane was no longer visible. It remains unclear whether he died of bird flu or was possibly eaten by a fox. This sad turn of events highlights the complex challenges that nature conservation also faces. The One Health approach in health care and animal husbandry could be helpful here in order to learn lessons from the current situation and to better master future challenges.

Avian flu is caused by the HPAIV (H5N1) virus and remains present in Germany all year round, but reaches a new intensity during the autumn bird migration. It is hoped that the authorities will respond quickly and effectively to minimize both animal populations and human health risks. The increasing numbers of significant outbreaks and the need for strict hygiene measures make it clear: there is still a lot of work ahead of us.

For more information about bird flu and the current challenges in animal husbandry, read the articles on Uckermark courier, WWF and daily news.