Bird flu fear: 400,000 animals killed – Brandenburg in a state of emergency!

Bird flu fear: 400,000 animals killed – Brandenburg in a state of emergency!

Bird flu is spreading at an alarming rate in Germany. According to the Time Around 30 poultry farms, including many in Brandenburg, had to kill their animals. Around 400,000 chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys fell victim to the disease, further increasing the risks for animal owners. Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are particularly affected, where, for example, 130,000 animals had to be culled in the Märkisch-Oderland district. The situation is tense; The President of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, Professor Christa Kühn, predicts an increase in outbreaks.

Bird flu, caused by the H5N1 virus, has a strong grip on agriculture in Germany. This year, the spread of avian influenza began earlier than usual, and the current outbreaks include, among other things, massive losses of cranes in Brandenburg, where avian influenza has occurred on a previously unknown scale. In another region, Western Pomerania, almost 150,000 laying hens had to be killed on two farms. For poultry farmers, this not only means emotional stress, but also tangible economic damage.

Hygiene measures and instructions for pet owners

In order to contain the spread of bird flu, federal institutions are called upon to take increased protective measures. The Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer has called on animal owners to strictly adhere to hygiene measures and to avoid contact with wild birds. In this context, it is extremely important for owners to monitor their operations well in order to minimize health risks. Anyone who has already come into contact with sick animals should wear appropriate protective clothing to protect themselves.

The daily news reports that 15,000 animals were killed in a poultry farm in Baden-Württemberg alone. It is estimated that the total number of animals culled this year is over 200,000. In addition, the risk is high for wild birds, especially cranes; So far there are around 29 confirmed outbreaks, with over 2,000 cranes having died due to the disease.

At the same time, it is urgently pointed out that there is currently no increased risk for the general public. However, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute has rated the risk of further outbreaks as “high”, which increases concerns among animal owners. Contact with dead birds should be avoided under all circumstances. The affected companies are also advised that compensation payments will be adjusted. These are to be increased from 50 euros to up to 110 euros per culled animal in order to reduce the financial pressure on the owners.

The role of wild birds

Avian influenza is particularly active in the months of bird migration. Wild birds on their way to winter quarters are considered significant carriers of the virus. Infected animals find a place to rest at night and can transmit the virus to local poultry. This also explains the urgency of the warnings to animal owners in the affected regions.

In summary, it can be seen that bird flu continues to pose a serious threat to poultry farming in Germany. The current situation requires everyone involved to be vigilant and strictly adhere to hygiene measures in order to put an end to this spreading epidemic. Loud ZDF The authorities and scientists have also informed the population about the necessary precautionary measures to avoid infection.