Bird flu epidemic: 150,000 animals dead in MV – association warns of danger!

Bird flu epidemic: 150,000 animals dead in MV – association warns of danger!

On October 29, 2025, the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Poultry Industry Association will celebrate an important anniversary: ​​35 years of committed advocacy for poultry production. But the state of emergency in the industry is no coincidence. There are currently several pressing issues on the agenda, ranging from susceptibility to bird flu to financial losses for agricultural businesses. Of particular concern is the fact that more than 200,000 livestock, primarily chickens, ducks and geese, had to be killed due to outbreaks this fall.

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, two large farms were hit particularly hard, where a total of 150,000 laying hens were killed as a precaution to contain the spread of the highly contagious HPAIV (H5N1) virus. Bird flu is spreading not only in Germany, but also throughout Europe. In Baden-Württemberg, 15,000 animals in a poultry farm had to be sacrificed, while thousands of cranes on their way south during bird migration also died. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has classified the risk of future outbreaks as “high”, which only increases concerns in the industry because the animal disease can have devastating consequences for agriculture. NDR reports a clear need for action.

Compulsory vaccination under discussion

At the event, which also coincides with the election of a new association board in Güstrow, Marion Dorn, the association's chairwoman, made a clear statement. She appreciates the advocacy group's successes to date and explains that economically successful producer groups have emerged from smaller poultry departments. Given the current situation, the discussion about compulsory vaccination for all farm animals is becoming increasingly urgent. This measure could help protect herds and reduce farm losses. The stable requirement, which will come into force in Saarland from October 30, 2025, is an example of the precautionary strategies that need more support across national borders.

The spread of bird flu not only challenges poultry producers, but also threatens the stability of the entire agricultural sector. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer is calling for increased protective measures to be introduced and has asked the EU to increase the upper limit for compensation payments from 50 euros to 110 euros. The industry is required to strictly adhere to hygiene regulations and reduce contact with wild birds in order to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

The consequences of the animal disease

There is currently no increased risk of serious illnesses from bird flu for the population. However, contact with dead birds should be avoided, as the highly contagious virus often leads to severe disease in animals. According to estimates, around 2,000 cranes in Germany have already died of bird flu this autumn. ZDF describes the dramatic scenarios triggered by the risk of infection.

The poultry industry association and the affected companies are facing a major challenge. The exchange of information and close cooperation across national borders could help to overcome the current situation. The future of animal husbandry requires innovative approaches and possibly a rethinking of prevention strategies. The idea of ​​compulsory vaccination is increasingly coming into focus and could be crucial for the survival of many companies.

It is to be hoped that the discussions will not only form the framework of an anniversary, but will also lead to concrete solutions and strategies to ensure sustainable poultry farming in Germany. daily news could be another crucial player in educational work, informing the public to reduce fears and spread knowledge.