Avian influenza reaches Altmarkkreis: 27 dead wild birds discovered!

Avian influenza reaches Altmarkkreis: 27 dead wild birds discovered!

There has been great excitement in the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel in the last few days because an outbreak of wild bird avian influenza was officially detected on October 28, 2025. A total of 27 dead wild birds were sent in for examination, which brought the authorities into action. An analysis showed that 16 animals tested positive for avian influenza of the H5 subtype, while four samples from the Friedrich Löffler Institute are confirmed as H5N1. The species affected include cranes, a goshawk and two buzzards, as Salzwedel reports.

The situation remains serious because although some other wild birds such as sparrows and sparrows have tested negative, the results of another four found dead are still pending. In order to prevent the virus from being introduced into domestic poultry flocks, the requirement to keep poultry in the district remains stable, and poultry exhibitions and markets are also still prohibited. The public is asked not to touch dead wild birds and to report what they find to the Office for Consumer Protection and Health. The contact details are easy to reach, both by phone and email.

Avian influenza and its background

Avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 subtype, poses a significant risk not only to wild birds, but also to agriculture. In the period between January 2024, nine outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) H5 have already been detected in domestic poultry in Germany. Affected businesses included laying hen farms, private holdings and a turkey fattening herd. The situation was particularly alarming on the North Sea coast, where 31 cases of HPAIV H5 in wild birds were reported in January. The main suspect: barnacle geese, which can be found in the Wadden Sea. In most of these cases, the H5N1 subtype was detected, with the exception of a dead black-backed gull on Heligoland, in which H5N5 was detected. This emerges from information from the Friedrich Löffler Institute.

The authorities agree: the current measures are crucial to getting the virus under control. The animal epidemics last year show that the H5N1 subtype is always active and does not spare other animals such as foxes and martens. For example, in January 2024, an HPAIV H5N1 infection was reported in a red fox in Karlsruhe.

What should citizens pay attention to?

The situation in the Altmarkkreis is clear: everyone should pay attention. The authorities' request is clear: wild birds found dead should be reported immediately. Information about this is available directly from the veterinary office, which is also available on weekends and public holidays. So there are no excuses not to use the contacts to report finds. These precautions are important not only for wildlife, but also for your own health.

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, you can do so easily. An email to vetamt@altmarkkreis.de or a call to 03901 840-7502 are the best ways. The Altmarkkreis website also offers further information on avian influenza and the currently applicable protective measures.

The commitment of the population plays an essential role in the fight against the spread of this animal disease. Considering the last few years, it becomes clear how important it is to take these dangerous viruses seriously.