Anglers in action: Together against bird flu in Saxony-Anhalt!

Anglers in action: Together against bird flu in Saxony-Anhalt!

What is currently happening in the area of ​​nature conservation? In Saxony-Anhalt, anglers are actively involved in counteracting bird flu. The H5N1 virus, which is responsible for the highly contagious avian influenza, is spreading across the country and is causing concern. Although the Friedrich Loeffler Institute has ruled out transmission of the virus to fish-eating animals such as crows, kites and wild boars, there remains a certain residual risk that changes in the virus could potentially affect wildlife. The uncertainty about possible mutations of the H5N1 virus is keeping the nature and animal welfare community on tenterhooks and raising many questions about when this disease can finally be brought under control.

The Saxony-Anhalt State Anglers' Association (LAV) reacted quickly and is prioritizing combating the dangers of the H5N1 virus over important water care work. The aim is to prevent the spread of the disease as much as possible. In collaboration with regional hunters and the veterinary office of the Halle district administration, they use the specially designed “Truxor” machine to retrieve dead or half-dead cranes - even on muddy areas.

H5N1: An impending danger

The H5N1 virus poses a serious threat not only to birds. Infections have also been documented in mammals, including humans. As the World Health Organization emphasizes, H5N1 infections can cause illness ranging from mild to severe, sometimes even fatal. Respiratory symptoms are the main focus, but other health problems such as conjunctivitis are also possible. There have also been reports of asymptomatic cases in people who have been in contact with infected animals or their environment.

The introduction of the H5N1 virus into wildlife dates back to 1996, when the goose/Guangdong lineage first appeared. Since then, the virus has caused countless outbreaks among birds in many countries and has spread rapidly worldwide. The relentless rise in cases since 2020 has resulted in an unprecedented number of wild bird and poultry deaths. These epidemics, which primarily struck Europe and North America in 2021 and 2022, are distinguished by an unusual persistence of the virus in wild bird populations.

The way into the future

The possibility of future outbreaks and the associated health risks to animals and humans are concerning. Official measures to combat and prevent the spread are therefore essential. With their commitment, the anglers in Saxony-Anhalt show how important cooperation is in nature and animal care and that every small contribution counts to protect our ecosystem.

With a good hand and a little determination, anglers and hunters stand side by side to protect our waters and wildlife. Even if the uncertainties surrounding possible virus mutations continue, there remains hope that collective action can keep this mysterious enemy at bay. Ultimately, together we can achieve a lot – not only for the animals, but also for our health and safety.