Mysterious bird deaths: cranes in Thuringia affected by avian influenza!

Mysterious bird deaths: cranes in Thuringia affected by avian influenza!

Guesswork at the Kelbra reservoir: A mysterious bird death is causing a stir in Thuringia. Up to 500 dead cranes have been discovered at this site alone, and other bird species such as a cormorant and a great egret have also been recorded. The first laboratory tests, which arrived on October 17th, confirmed the suspicion of avian influenza, and the next day the H5N1 virus was identified as the cause. This is reported by Thuringia24.

The situation is serious because in the region, which is already classified as an observation area, disinfection locks have been set up around the reservoir and the dam wall. Only authorized people, including employees of the veterinary office and emergency services, have access. “The rescue of the deceased animals is extremely difficult due to the terrain conditions,” said experts on site. There was also a report from the Kyffhäuser district that a dead crane had been discovered.

Protective measures and requirements

Strict protective measures were taken to prevent the spread of bird flu. There is a ban on entry across the entire bank of the reservoir - both on the Thuringian and Saxony-Anhalt sides. In addition, poultry farmers were asked to keep their animals indoors, which is an extremely important measure to avoid future infections. The neighboring districts were also informed about the situation in order to ensure coordinated protective measures.

According to MDR, 93 dead animals have already been recovered in the region, and the deaths are not just limited to the reservoir. In view of the rapid spread of bird flu, increased precautionary measures are also being called for nationwide. In the affected areas, such as the Greiz district, animals have already had to be killed in order to prevent a major outbreak.

Situation in Germany

Bird flu has become widespread in Germany, especially during the autumn migration period, when there are numerous wild birds on the move. In recent months, over 200,000 farm animals have been killed nationwide due to avian influenza. Experts from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute have classified the risk of further outbreaks as “high”. This particularly affects the federal states with high bird migration, including Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. According to the latter report, large companies in other federal states are also affected by avian influenza, which is further deteriorating the situation.

Although bird flu does not usually pose an acute threat to humans, caution is advised. It is recommended to avoid contact with injured birds and to report any findings to the authorities. “Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for people with frequent contact with poultry to reduce the risk of dual infections,” the recommendations state. The fight against bird flu is in full swing and everyone involved is called upon to overcome this challenge.

The situation remains tense and further spread of the virus should be prevented at all costs. These measures can be crucial to protect both animal populations and human health. It remains to be seen whether the current protective measures are effective and can contain the further spread.

For further information on the effects of bird flu, the protective measures and the general situation in Thuringia, you can read the reports from Thuringia24, MDR and daily news be consulted.