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Bird flu is spreading in Saxony-Anhalt: mandatory stables imposed!
Mansfeld-Südharz affected by avian influenza: mandatory stables, crane deaths and canceled events on October 28th, 2025.
Bird flu is spreading in Saxony-Anhalt: mandatory stables imposed!
Avian flu is currently spreading increasingly in Saxony-Anhalt and the situation is alarming. According to a recent report by mz.de The H5N1 virus was detected on several cranes that were found dead. This has led to some districts quickly imposing stable housing requirements for poultry in order to prevent the disease from spreading further.
On October 28, 2025, the poultry show in Großmühlingen even had to be canceled. There were further worrying developments in the previous days: three dead cranes were discovered in the Wittenberg district after a confirmed case had already occurred in Dessau-Roßlau. The increase in crane deaths is particularly noticeable, as several birds died of bird flu in Berga and Zerbst.
Reactions of the authorities
The health authorities in the affected districts reacted quickly. The Mansfeld-Südharz district has created exceptions for hunters to shoot terminally ill birds in the Kelbra reservoir. The zoo in the city of Stendal was also closed after a dead wild goose was found in the city lake. A small animal exhibition in Samswegen also had to be canceled, and several districts have issued general animal health regulations. The Börde district has imposed a stable requirement and a ban on events.
The first cases were detected on October 24th in the Harz district and in Anhalt-Bitterfeld, although no stable requirement was imposed in the latter. The aim of the stable requirement is to contain the spread of the virus. In many areas, pet owners are preparing and taking necessary precautions.
Market development and forecasts
Still, there is some good news for the poultry industry. As the MDR reports, experts do not expect dramatic price fluctuations for poultry products, even if large numbers of animals have to be killed. Goldnick from the German poultry industry expressed optimism in the “Morgenmagazin” and does not believe in a short-term price explosion. The majority of geese consumed in Germany are imported, so the industry has a positive outlook.
Another point is that around 20 percent of the geese consumed in Germany come from domestic production. Although the price level could change if the situation escalates, the industry currently seems to have the situation well under control. Given the upcoming slaughter season for geese, which traditionally begins before St. Martin's Day on November 11th, developments remain to be seen.
However, the situation still requires the attention of the entire population and the authorities in order to avoid further spread and possible consequences. Stay informed and act accordingly if you keep poultry or plan to purchase poultry products.