Bird flu: Hundreds of cranes die at the Kelbra reservoir!

Bird flu: Hundreds of cranes die at the Kelbra reservoir!

Bird flu is causing great concern in Thuringia. Hundreds of cranes have died in the region, particularly at the Kelbra reservoir, where over 100 dead animals were discovered. The H5N1 virus, responsible for avian influenza, has been detected. The area mentioned is an important resting place for migratory birds taking a break on their way south. During these weeks, up to 50,000 cranes can be observed here every day, the experts report.

The situation is serious: A total of 93 dead birds were recovered in the Kyffhäuser district in Thuringia, including not only cranes, but also a cormorant and a great egret. It is currently unclear how far the virus has spread. Bird expert Tino Sauer links the assumption that the outbreak was brought from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with the extent of deaths seen.

Protective measures take effect

Strict protective measures were taken to prevent the bird flu from spreading further. From October 21st, there will be, among other things, a stable stable for poultry and a ban on poultry markets in the affected areas, which include parts of the Verbandsgemeinde of Goldene Aue, the municipality of Südharz, the city of Sangerhausen and the municipality of Seegebiet Mansfelder Land. In Erfurt, a general decree is also in force that affects parts of the city, while a fattening farm with around 40,000 animals in the Schwerborn district is particularly in focus.

The surrounding areas around the Kelbra reservoir are currently closed to pedestrians due to bird flu. Central measures are intended to help keep the virus away from farm animals. Especially in times like these, it is important that poultry farmers strictly adhere to hygiene rules and minimize their contact with wild birds.

A nationwide challenge

Bird flu is not only causing excitement in Thuringia. The HPAIV (H5N1) virus has spread widely throughout Germany and the risk of further outbreaks has been raised to “high”. In recent weeks there have been several thousand cranes and numbers of over 200,000 slaughtered animals in agriculture - in Baden-Württemberg, for example, 15,000 animals had to be killed on one farm.

Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer urged that protective measures be tightened to stop the spread of the virus and that immediate measures be taken. Despite the current threat, there is generally no increased risk for people, but it is advised to avoid contact with dead birds.

Another focus is on education: poultry keepers are encouraged to clean themselves thoroughly after being in the stable, step back and inform the veterinary authorities about any abnormalities or dead animals. This responsible approach is crucial to avert further infections and thus economic damage. All the more we need to stick together during this time so that nature and animal production in the region remain intact.

Current developments require increased attention and preventive measures. Authorities are working diligently to stabilize the situation and control the spread of bird flu. Stay vigilant and help contain the spread of the virus.

For further information on the measures and the current situation, we recommend the following reports: Thuringia24, MDR, daily news.