Bird flu is raging in Saxony-Anhalt: mandatory stables and high egg prices!

Bird flu is raging in Saxony-Anhalt: mandatory stables and high egg prices!

Last week, bird flu caused a stir in Germany and especially in Saxony-Anhalt. The dangerous animal disease caused by the HPAIV (H5N1) virus is spreading more and more in Europe and is not only endangering wild birds, but also poultry farming in the affected regions. Current reports show that several districts have already had to react and have imposed stable requirements for poultry.

Today, October 29, 2025, it was found that not only dead cranes, but also other wild birds carry the virus. There was the first case of a confirmed outbreak in the Saale district, while in Mansfeld-Südharz around 40,000 animals had to be killed after a suspected case occurred in the poultry farm there. This situation also has an impact on egg prices in Germany: experts expect an increase of up to 3.50 euros per pack.

Containment measures

Due to the threat of bird flu, some counties responded immediately. In the Börde district, there has been a requirement to keep poultry in stables since October 24th, which was confirmed by evidence of a wild bird. This affects numerous towns, including Bergfriede, Bösdorf and Oebisfelde. From October 29th, an “infected zone” was also set up in the Drömling Biosphere Reserve, where hunting is prohibited and poultry may not be transported or released, as MDR reported.

In Magdeburg, where the virus was also detected in a wild bird, exhibitions and markets with poultry are banned until further notice. The situation remains tense because bird flu is widespread all year round, but is exacerbated by bird migration in autumn. According to estimates, over 2,000 cranes have already died in Germany and the pressure on poultry farmers is growing. The corresponding measures were also introduced in the Harz district after a confirmed case.

Risks for humans and animals

Although bird flu does not usually pose an immediate threat to humans, caution is advised. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has upgraded the transmission risks and recommended avoiding contact with dead birds. The trend towards spread shows that around 29 outbreaks have been recorded in Germany, which not only threatens the local birds, but could also put a considerable strain on the poultry industry ZDF determines.

There are great concerns about the safety of one's own poultry and the economic impact. In many regions, owners of chickens, ducks and geese have to keep their animals in closed stables or protect them accordingly. In Anhalt-Bitterfeld, where the virus was detected in two cranes, animal owners are asked to review their safety measures and carefully document changes in the animal population. The next few days will be crucial to stop the spread of the virus and ensure the well-being of people and animals.

Overall, bird flu in Saxony-Anhalt remains a serious issue that not only affects poultry farmers, but also makes the entire population take notice. The ongoing situation requires vigilance and quick action from both authorities and animal owners.

For further details and up-to-date information on developments on site, please visit the articles on MZ, MDR and ZDF.