Eichsfeld enforces stable stables: high risk of bird flu recognized!

Eichsfeld enforces stable stables: high risk of bird flu recognized!

There are currently worrying developments in the area of ​​bird flu in Germany, especially in the Eichsfeld district in Thuringia. The veterinary office there is planning to introduce a requirement for poultry farmers to have stables because the risk is considered to be high. The reason for this measure is the first confirmed case of a crane dying of bird flu near Dingelstädt. The remains of another animal were also found in the area, which raises alarm bells because the first test for the virus was positive, although confirmation from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute is still pending. The order to house poultry in stables to prevent further spread could be published on Thursday.

Although there is currently no acute outbreak, the carcass findings show that wild animals and scavengers come into contact with the remains. The stable requirement is already in force in large parts of Thuringia, and previous general orders have also been issued in other neighboring regions such as the Kyffhäuserkreis and Sömmerda. The necessary precautions have been taken, particularly in areas with an increased number of wild birds and large poultry farms, such as in Erfurt and Schmalkalden-Meiningen.

Spread of bird flu in Germany

The bird flu is not only spreading in Eichsfeld, but is also clearly noticeable in other federal states. In Baden-Württemberg, 15,000 animals were killed in a poultry farm because the disease was raging there. It is estimated that around 2,000 cranes have already died from avian influenza - an alarming number that underscores the urgency of the situation. So far, 29 outbreaks in wild birds have been recorded nationwide, with a clear focus on cranes, which are particularly often affected.

The spread of the animal disease can be observed in Germany all year round, but the situation worsens with bird migration in autumn. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has raised the risk of further outbreaks to “high”. Supervised contact with dead birds should be avoided at all costs in order to prevent the possible spread of the virus.

Risks for the population

However, there is currently no worrying risk of serious illness for the population. To date, there are no known cases of H5N1 in humans. However, there is a risk of transmission, especially with a high dose of infection, which does not make the situation any less serious. In affected regions such as North Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, tens of thousands of poultry were killed in outbreaks on large farms in order to avoid further encounters between the virus and farm animals.

The topic of bird flu is not only becoming more and more of a topic of conversation in Thuringia, but is also a red line running through Germany and Europe. Vaccines against bird flu have not yet been widely approved in the EU, although there are special vaccines for poultry in France. The vaccination is associated with extensive monitoring measures and is only suitable for certain types of poultry.

Given the serious situation, poultry farmers are called upon to exercise particular care and strictly follow the measures proposed by the veterinary authorities. This is the only way to stop the animal disease and to get the health of the animals and the possible danger to humans under control.

thueringen.de and zdfheute.de report on the current situation and its effects on poultry farming in Germany and explain what measures the authorities are taking to contain the spread of the disease.