Bird flu alarm: mandatory stables in Thuringia because of deadly cranes!

Bird flu alarm: mandatory stables in Thuringia because of deadly cranes!

Concerns about bird flu are increasing in Thuringia. From Thursday, private poultry farmers in Eichsfeld will have to bring their animals into the stable MDR reported. This decision follows the previous findings of several dead wild birds and the increased detection of viruses in the region, which the veterinary office classifies as high risk. A confirmed case of a crane dying of bird flu has been reported in Dingelstädt, and another crane is still awaiting final confirmation of its positive test.

In Erfurt, the authorities are tightening protective measures after a dead crane was found in the Mittelhausen district. Here, too, there will be a stable requirement from Wednesday, which covers a total of nine districts. These measures are part of a general strategy to contain the virus that is already being implemented in several Thuringian districts and cities. This affects, among others, the districts of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt as well as the Kyffhäuserkreis, Sömmerda and Nordhausen, some of which have even imposed district-wide stable requirements.

Outbreaks and measures

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, bird flu, also known as avian influenza, poses a high risk for poultry farming. This diagnosis is supported by nationwide reports on the disease. In Thuringia itself, four cases in domestic poultry have been officially confirmed. In addition, 1,358 animals were killed in the Greiz district after an outbreak in a poultry farm. In other regions, such as northern Brandenburg, over 1,000 cranes were recorded found dead.

Hundreds of cranes have also been discovered at Kelbra reservoir, where the number of dead birds is over 500. Bird flu is currently spreading not only in Thuringia, but also in other federal states and is primarily affecting wild birds such as cranes and geese. The problem is exacerbated by bird migration in autumn, which means the disease spreads more and more quickly. The State Office for Consumer Protection has already issued general orders that provide for strict hygiene regulations for poultry farmers.

Risks for the population minimal

It is important to mention that bird flu does not usually pose an acute risk to humans. To date, there are no known cases of H5N1 in humans in Germany. However, it remains advisable to avoid contact with dead birds to minimize the risk of possible virus spread. ZDF points out that despite the alarming figures, the population is currently not at risk of suffering serious illnesses.

In summary, the authorities in Thuringia and beyond are doing everything they can to contain the spread of bird flu. The stable requirements are intended to make an effective contribution to protecting the health of poultry flocks and preventing further infections. It remains to be hoped that the measures taken will quickly have an effect.