Red alert on Lake Constance: Bird flu endangers poultry farmers!

Red alert on Lake Constance: Bird flu endangers poultry farmers!

A recently discovered dead swan on Lake Constance is causing heightened alarm: Loud All in Bird flu type H5N1 was detected in the Lake Constance district of Baden-Württemberg. Even in the Lindau district in Bavaria, where no case has been reported so far, the authorities reacted immediately and advise caution. The situation requires vigilance to prevent the potential spread of the virus, particularly among domestic and commercial poultry.

The authority has already implemented measures. Dead wild birds, with the exception of small songbirds, should be reported to the veterinary office immediately. Touching dead birds is strictly prohibited to avoid possible infection. Pet owners are also urged to keep their dogs and cats away from dead birds. Poultry farmers, whether commercial or private, must report their populations and protect their animals from contact with wild birds.

Poultry under pressure

Concerns about bird flu are not unfounded, as the virus spreads quickly, particularly in livestock farms. The NABU points out that cranes are particularly badly affected and warns of possible repercussions on wild bird populations. NABU President Jörg-Andreas Krüger is concerned about the spread and calls for more intensive research into the spread mechanisms of the virus. There is still a lot of uncertainty about how the virus travels among different bird species.
What is particularly striking is that the H5N1 viruses are not only widespread locally but also worldwide and that earlier variants were able to develop from low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses.

A considerable number of cranes live in Germany: around 400,000 European cranes can be found here, but there are only around 12,500 breeding pairs. The low reproductive rate makes it difficult for the species to recover quickly from losses. Fewer wetlands due to climatic changes have additional impacts on their populations.

Bird flu in sight

The H5N1 bird flu belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and is known as influenza A. The pathogen can circulate primarily among wild birds, which usually do not show severe symptoms. But the virus can have fatal effects on domestic poultry. Symptoms range from apathy and respiratory distress to neurological disorders and high mortality among poultry. Infection between birds and mammals, including humans, is rare but possible - especially through intensive contact.

Loud Wikipedia By May 2015, 840 cases and 447 deaths had been reported in humans worldwide. Although the risk of a massive pandemic remains low, mutations of the virus are increasing the alarming situation.
In the event of a massive outbreak, national emergency plans are in place to manage the spread of avian influenza viruses to humans.

Measures are now required to protect both domestic and wild birds. Citizens are called upon to pay greater attention to hygiene and to avoid contact with animals that may be sick. Do you feel addressed? Then get involved in protecting our wildlife and help prevent the spread of this dangerous virus!