Red alert! Bird flu threatens cranes across the country

Red alert! Bird flu threatens cranes across the country

Bird flu is currently spreading rapidly in Germany and is causing concern among animal owners and nature lovers. The situation is particularly serious with cranes, which can become infected. Martin Beer, head of the Institute for Virus Diagnostics at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, emphasizes that contact with wild birds such as wild ducks and wild geese is the most likely source of infection for the cranes. These wild birds carry the H5N1 virus, but often spread it without becoming seriously ill themselves. The cranes, on the other hand, are particularly susceptible to the virus and sit close together, which further promotes infection, reports [MDR](https://www.mdr.de/wissen/umwelt-klima/vogelgrippe-deutschland-wildvoegel-zuchtvoegel-kraniche-faq-fragen- Answeren-100.html).

Many cranes have already died in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg, while in other federal states we are increasingly hearing about illnesses and deaths. It is estimated that around 2,000 cranes have died in Germany since the autumn migration began. This comes at a time when bird flu is typically on the rise, and animal health experts are putting the risk of further outbreaks at "high."

Risk of infection and measures

Bird flu is an animal disease that is widespread in Germany all year round, but increases with the autumn flock of birds. A recent neurologically managed outbreak at a poultry farm in Baden-Württemberg led to the killing of 15,000 animals, and outbreaks nationwide have already killed over 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys, as ZDF reported. The current outbreak has also affected poultry on large farms, where almost 150,000 laying hens had to be killed in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Although transmission of the virus to humans is theoretically possible, there are currently no known cases of H5N1 in humans in Germany. According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, there is no increased risk of serious illnesses in the population. Nevertheless, citizens should definitely avoid contact with dead birds in order to stop the possible spread of the virus.

Distribution and future

The situation is exacerbated by the high mobility of birds, which is linked to climate change. In recent years, bird flu outbreaks have been increasing, particularly in Brandenburg. Some bird flu viruses, such as H5N1, show an increased risk of infection and mutation, which makes combating them even more difficult. Daily assessments of the health status of wild birds and adherence to strict hygiene precautions by poultry farmers are essential to prevent the rapid spread of the virus, he said rbb24.

Experts also warn about future developments as the threat of zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans could continue to grow. The virus has now spread to 37 European countries and there are reports of species jumps to mammals, which pose additional risks. However, despite these challenges, consuming properly cooked poultry meat and eggs remains safe.