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Bird flu causes panic buying: Ulm market in a state of emergency!
In the Alb-Donau district, the outbreak of bird flu is leading to changes in shopping habits. Consumer uncertainty and panic buying are the focus.
Bird flu causes panic buying: Ulm market in a state of emergency!
The spread of bird flu is currently causing massive concern in Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg. A week after an outbreak in the Alb-Donau district became known, retailer signs in Ulm are already revealing the changed shopping habits. Customers are torn: while some are happily hoarding in order to optimally prepare for the upcoming Christmas dinner, others are skeptical and prefer to wait and see. This reports tagesschau.de.
Marc Kobler, a local poultry dealer, is noticing that his customers are increasingly looking for more information. Uncertainty is spreading and many purchases depend on the latest news. Despite this reluctance, queues at the stands remain long and sales remain stable. Eggs and poultry products are in high demand because many fear that more establishments will close and the choice could dwindle.
The urgent situation in the poultry sector
Bird flu, caused by the aggressive virus HPAIV (H5N1), not only spreads quickly but also throughout the year within the wild bird population in Germany. Autumn further exacerbates the problem as many migratory birds return to the region. Loud zdf.de Thousands of animals had to be killed on numerous farms to prevent further spread. Over 200,000 victims in total in the last few weeks, and in some regions even entire populations are affected.
What is particularly alarming is the number of cranes that have died, which is estimated at over 2,000. Pressure is growing on the poultry industry and experts are discussing the possibility of using vaccines. Europe has so far banned such vaccination to avoid undetected virus spreads, but the situation may require a reassessment, as the sueddeutsche.de reported.
Economic consequences and prospects
The economic impact is significant. Farmers are faced with massive loss of income when animals have to be killed as a precautionary measure. While compensation for killed animals is based on the market price, for poultry it is capped at 50 euros. A draft law proposes to increase this limit to up to 110 euros, but this requires the approval of the Bundestag and Bundesrat.
The discussion about possible price increases and shortages of poultry products is becoming louder and louder, but some experts do not believe in an immediate price increase. Nevertheless, uncertainty remains high and consumers are cautious, especially in the run-up to Christmas.