First case of bird flu on Lake Constance: shock for poultry farmers!

First case of bird flu on Lake Constance: shock for poultry farmers!

There is reason for concern on Lake Constance: A swan tested positive for the notorious H5N1 virus. The carcass was found in Unteruhldingen at the end of October and the result was confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) on November 10th. This discovery is alarming as it is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in a wild bird in the region. The FLI and the veterinary office classify the risk for poultry farming and other bird populations as very high. Poultry keepers should urgently adhere to safety measures and avoid contact between wild birds and their domestic poultry to prevent the spread.

In recent months, bird flu has increasingly spread in Germany, especially in the eastern and northern regions. Since the beginning of September, several infections have been detected in various poultry farms, leading to the killing of hundreds of thousands of animals to contain the virus. A farm in Baden-Württemberg was particularly affected, where 15,000 animals were killed. A total of four confirmed cases in wild birds have been detected in this region. Even if the situation is serious, according to the FLI there is currently no increased risk for the population.

Risks and Transfers

The H5N1 virus, more commonly known as bird flu, can also infect other mammals, including humans, often showing severe or even fatal symptoms. In recent years, sporadic human infections have been reported worldwide, usually following contact with infected poultry. For example, the CDC shows that the current public health risk in the United States is considered low, although some cases have resulted in milder illness. But the virus still harbors a threatening lethality that makes it a challenge for health authorities.

The H5N1 virus has evolved in the wild bird population and has been the dominant strain among avian influenza viruses since 2018. It can spread quickly among poultry and wild birds, causing serious impacts on animal populations worldwide. The World Health Organization has documented that from 2003 to February 2025, there were 972 confirmed human cases of H5N1, resulting in 468 deaths. This concern is reinforced by the detection of a worrisome mutation event in December 2024, raising the possibility that the virus could increase its transmissibility to humans.

Public precautions

Public health institutions advise not to touch sick wild birds yourself, but rather to report them to the responsible veterinary office. The safety of poultry farms must have the highest priority. Anyone who works or is in contact with birds should use personal protective equipment. Responsible handling can help protect the health of people and animals and prevent the virus from spreading.

Although there are currently no confirmed cases of H5N1 in humans in Germany, it is important to remain vigilant. The situation is constantly changing and close cooperation between farmers, authorities and the health system is crucial to identify and combat possible outbreaks in a timely manner. The risk of zoonotic transmission therefore remains an important issue for the future.

For more information about the H5N1 virus and its effects on humans and animals, readers can visit the Wikipedia page. The CDC also provides regularly updated information and statistics on this topic.