Bird flu danger in the Lörrach district: Do poultry farmers have to be careful?

Bird flu danger in the Lörrach district: Do poultry farmers have to be careful?

A shadow is spreading over the poultry industry in Germany: bird flu has been on the rise for several weeks, and a frightening number of cases have already been reported in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. The situation seems particularly tense in the eastern German states. While only a single company in Öllingen has been affected in Baden-Württemberg, there has been no word of the disease in the neighboring Lörrach district. The Schwarzwälder Bote reports that in the Lörrach district and the neighboring districts of Waldshut and Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald no cases have been reported so far.

However, a close look at what is happening shows that the situation needs to be taken seriously. The veterinary office of the Lörrach district office has not yet issued any special protective measures, but is warning poultry farmers to implement biosecurity measures as consistently as possible. In the event of unusual deaths in poultry flocks, owners should immediately inform the veterinary office. Dead wild birds are also taboo: they should not be touched but should also be reported.

The spread of bird flu

Bird flu, caused by the HPAIV (H5N1) virus, is widespread in Germany all year round, but is experiencing worrying intensity as birds migrate in autumn. According to information from ZDF today, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute has increased the risk of further spread to “high”. More than 200,000 animals, including chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys, have been killed this fall to curb the spread of the disease. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania alone, almost 150,000 animals were culled in two large laying hen farms.

Over 1,000 dead cranes have been found in northern Brandenburg; it is estimated that a total of around 2,000 cranes died during bird migration. With this situation, possible supply bottlenecks and rising prices for eggs and poultry meat cannot be ruled out. A public call for the implementation of biosecurity measures could be helpful here.

Dangers for animals and humanity

Although there are no known cases of H5N1 in humans in Germany to date, the danger does not go unnoticed. There is some risk of transmission, especially with a high infection dose. The ZDF today advises the population to avoid contact with dead birds in order to prevent the possible spread of the virus. However, no increased risk of serious illnesses is currently seen for the population.

According to Georg Heitlinger from the State Association of the Poultry Industry, the demand for a nationwide housing requirement to protect poultry populations is becoming increasingly louder. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Agriculture in Stuttgart does not currently appear to be discussing a stable requirement, which is unsettling many in the industry. Incidentally, the Baden Agricultural Association (BLHV) also has no members who are calling for compulsory stables, which further fuels the discussion.

It remains questionable whether the preparatory measures in the Steinen bird park or the isolating steps in the event of suspected infections will be sufficient to protect poultry farmers in the region. It is clear that the coming weeks could be crucial and the entire poultry industry is under enormous pressure.