Avian influenza in Bremen: Four cases discovered in wild birds!

Avian influenza in Bremen: Four cases discovered in wild birds!

In Bremen, more precisely in the area surrounding the Weser metropolis, the authorities have sounded the alarm: On November 6, 2025, four cases of avian influenza were detected in dead wild birds. This important message from buten and within brought a breath of fresh air into the current discussion about the dangers of bird flu. Fortunately, this evidence has no direct impact on the existing protection and surveillance zones in Bremen, which were set up due to a previous outbreak in a laying hen farm in Stuhr. To date, no cases of avian influenza have been documented in Bremen itself.

The dead birds, whose fate significantly influences current events, were sent to the laboratory last week. It is important to know: Not all wild birds are susceptible to the virus. Pigeons and songbirds play no role in the spread. However, species such as cranes, ducks, geese, swans and herons, as well as scavenging wild birds, are at risk. It is therefore advisable to keep a close eye on these animals - it is better not to touch them!

Bird flu and its spread

Europe has been battling bird flu, also known as avian influenza, for almost 20 years. This disease is often fatal to birds and has the potential to spread rapidly, such as Consumer advice center reported. Fortunately, people are not directly affected, which brings some relief. But if wild birds die, it is important to get the farm animals into the stables as quickly as possible. If sick farm animals are noticed, the entire population is usually killed to be on the safe side.

This autumn, cases of illness have repeatedly occurred in wild birds in almost all federal states. Cranes are particularly affected this year. The risk of infection remains all year round, but is particularly high in the autumn and winter months. One positive aspect: No price increase for poultry meat or eggs is currently expected due to bird flu.

Protective measures and obligation to stable

Despite the current situation, protective measures are of utmost importance. Strict guidelines must be followed, especially for farm animals such as laying hens, geese and ducks. The consumer advice center advises keeping farm animals and pets away from water sources that wild birds use. In areas with a high volume of wild bird migration, such as Lower Saxony, Thuringia and Schleswig-Holstein, a requirement to keep poultry in stables has already been enacted.

If a case of bird flu is detected in a poultry flock, measures are taken that apply in the restricted area (a radius of 3 km around the affected farm) and in the observation area (10 km radius). For the restricted area this means that the animals have to stay in the stables; No eggs, fresh meat or poultry may be sold in the observation area.

Finally, all that remains to be said is that it is important, especially at this time, to remain vigilant and take safety precautions seriously. The situation continues to be closely monitored to prevent the spread of avian influenza.