Bird flu is spreading: Bremen under stricter rules!

Bird flu is spreading: Bremen under stricter rules!

Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Germany and poses a great danger to our wild birds. The north of the country is particularly affected, where the first cases have already been registered by experts. There have been no confirmed cases of wild birds in Bremen so far, but the situation is tense. Four wild bird carcasses are currently being examined for the virus, the results of which are still pending. Other finds of dead birds were already too badly decomposed to be analyzed. Loud buten and within Citizens should report the birds found to the Bremen Food Control, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service (LMTVet). The contact number for this is 0421 361 21 223 and can be reached Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Particular caution is required because bird flu can also be transmitted through contact with wild birds. In Lower Saxony, 15 districts as well as the Hanover region and the city of Oldenburg have already ordered a general obligation to keep stables in order to stop the spread of the disease. In Bremen, additional stricter rules apply to poultry farmers in certain protection and surveillance zones, which were established after an outbreak in Stuhr. In particular, contact with wild birds and their feeding must be prevented in order to protect the animals and prevent further spread.

General danger situation

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is caused by the HPAIV (H5N1) virus and is not only an issue in Bremen. How ZDF today Reportedly, 29 outbreaks in wild birds have already been recorded nationwide, with cranes in particular being affected. It is estimated that around 2,000 of these birds died during the current migration in Germany. What is particularly alarming is the fact that almost 150,000 animals had to be killed in two large laying hen farms in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in order to contain the disease.

The risk of human infection currently remains low, but citizens should avoid contact with dead birds at all costs. There are currently no known cases of H5N1 in humans in Germany, but a risk of transmission cannot be ruled out if the viral load is high. The public is asked to only touch birds while wearing gloves and to pack them securely in a plastic bag.

Measures and recommendations for action

The spread of the virus infection is being closely monitored by specialist bodies such as the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI). There are currently a number of recommendations on how to behave in this crisis situation. This includes keeping a distance from dead birds, reporting any finds and keeping dogs on a leash. In addition to the health of the animals, the focus is also on preventing damage in agriculture. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer emphasizes that this rapid increase in infections is unusual and the reasons for it remain unclear Bavarian Review reported.

Overall, it is crucial to effectively combat the spread of bird flu while protecting both wild birds and livestock. Close cooperation between various authorities and the correct information of the population are crucial in order to get this dangerous situation under control.