Alarm in the Osterholz district: crane discovered with avian influenza!

Alarm in the Osterholz district: crane discovered with avian influenza!

What do we celebrate in Osterholz? Unpleasant news has reached the region: On October 28, 2025, authorities confirmed a case of influenza A of the H5N1 subtype, better known as avian influenza, in a crane. This official determination was carried out through extensive laboratory tests by the Oldenburg Food and Veterinary Institute and the Friedrich Löffler Institute, which are now helping to assess the situation and take appropriate measures. The consequences of this infection are already noticeable, as there are numerous suspected clinical cases and deaths among wild birds in the district.

In order to provide the population with the best possible support, the Osterholz district has set up a citizen hotline in addition to the examinations. From October 30, 2025, the hotline can be reached daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on 04791/930 9595. Callers can receive information about the situation and provide information about dead wild birds. It is important that reports are accurate; Units are asked to specify the location as accurately as possible and send a photo of the animal. This helps the responsible authorities to react quickly and take appropriate measures.

The role of cranes

Infections are particularly critical during this time of bird migration, when over 100,000 cranes migrate through Germany every year. These majestic birds are contagious not only before they show symptoms, but also while they are able to fly. According to the MDR experts, this could lead to a further spread of the H5N1 virus in Central Europe, as the cranes are potential carriers while resting on their migratory tips. When wild birds and poultry come into contact with each other, there is a risk that the disease will spread further. In recent years, cranes have been particularly susceptible to the H5N1 virus, which has led to high mortality among them, especially during this year's bird migration, as Deutschlandfunk also reports.

Since the beginning of October, major losses among cranes have been recorded in other federal states such as Brandenburg and Thuringia. More than 1,000 cranes died in more than one place. This situation has alarmed the authorities and necessitated measures in poultry farms. The culling of around 400,000 animals by the end of October is an expression of this acute threat response, with the top priority being to prevent further outbreaks.

The precautions

The federal government, under pressure from Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU), has proposed increased precautions and strict security measures in the affected areas. Poultry farmers are required to carry out disinfection measures and prevent contact between wild birds and their poultry. If infections are suspected, herds must be isolated and culled as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of an outbreak.

NABU also calls on the population not to get too close to dead or sick birds and to report them. At this point, too, it is important not to take any action on your own. Independent attempts to treat sick animals could not only make it more difficult to combat avian influenza but could also contribute to the spread of the disease.

The H5N1 virus has been circulating since 2016 and has proven to be highly contagious. While it does not currently pose a major risk to humans, caution should still be exercised as the virus can continue to spread in the bird population. Hygiene and safety precautions in the poultry industry must therefore remain on the agenda in order to prevent an outbreak of this dangerous disease in the future.

The situation remains tense and it is time to remain vigilant and take the information from local authorities seriously. Stay informed and act responsibly!