Crane massacre in the Verden district: Hunters are allowed to shoot sick birds!

Crane massacre in the Verden district: Hunters are allowed to shoot sick birds!

A drastic decision has been made in the Verden district: Hunters should be allowed to shoot cranes that are suffering from the currently rampant bird flu. This decision was made to reduce the suffering of the affected animals. Within a few days, conservationists discovered around 300 dead cranes in the protected areas of the Wümme lowlands. This frightening number shows the drastic increase in sick birds and makes it clear how serious the situation is. How buten and within reports, the lower nature conservation authority has granted an exception to the ban on killing in order to take action against bird flu.

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious viral disease that is often fatal, especially in birds. Symptoms in sick animals include high fever, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. However, according to the Robert Koch Institute, there is a very low risk for people to become infected. However, especially those who work with poultry should take special protective measures. Bird flu is currently spreading rapidly in Germany. daily news reports on the current measures the federal government is taking to contain the spread.

Impact on poultry farming

The increase in infections is also having a dramatic impact on the poultry industry. In Baden-Württemberg, 15,000 animals had to be killed due to an outbreak. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 150,000 animals were culled in two large farms. In addition, an estimated 2,000 cranes have died, further fueling concerns about biodiversity. An application from the Federal Ministry to the EU aims to increase compensation payments for affected poultry farmers from 50 to up to 110 euros.

Avian flu is active all year round in Germany, but is known to increasingly affect wild birds during the autumn bird migration. The situation is made worse by the findings of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, which has raised the risk of further outbreaks to “high”. Federal states such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Lower Saxony are particularly affected, where the infection rate among wild birds has reached alarming proportions.

Protective measures and hygiene rules

In order to defuse the situation, poultry farmers are called upon to strictly adhere to hygiene measures and avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds. Private individuals are advised to avoid contact with birds found dead and to report such finds to the relevant authorities. Further attention is paid to the seasonal flu vaccination, which is recommended for those who come into frequent contact with poultry.

The current situation in Germany not only creates veterinary but also social challenges that affect all sections of the population. Handling wild birds and preparing for possible outbreaks should be a top priority for everyone to ensure long-term health and safety.