Bird flu in Lower Saxony: Over 150,000 animals already killed!

Bird flu in Lower Saxony: Over 150,000 animals already killed!

In the last few weeks, bird flu has caused massive excitement in Lower Saxony and other federal states. Around 150,000 animals have already been killed due to the virus NDR reported. Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte presented the current situation in a press conference and informed about the threat that exists, particularly for poultry farmers in the region.

Since the beginning of October, 13 outbreaks have been confirmed in poultry farms in Lower Saxony. The districts of Cloppenburg, Diepholz, Emsland, Heidekreis and Vechta are particularly affected. Cloppenburg tops the list with seven outbreaks, while around 12.3 million animals were counted in 2,257 poultry farms there in 2024.

Stable obligation and economic pressure

The situation is forcing some counties to impose compulsory stables to prevent contact between domesticated poultry and potential wild birds. Staudte is aware of the demands of poultry farmers for a nationwide obligation to have stables, but also sees this as economic pressure, especially in view of the obligation to have stables that already exists in the Netherlands. In Germany, 35 bird flu outbreaks have now been recorded in commercial poultry farms, with Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg particularly affected.

Saarland was the first federal state to impose a stable requirement, followed by Hamburg. In Brandenburg, animals must either be kept in stables or placed under protective devices. The industry is currently struggling with high loss of earnings. Farmer Malte Voigts, who had to kill several thousand geese and ducks, estimates his loss at around 730,000 euros. A problem that many farmers share is the uncertain financial compensation for lost animals.

Compensation and spread risks

Staudte is calling for higher compensation for affected animal owners, which is currently a maximum of 50 euros per animal. Half of these are financed by the state and the Lower Saxony Animal Disease Fund. At the same time, it must be noted that the virus can be spread under various circumstances, such as through contaminated footwear or equipment. There is also a suspicion that aerosols in poultry-rich regions contribute to the spread of the virus.

The poultry industry is therefore confronted not only with health challenges, but also with economic ones. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry has already rejected allegations that factory farming is the main cause of the virus outbreaks. According to their statements, wild birds are still the largest reservoir for the viruses.

Rising meat prices and market changes

The consequences of bird flu could also be felt by consumers: an increase in the price of duck and goose meat is expected, which will make the market situation even more tense. These developments raise questions about the future stability of poultry farming in Germany, especially in the affected region.

A further look at the economic context shows that other sectors also have to overcome their challenges. So reported Financial statements that Kahoot CEO Eilert Hanoa brought about a positive turnaround for his company despite turbulent times in the financial world. While the one-year decline was initially devastating, the company was quickly able to get back on track.

Overall, the situation remains tense and the affected farmers and businesses rely on quick help and solutions in order to cushion the effects of bird flu and to be able to better meet future challenges.