Red alert: Bird flu is spreading threateningly in Münsterland!

Red alert: Bird flu is spreading threateningly in Münsterland!

In the last few weeks, bird flu, or as it is called in technical terms, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has also caused a stir in Germany. The federal states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia were particularly affected. Loud wn.de Several outbreaks in poultry farms have already been reported. This not only jeopardizes the sustainability of animal husbandry, but also requires special precautionary measures from everyone affected.

In Lower Saxony, a total of eleven outbreaks were detected in the Cloppenburg, Diepholz and Vechta districts alone, which led to exclusion zones being set up in which strict requirements apply to animal owners. The situation is tense and many farmers now need to focus intensively on biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the virus, according to information from tierseucheninfo.niedersachsen.de prove.

Current figures and developments

In the period from January 2024, Germany recorded nine outbreaks of HPAIV H5 in domestic poultry. The affected businesses include four laying hen farms and four private owners as well as a turkey fattening farm. The danger is also evident in wild birds fli.de reported: A total of 31 positive cases of HPAIV H5 were reported, mostly in barnacle geese in the Wadden Sea.

More and more scientists and veterinarians are raising the alarm about the high mortality rate among affected animals. The situation is particularly threatening for cranes that show central nervous disorders - according to experts, a cure is not possible. The virus is not only a threat to poultry farming, but also to various species of birds that live in nature.

Prevention and protective measures

Poultry farmers in Germany are legally obliged to comply with strict biosecurity measures. This includes, among other things, avoiding contact with wild birds and cleaning your own stables regularly. An intensive monitoring system is used in Lower Saxony for the early detection of future outbreaks.

An interesting and not entirely simple situation also arises from the regulations for vaccinating animals. A vaccination strategy against HPAI has not yet been implemented in Germany, although such a measure is being discussed in the veterinary medical community. The ban on vaccinations may need to be reconsidered at this time of high risk in order to protect poultry farming.

The next few months will be crucial in containing the spread of the virus and providing timely support to affected companies. A good hand in combating bird flu is required so that poultry farming does not get out of hand. After all, animal husbandry is not just about profits, but also about the welfare of the animals.