Bird flu alarm in the Neuwied district: cranes affected!

Bird flu alarm in the Neuwied district: cranes affected!

A worrying signal from the Neuwied district: Two dead cranes were discovered there today that were infected with the dreaded bird flu. These migratory birds were traveling south when the HPAIV (H5N1) virus hit them. The infection was confirmed by the Rhineland-Palatinate State Investigation Office and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. This news was published in a press release from the district administration, which mentioned the additional dead animals in the Neuwied district that had already been reported.

Bird flu is currently spreading rapidly in Germany. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer is calling for increased protective measures to prevent the spread of the virus and prevent damage to agriculture. In Baden-Württemberg alone, 15,000 animals had to be killed in a poultry farm, and it is estimated that around 2,000 cranes died of avian influenza. The situation poses a serious threat to domestic animal husbandry.

Current developments and measures

The autumn bird migration has taken the spread of bird flu to a new level. This year, not only wild birds are affected, but also animals in large poultry farms. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has raised the risk of further outbreaks to “high”. The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony are particularly affected, where numerous infections have already been recorded.

Everyday life at the authorities is now characterized by close monitoring and strict hygiene measures. Poultry farmers are urged to adhere to hygiene rules and avoid contact with wild birds. Private individuals should also exercise caution and report findings of sick or dead birds to the relevant authorities.

A particular focus on public health measures

Despite the acute threat, there is currently no increased risk of serious illness for humans, but authorities advise avoiding contact with dead birds. A seasonal flu vaccination is recommended, especially for people who have frequent contact with poultry, to minimize the risk of dual infections. Although it is generally possible for the virus to spread through poultry products, there is currently no evidence of infections through food.

Meanwhile, the possible financial consequences of bird flu in agriculture have already been felt. The Federal Ministry has asked the EU to increase the upper limit for compensation payments from 50 euros to up to 110 euros in order to support affected companies. More than 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys have already been killed due to the outbreaks this fall.

To get an overview of the situation in Germany, it is worth taking a look at the current numbers of infections and measures. The situation remains tense, and both authorities and farmers must keep a cool head in order to stop the spread of bird flu and avert similar dramatic consequences as in other affected federal states.

For further information on bird flu and its spread in Germany, you can view the detailed reports from Rhein-Zeitung and Tagesschau.