Bird flu shock in the Alb-Donau district: 15,000 animals culled!

Bird flu shock in the Alb-Donau district: 15,000 animals culled!

Bird flu has spread alarmingly in the Alb-Donau district. The outbreak, which is considered the first case of the current wave in Baden-Württemberg, affects a family business that has been breeding and selling poultry for decades. This farm, which houses around 15,000 animals, including geese, chickens, turkeys and ducks, has now had to cull all animals after the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 was detected in willow ducks reports SWR.

The situation is extremely stressful for the family of the affected farm. A relative expressed shock and uncertainty about the future of the business. “We have lost everything here,” he says, describing the emotional burden caused by this tragedy. You have many unanswered questions, especially regarding compensation from the animal disease fund and support from the employment agency says the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection.

Biosecurity measures in focus

The entire poultry population was immediately blocked after the suspicion was reported and the animals were killed in an animal welfare manner. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) on the island of Riems has confirmed the virus infection. “We are doing everything we can to contain the spread of the virus,” explained Minister Peter Hauk, emphasizing the high priority of biosecurity measures according to the ministry.

The outbreak not only impacts operations in Öllingen, but also has far-reaching consequences in other parts of Germany. Over 200,000 animals have been culled in recent months due to outbreaks, while northern Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have seen major losses in wild bird populations. Over 1,000 dead cranes were discovered in northern Brandenburg alone reports ZDF.

Current situation and outlook

Bird flu is present in Germany all year round, but the risk of new outbreaks increases massively, particularly in autumn, when the birds migrate to their wintering grounds. The risk of further infections has now been assessed as “high”. It is important that the public does not touch dead birds to avoid possible virus spread. However, there is currently no increased risk of serious illnesses for people in Germany confirms ZDF.

The emergency in Öllingen and the general development of bird flu are a warming sign of how important preventive measures are. The sense of community in the small community is strong, and there is great sympathy for the fate of the family in Öllingen. The case could serve as a warning that each of us is part of a larger chain that should do everything we can to protect animal and human health.