Bird flu strikes: dead cranes discovered in the Westerwald district!

Bird flu strikes: dead cranes discovered in the Westerwald district!

An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in the Westerwaldkreis, Rhineland-Palatinate. The Friedrich Löffler Institute has detected the virus in two cranes that were found dead. These cranes were found in a region bordering the Altenkirchen district, where dead cranes were also spotted. A total of around 20 dead cranes were reported to the veterinary office, with five of them receiving positive test results at the state investigation office. In addition, two of these positive results were confirmed by the Friedrich Löffler Institute. The Siegener Zeitung has compiled this information.

Given this situation, the veterinary office has taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus. All accessible animals are currently being collected, but not all cranes have been recovered so far. The population is therefore urgently asked to immediately report any unusual behavior of wild birds or dead animals to the official veterinary service. “Dead wild birds should not be touched or recovered yourself,” warns the office. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious infectious disease that particularly affects birds and is caused by influenza A viruses. The disease can be fatal in chickens and turkeys, but it is not considered dangerous for humans.

What does this mean for people?

Although bird flu is not considered dangerous to humans, it is important to be aware of the risks. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the influenza A viruses can also infect humans, but transmission from animals to humans is not easy. So far, no illnesses have been identified in people with avian influenza in Germany. In Europe, too, the risk to the population is assessed as low, although an outbreak of subtype A(H5N1) in wild birds has been recorded in parts of Germany since the end of October 2025.

How can we protect ourselves? The RKI recommends not touching sick or dead birds and taking appropriate protective measures if contact with wild birds or infected poultry is unavoidable. It is also advisable to contact the veterinary authority if you come across any suspicious animals. Infections with A(H5N1) can also occur in mammals, usually through contact with infected birds. While the overall health risks to the population are considered low, vigilance is required.

At this critical time, it is important that both citizens and those responsible remain vigilant and monitor the situation carefully. With a coordinated response, the spread of avian influenza can potentially be contained, protecting both wildlife and domestic livestock.