Bird flu outbreak in the Pinneberg district: cranes severely affected!

Bird flu outbreak in the Pinneberg district: cranes severely affected!

A recent outbreak of bird flu is causing concern in the Pinneberg district. This disease has been detected in several dead wild birds, including two cranes in Quickborn and Uetersen. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute in Greifswald has identified the pathogens, which indicates a serious incident. Evidence of the virus has also been found in three other animals in the district. A fourth crane in Himmelmoor has not yet been recovered.

The virus appears to primarily affect cranes, which is why poultry have been required to be housed in the entire Pinneberg district since October 28th. This regulation also extends to the neighboring districts of Nordfriesland, Steinburg and Segeberg. In the neighboring Stormarn district, the stable requirement currently only applies to poultry farms with at least 50 animals.

Dynamic infection process

What is particularly interesting is that 35 outbreaks have already been registered in commercial poultry farms in Germany between the beginning of September and the end of October. New cases reach the authorities every day and the infection rate remains dynamic. Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg are particularly affected, which makes the situation even more critical.

Several hundred thousand animals have already been killed nationwide as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of avian influenza. Chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys from affected farms are due to be culled. It is also required that stables and enclosures be thoroughly disinfected before new animals are admitted. These measures are essential to protect the health of animals and prevent further spread.

The current situation is not only alarming for the companies affected, but also raises questions about how the situation could develop in the future. A sharp increase in infections could have serious economic consequences for the poultry industry, especially in the affected regions.

Animal owners are required to adhere to the requirements to prevent the spread of the virus. Joint and quick action is now required to prevent bird flu from spreading any further. The Pinneberg district is on a critical path and is closely monitoring developments. Residents are urged to report suspicious animals and be vigilant.

How the situation will develop further remains to be seen. Regional farmers and poultry farmers are hoping for news soon that the situation will calm down and normality will return.

For further information on current developments, we recommend reporting from Borken newspaper.