Since early September, over 500,000 birds—including hens, ducks, geese, and turkeys—have been culled in Germany due to a severe strain of bird flu making its way through the country.
The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), responsible for monitoring animal diseases, has reported 30 outbreaks in poultry farms and 73 among wild birds. A spokesperson mentioned to the dpa news agency that there are another 23 suspected cases under investigation, indicating more incidents may be on the horizon.
Typically, bird flu outbreaks tend to rise in early November, aligning with the peak of bird migration, which suggests that this current situation might still escalate further.
In the southwestern state of Rhineland-Palatinate, local officials noted that new suspected cases are coming in daily and described the situation as having an “unusual dynamic.”
Bird flu in Germany: where are the most affected areas?
The most heavily impacted regions include the northern and eastern states: Lower Saxony (20 cases), Thuringia (19), Brandenburg (19), and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (14). Additionally, there have been confirmed cases in Bavaria (eight) and North Rhine-Westphalia (five).
Cranes seem to be particularly affected, with emergency teams in northern Brandenburg—just north of Berlin—having to dispose of thousands of dead, infected birds scattered across fields.
The outbreaks are attributed to the highly contagious H5N-1 strain of the HPAIV influenza virus, which is recognized as bird flu.
Is bird flu dangerous for humans?
While the virus can be transmitted to humans in high doses, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which oversees disease control and prevention in Germany, hasn’t recorded any cases of human transmission.
However, there may be economic repercussions for consumers. Robert Schmack, chairman of the Bavarian Poultry Union, warned of a potential 40% rise in egg prices and a limited selection of poultry available in stores. On the other hand, Hans-Peter Goldknick, president of the Central German Poultry Union, argued that he doesn’t foresee major price increases, especially with Christmas approaching, since most geese are imported from Hungary and Poland.
To help stop the virus’s spread, the FLI advises against handling dead birds and recommends keeping clean boots away from areas where susceptible animals are housed.
Meanwhile, within the German parliament, a spokeswoman from the opposition Green Party indicated that the present bird flu outbreak highlights the fragility of factory farming, where overcrowded conditions facilitate viral spread.
