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Red alert: Bird flu claims tens of thousands of victims in Germany!
Bird flu outbreak in Germany: tens of thousands of animals affected. Minimal health risk for people, safety information.
Red alert: Bird flu claims tens of thousands of victims in Germany!
What's going on in Germany? There is currently a worrying outbreak of highly contagious bird flu that will cost the lives of tens of thousands of chickens, geese and turkeys. The situation has become so serious that mass killing is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. As nord24 reports, transmission of the virus to humans remains a rarity, but one should be careful with close contact with infected poultry and with insufficiently heated food.
The medical term for the disease in humans is zoonotic influenza. The Robert Koch Institute emphasizes that there have been no known cases of bird flu in humans in Germany. However, it is important to take the risk of infection seriously, even if it is considered to be very low. People who work in the poultry industry or have close contact with infected poultry are particularly at risk.
Risks of bird flu
The experts agree: the risk of transmission remains low for the majority of the population. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the dangers of well-cooked poultry meat are almost impossible. If you want to be on the safe side, you should make sure that the meat is no longer pink and that no red meat juice is escaping. Eggs also need to be cooked thoroughly so that the white and yolk are firm. These hygiene regulations apply particularly in the current situation.
However, there are other factors to consider. As RKI states, it is uncertain whether the avian influenza virus can genetically change and adapt to humans. There has so far been no human-to-human transmission of the known subtypes A(H5N1) and A(H7N9). Nevertheless, the ABAS recommends preventive measures for employees in the poultry industry, as they are particularly at risk.
Global perspectives
In a broader context, it becomes clear that the situation does not only affect Germany. It is estimated that millions of birds worldwide are infected with the influenza A(H5N1) virus, but only a few hundred human cases have been confirmed so far. WHO and ECDC regularly publish risk assessments on avian influenza to monitor how the situation is evolving. So far the situation in Germany is stable and no cases of avian influenza have been recorded in humans.
There were several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Germany last year, with nine cases found in domestic poultry in the period from January 2024. Various companies were particularly affected, including laying hen and turkey holding companies. According to information from FLI, wild birds, such as barnacle geese in the Wadden Sea, also have to struggle with the consequences of the disease.
Recent developments show that several new HPAI genotypes have been identified since November 2023. Therefore, it is advisable to remain vigilant. Citizens should not touch sick or dead wild animals to avoid risks. Stay healthy and informed!