Dead seagull stops traffic on the Köhlbrand Bridge – bird flu alarm!
On November 1st, 2025, a dead seagull was found on the Köhlbrand Bridge in Hamburg, which led to traffic disruptions and a police closure.

Dead seagull stops traffic on the Köhlbrand Bridge – bird flu alarm!
Today, November 1st, 2025, a strange but serious incident occurred on the Köhlbrand Bridge in Hamburg: a dead seagull was discovered and caused confusion and extraordinary traffic delays. How n-tv reported, the police quickly closed a lane to allow the fire department to remove and dispose of the animal as necessary.
The closure wasn't just a routine measure - it was due to suspicions that the seagull might have been infected with the dreaded bird flu. This is particularly alarming as police have seen an increase in calls to dead animals over the past week, indicating the possible spread of the disease. The city of Hamburg has therefore made it mandatory for chickens, ducks and geese since Friday.
Measures and consequences
The people of Hamburg are alarmed, especially after the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) reported that numerous animals have died of bird flu since September. This news sparked interest and discussion about the safety and health of pets in the area. The city administration has therefore taken drastic measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop. Authorities advise citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious animals. In this way, further measures can be taken to contain bird flu before the disease spreads further.
An unusual challenge
While traffic on the Köhlbrand Bridge was severely affected by the incident, an interesting facet of the city administration is evident here: it reacts promptly and acts to eliminate possible health risks. This incident reminds us of the fragility of ecosystem balance and how quickly it is unsettled by such unexpected events.
The affected bodies will certainly continue to monitor closely to counteract any risk. Despite the current drama, this incident also brings with it a certain irony, because concerns about museums, concerts or other major events are often at the forefront of many people's minds. But sometimes it's everyday things like a dead seagull that remind us of the reality of nature.