Alarm in Berlin: Bird flu threatens cranes – dead birds discovered!

Alarm in Berlin: Bird flu threatens cranes – dead birds discovered!

Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Brandenburg and is also showing the first worrying signs in Berlin. Two dead cranes have currently been discovered in the Berlin districts of Pankow and Marzahn-Hellersdorf and are being examined for the virus. This is particularly alarming as no official cases have been reported in the capital to date. However, according to rbb24, further confirmations could soon come if the state laboratory records positive results.

The regional association of the Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) has recorded a small crane population in Berlin. In order to prepare for the potential danger of bird flu, the zoo and animal park in Berlin have already taken precautionary measures. Particularly reception-neutral bird species such as pelicans and geese are brought to their winter quarters early, even if this was originally only supposed to happen in two weeks.

Bird flu is spreading in Brandenburg

In Brandenburg, confirmed cases of bird flu have already been identified in six districts and one independent city. The situation is particularly dramatic in northwest Brandenburg, where around 10,000 dead wild birds are expected. It was only on October 14th of this year that suspicion of bird flu was confirmed during an examination of a dead crane. It is estimated that over 1,000 cranes have died due to the disease since October 13th. This represents a unique outbreak of this wild animal disease, as mleuv reports.

The outbreak comes at the peak of autumn migration, when large groups of cranes gather, facilitating the spread of the virus. There are also fears that the infection will spread quickly in Central Europe and could reach wintering areas in France and Spain. Wild birds that are newly infected can be contagious during flight, threatening not only cranes but also other bird species such as great bustards, waterfowl and birds of prey.

Precautions and recommendations

In order to counteract further spread, the first outbreaks have already been recorded in poultry farms. Poultry farms close to flight routes are therefore also at risk. The district veterinary offices organize the removal of the carcasses, while private individuals are urged not to touch dead birds themselves but to report them immediately to the responsible authorities.

In view of the situation, the Berlin Greens have called for a joint animal disease exercise. It is criticized that the Berlin Senate has canceled funding for such an exercise in 2027, which makes prevention even more difficult.

It remains to be hoped that the tests for bird flu in Berlin will be negative. However, the situation shows how important preventative measures and cooperation are in such cases in order to further contain the spread.