Bird flu alarm: Over 525,000 animals killed – federal states affected!

Bird flu alarm: Over 525,000 animals killed – federal states affected!

Bird flu is back and is spreading alarmingly in Germany. 48 outbreaks have already been registered in ten federal states, and since the beginning of September more than 525,000 animals have been killed because of the aggressive H5N1 virus variant. The effects are particularly noticeable in Lower Saxony, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The situation is so serious that in many districts it has been ordered that poultry be kept in stables in order to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Deutschlandfunk reports that there has been a massive mass die-off of cranes in Brandenburg, where several thousand animals have died.

What does this mean for the poultry industry? The current situation represents an immense challenge for farmers and businesses. Vaccination of poultry against bird flu remains prohibited in Europe in order to prevent undetected virus spread. Measures to combat animal diseases primarily consist of early detection of sick animals and the rapid killing of affected herds. The aggressive H5N1 virus is now being detected more universally in wild birds, which further exacerbates the already tense situation. South Germans emphasizes that a nationwide stable requirement is seen as a necessary measure to keep the virus away from the herds.

Consequences for farmers

The affected farmers are facing massive loss of income. Compensation for killed animals is based on the market price and is capped at 50 euros per animal. However, the federal government plans to increase this limit to up to 110 euros. However, this would have to be approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat. Despite the challenges, association representatives are confident: Hans-Peter Goldnick from the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry does not believe in short-term price explosions for poultry and eggs, while Robert Schmack from the Association of the Bavarian Poultry Industry sees a possible increase in prices in connection with short-term shortages.

The situation also has an impact on the market for geese. The traditional demand for St. Martin's and Christmas geese is noticeable, but due to the import situation, where 80% of the geese come from abroad, bottlenecks are not expected. It should be mentioned that imports of goose meat to Germany have fallen by over 50% in the last ten years. Overall, 70% of the poultry meat processed in Germany comes from chicken fattening. Producers therefore not only have to worry about their health, but also about their wallets and the raison d'être of their businesses, while bird flu casts its shadow ahead.

What happens next?

Regardless of the current situation, widespread use of vaccinations in the EU under strict conditions is conceivable in order to support poultry populations. However, Marin Yotov, from the food trade association, considers it too early to predict the impact on supply and prices. The coming weeks could be crucial, both for the health of the animals and for the profitability of the farm. Farmers now have to show a good hand in managing their stocks in order to navigate this small but fine tradition of the German poultry industry through the crisis.

In summary, it is clear that bird flu represents a serious threat that affects both animal welfare and economic stability in Germany. We will continue to monitor developments closely and hope that affected businesses will soon receive relief as we all look after the health of our feathered friends.