Bird flu alarm signals: Brandenburg's poultry are in great danger!

Bird flu alarm signals: Brandenburg's poultry are in great danger!

Bird flu is increasingly spreading in Germany, and the Brandenburg region is particularly affected. The state of the poultry population there is alarming Animal Health Online reported. Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has already ordered increased protective measures to stop the spread of the virus and prevent damage to agriculture.

In the last few days, 15,000 poultry animals were culled on a farm in Baden-Württemberg to counteract avian influenza. Devastating effects can also be observed on the wild bird population, such as thousands of cranes dying. It is estimated that around 2,000 cranes alone died, and over 1,000 dead birds were recovered in northern Brandenburg. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has upgraded the risk of new outbreaks to “high”, which particularly applies to federal states such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. The virus responsible for bird flu, HPAIV (H5N1), often causes serious illness in animals, while according to current knowledge there is no increased risk for the population.

Comprehensive measures come into play

In order to bring the situation under control, the Federal Ministry has submitted an application to the EU to increase compensation payments for the affected companies. This compensation is currently 50 euros, but is to be increased to up to 110 euros. Even though there is little evidence-based evidence of transmission through food, caution is still advised. Poultry farmers in particular are asked to adhere to strict hygiene measures and avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds in order to prevent further infections.

But it's not just the bird flu that is causing excitement in the agricultural landscape, but also the changes in pig fattening. Boar fattening, which refers to the fattening of male pigs, is at the center of an interesting debate. Traditionally, male piglets were surgically castrated, but since January 1, 2021, castration without anesthesia has been banned in Germany. This has led to alternative methods, such as boar fattening, becoming more important. However, despite high consumer acceptance and positive results from blind tastings, boar fattening has not yet really taken off in Germany, especially since food retailers hardly offer any products made from fattened boars Wikipedia explained.

Boar fattening is the focus of the discussion

The method of fattening boars has already been established in other countries. The advantages are obvious: Boars consume less feed compared to castrates and generate higher profits per animal. Nevertheless, there are challenges. Up to 5% of carcasses exhibit unpleasant boar odor, which is known to be unwelcome by consumers. The need to maintain sexually separate fattening groups and to use specific feed compositions can further complicate business management.

The current situation, both in relation to bird flu and boar fattening, clearly shows how closely agriculture and social demands are intertwined. Farmers are facing enormous challenges that not only affect their businesses, but also the entire industry. A good knack for implementing new strategies is required to ensure animal health and alleviate economic pressure. In the future, boar fattening could represent a promising alternative if further hurdles are overcome - that remains to be seen.