Red alert: Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Lower Saxony!

Red alert: Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Lower Saxony!

The situation surrounding bird flu, which is currently rampant in Lower Saxony, is getting worse. There is currently a sense of alarm in the region, as more outbreaks have been detected in companies since mid-October 2025. The Cloppenburg district is particularly affected, where four outbreaks have been registered so far, all in stables. A turkey fattening farm with around 8,900 animals in Garrel has called the authorities into action; the virus appears to have been introduced by migratory birds. In total, there have been 15 outbreaks in Lower Saxony since the beginning of the year, a worrying increase that can be compared to the 83 outbreaks in 2021. For example, cases were also reported in Stuhr, Diepholz district, and in Soltau, Heidekreis district, which underlines the spread of the virus. The NDR reports on endangered wild bird species, such as cranes, which are also affected.

The authorities have already taken measures to contain the situation. A stable requirement was imposed in the entire Gifhorn district and in the Garrel exclusion zone in the Cloppenburg district. This regulation applies to both private and commercial animal husbandry. The outbreaks were officially confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, which also confirmed a new case in Garrel and investigated suspected cases in wild birds. The measures also include encouraging poultry farmers to report dead birds and minimize contact with wild birds to prevent the spread. There are also recommendations from... daily news: Dogs should be kept on a leash to avoid distress to wild birds, and shoes should be thoroughly cleaned after contact with them.

Poultry farmers under pressure

Uncertainty among poultry farmers is growing. Cases of avian influenza have also occurred in the districts of Nienburg, Göttingen and Vechta. Currently, 36,300 turkeys are affected by the outbreaks. Another significant outbreak on a farm with 5,300 ducks has led to the animals being culled. Animal farms are forced to tighten their hygiene measures, which entails additional costs. In particular, many poultry farmers are calling for nationwide compulsory housing in order to prevent the virus from spreading further. The CDU parliamentary group advocates for a role model from the Netherlands and advocates for uniform regulations. According to that Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture It is the responsibility of the district veterinary offices to regulate the actual stable requirements.

Another important point: Despite the threatening situation, the virus is in principle harmless to humans. There are no known H5N1 cases in Germany. Consuming poultry meat, eggs and poultry products remains safe as the virus is killed at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. This gives consumers a reason to reassure, while farmers and veterinarians will be particularly challenged in the coming weeks to get the disease under control.