Avian influenza: Mandatory stables and no end to the threat in Brandenburg!

Avian influenza: Mandatory stables and no end to the threat in Brandenburg!

In the last few days, bird flu has once again caused alarm in several districts in Germany. Poultry farmers are encountering significant challenges that could impact not only animal husbandry, but also security of supply. Fortunately, private owners are not initially affected, but commercial poultry farms, particularly in the Märkisch-Oderland district, are being asked to keep their animals in closed stables. This measure is in response to the discovery of infected wild birds in the region, forcing health authorities to take action. As topagrar.com describes, the animals must be kept under appropriate facilities to avoid further spread of the virus.

The situation is getting worse as all poultry farmers are now required to have stables in the Oberhavel district. This shows that the danger is not just local, but nationwide. In the Spree-Neiße district and the city of Cottbus, compulsory stables will also be introduced on Wednesday, which makes it clear that the authorities must take rigorous action against the threat of bird flu. A similar development is emerging in the Teltow-Fläming district, where appropriate measures will soon be taken.

Extensive killing operations and a cry for help from the industry

Given the drastic situation, poultry farmers have panicked and more than 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys have already had to be killed because of bird flu, as tagesschau.de reports. Georg Heitlinger from the Baden-Württemberg State Association of the Poultry Industry emphasizes how important it is to take measures to stop the spread of the virus. A cry for help from the industry, which is calling for a nationwide obligation to have stables, is unmistakable.

Concerns about possible supply bottlenecks for eggs and poultry meat are justified. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry warns of a tense situation that may be exacerbated by the massive killing operations. Nevertheless, ZDG President Hans-Peter Goldnick gives the all-clear: He does not believe that prices for poultry products will suddenly rise sharply, although retailers have to react to current developments. The majority of geese sold in Germany even come from imports, which puts domestic poultry production in a different light.

Challenge for animal husbandry and debates about solutions

The situation is described as “depressing”, both for the animal owners and for the helpers who have to kill the infected animals. This is not only a physical burden, but also a psychological one, as many cranes and other wild birds are affected. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute estimates that bird flu has reached unprecedented levels this fall, and the risk assessment has been upgraded accordingly. As mdr.de reports, the assessment of the situation for the industry is benevolent: despite the mass killings, no major price fluctuations are expected. But the focus is on the coming weeks, especially with a view to the upcoming slaughter season, which traditionally begins before St. Martin's Day.

In the midst of these challenges, the question of vaccination strategies and adjustments to animal disease law is also being raised. In view of the far-reaching and ongoing problems, the discussion about possible solutions is more relevant than ever, because with every measure that is now taken, the protection of our native animals and the security of supplies are at stake.