Bird flu in Märkisch-Oderland: 50,000 chickens culled!

Bird flu in Märkisch-Oderland: 50,000 chickens culled!

Bird flu is spreading rapidly in Brandenburg and represents a massive threat to domestic poultry farming. Currently, a tragic 50,000 broiler chickens had to be killed in a farm in the Märkisch-Oderland district because of the highly contagious disease. The killing was carried out under strict safety precautions using CO2 gas, and the carcasses are carefully taken to an animal incineration plant like the one South German newspaper reported. A reporter watched as the carcasses were dumped into containers as feathers flew through the air. The next step involves comprehensive disinfection of the stables, which are not allowed to be entered for at least 30 days.

The situation in Brandenburg is serious, warns Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt. Bird flu is threatening to spread further, with increasing numbers of wild birds potentially helping to spread the disease. In Neuhardenberg, 80,000 ducks currently have to be culled, which shows that farmers are under enormous pressure to protect their stocks. There is a strict trade ban on poultry and eggs as well as a transport ban within a radius of ten kilometers from the affected businesses, which makes the situation even worse. Loud Daily Mirror The infection situation in the country is dynamic and further stable requirements are to be expected in other districts.

Avian influenza and its consequences

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is caused by the virus HPAIV (H5N1) and has spread repeatedly in Germany in recent years. It is estimated that over 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys are now affected due to outbreaks this fall. The situation is particularly worrying in northwest Brandenburg, where cranes are dying en masse. Norbert Schneeweiß from the Rhinluch Species Conservation Center estimates that over 2,000 cranes have fallen victim to the disease ZDF reported.

Monitoring stocks is essential for animal owners. Anyone who notices changes in their animals, be it symptoms of illness or even death, should inform the responsible authorities immediately to prevent further spread. Biosecurity measures must be consistently implemented: These include wearing disease protection mats, changing shoes regularly and avoiding contact between litter and food with wild birds.

Trade implications and challenges for consumers

The current developments are leading to fears about possible price increases in the trade, particularly ahead of the festive period around Christmas and the traditional St. Martin's Day, which marks the start of the slaughter season for geese. Agriculture and trade face complementary challenges as many geese are imported to meet demand. The Senate administration also advises against feeding wild birds in order to prevent the virus from spreading to other poultry flocks.

In summary, it can be said that bird flu remains a critical issue in Brandenburg, which can have a severe impact not only on animals but also on the economic conditions in the region. To contain the outbreak, authorities and farmers are called upon to act decisively and protect the health of animals and people alike.