Animal disease: Severe wave of bird flu in Germany

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), the animal disease has now spread almost throughout Germany. While cases of infection have been reportedin Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, commercial poultry farmers in eight federal states are now affected. In some places, authorities have ordered compulsory housing and banned poultry markets.

Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer ( The CDU /CSU (CSU ) called for increased protective measures. "The top priority here is to prevent the spread of the virus, protect animals, and avert damage to our agriculture and food industry," the CSU politician said in Berlin. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry warned: "If we do not act, we risk not only animal health but also security of supply."

The infectious disease has been spreading for weeks. "There are currently numerous outbreaks, both in wildfowl and in poultry farms. This is actually not unusual for this time of year," said Rainer. "However, there has been a very rapid increase in infections in the past 14 days. This also shows how serious the situation is and how important joint and coordinated action is." The FLI in Greifswald has now raised its risk assessment to high.

Although the animal disease is now widespread year-round in Germany, the infection rate gains significant momentum with bird migration in the fall. According to the FLI, the spread of avian influenza among cranes has reached a level previously unknown in Germany.

More than 1,200 dead cranes have already been recovered in the Linumer Teich area near Berlin, one of the largest crane roosting sites in Germany. The first confirmed cases of avian influenza in the current wave recently came from Hesse and Berlin. Large-scale farms with laying hens and fattening turkeys have now also been affected by the virus. The FLI has so far recorded more than 21 outbreaks in poultry farms for the month of October.

The disease poses a threat to poultry farmers. If an outbreak occurs on a farm, the entire flock must be culled, meaning all animals are killed. The FLI estimates that so far this fall, more than 200,000 chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys have been culled and disposed of following outbreaks of avian influenza on their farms in order to contain the spread of the disease.

According to the FLI, symptoms in birds may include: dull, ruffled plumage, discharge from the beak and eyes, diarrhea, apathy, and central nervous system disorders (abnormal head posture, balance problems, or compulsive movements).