Germany is facing a significant surge in avian influenza outbreaks, with nearly 30 new cases reported recently, affecting both commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks. This alarming trend has been detailed in a recent report from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), the country’s national laboratory for animal health.
The FLI has warned that the situation is unlikely to improve in the near future. The institute, which conducts risk assessments for animal disease outbreaks on behalf of the German government, estimates a continuing high risk of new infections. Disturbingly, there were reports of 10 new outbreaks in just one day recently.
Since the beginning of October, a total of 66 avian influenza outbreaks have been documented across Germany, leading to the culling of nearly 1.2 million poultry. Although turkeys have been the most affected, farms raising geese, ducks, laying hens, and broilers have also reported infections.
High mortality among cranes
The incidence of avian influenza among wild birds in Germany has escalated sharply as well. Since October 1, over 400 new infections have been logged in wild bird populations, with more than 150 reported in a single week. Unfortunately, this may only represent a fraction of the issue, as numerous dead cranes have been found, suggesting widespread infection.
Major concerns
The German government has expressed deep concern over the avian influenza outbreak. At a recent European Council of Agriculture and Fisheries meeting, Germany advocated for bolstering European biosecurity measures. In light of the alarming situation, the European Commission has mentioned vaccination as a potential strategy moving forward.
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