Crane with bird flu in Schwalm-Eder district: district warns!

Crane with bird flu in Schwalm-Eder district: district warns!

In Homberg (EFZE), Schwalm-Eder district, the first dead crane tested positive for the dreaded virus of highly pathogenic avian influenza (avian influenza). This worrying report comes on October 27, 2025 and has already led to the district taking appropriate precautionary measures. As nh24.de reports, the final confirmation of the findings by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) is still pending.

Experts believe the risk of the virus spreading among wild birds and spreading to domestic poultry is high. The district therefore recommends poultry farmers to keep their animals in closed stables or secured facilities. These measures are intended to avoid direct and indirect contact between domestic and wild birds.

Precautions for poultry farmers

The Schwalm-Eder District Veterinary Office has emphasized the importance of adhering to biosecurity measures. The district's website also contains information and instructions from the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment and the FLI. Keepers of poultry and other birds must also be aware of the obligation to report: the species, number and type of keeping must be transmitted to the veterinary office. Dead wild birds must also be reported, although precise information about the location where they were found is required. It is strongly advised not to touch or retrieve dead birds yourself.

Residents in the region are also well advised not to hold poultry exhibitions, markets or similar events until further notice. The virus has already caused excitement in several federal states, such as Lower Saxony, in recent months. There have been numerous HPAI outbreaks here since September 2025, which tierseucheninfo.niedersachsen.de confirms.

Global dimension of avian influenza

The situation surrounding highly pathogenic avian influenza is also complicated by international developments. According to the FLI, the HPAIV H5 virus circulates worldwide, especially in Asia and North America. In the USA, spread in dairy cattle and poultry herds has been reported, and isolated infections have also been found in cats and humans. In Germany, however, the risk of transmission to humans remains very low, with fewer than ten documented infections in Europe since 2020.

The main motto remains to consistently adhere to biosecurity measures. Current developments underline how important it is to keep an eye on the health of poultry flocks. In particular, exposure to the HPAIV H5 virus represents a significant challenge for animal owners. As already mentioned, a strategy for preventive vaccination is being planned in Germany, as vaccinations against HPAI are currently banned.

We recommend that all poultry farmers remain vigilant and closely follow the latest developments. Further information and current advice is available on the relevant specialist portals and via the health authorities in Hesse. Check out fl.de for detailed updates on animal disease events.