Alarm in Vogelsbergkreis: First cases of bird flu in cranes!

Alarm in Vogelsbergkreis: First cases of bird flu in cranes!

Worrying news has spread in Vogelsbergkreis, a picturesque region in Hesse. As nh24.de reports, the first cases of highly pathogenic bird flu were found in dead cranes. This sad discovery was reported on Friday last week at several locations within the county. The veterinary office has informed the population and urgently advised them to keep poultry in stables.

The General Directorate has published a general order on security, which can be viewed on the district administration website. The measures affect all poultry farmers who have to offer their animals special protection. They are required to house their animals in protected aviaries, to strictly adhere to hygiene regulations and to ensure safe storage of food and bedding. Feeding areas should be designed so that wild birds cannot access them, and water for drinking must be inaccessible to these animals.

Alarming spread of bird flu

Bird flu has become a serious threat in Germany. According to tagesschau.de, thousands of wild birds, including many cranes, are affected. Since mid-October, the cases have spread to seven federal states. Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer (CSU) will meet with his country colleagues in a video conference in the evening to discuss the situation and further measures.

The risk for waterfowl and poultry populations is currently classified as high. The peak of the crane rest is still to come, and experts expect an increase in the number of dead animals. This year, around 2,000 cranes have already died on the migration south in Germany, which illustrates the severity of the situation.

Protective measures and recommendations

The demands on animal husbandry are particularly high in this tense situation. The Friedrich Löffler Institute (FLI) warns of the risks of bird flu, which poses a serious threat not only to wild animals but also to livestock. The recommendations for poultry farmers are clear: hygiene measures must be strictly adhered to and animals should be housed in stables to avoid contact with wild birds. In certain regions of Germany, such as Brandenburg and Lower Saxony, large numbers of poultry have already been culled to prevent further spread.

There is currently no increased risk of bird flu for the population, but contact with dead birds should be avoided at all costs. The WHO is keeping an eye on the global situation and is particularly concerned about possible virus mutations and new transmission routes. Walkers in the affected areas should be prepared to keep their dogs on a leash and report dead animals immediately to the responsible veterinary office.

The sad losses among the cranes are seen as a tragic lesson for health care, animal husbandry and nature conservation. In this context, the “One Health” strategy approach is considered important in order to learn from the current crisis and to better prepare for future challenges, as WWF.de informs.

The Vogelsberg district is facing difficult times that not only affect animal owners, but also nature and therefore all of us. Stay informed and take good care of yourself and your animals!