Bird flu is spreading in Germany
Recently, the number of bird flu cases in Germany has rapidly increased, leading to intensified control measures and the introduction of compensation for farmers. The German Minister of Agriculture reported that numerous cases of bird flu have been detected this week among both wild birds and poultry farms. The situation is particularly serious near Berlin, where over 1000 cranes have already died.
Current outbreaks of the disease are observed among both wild birds and poultry farms. This is not unusual for this time of year. The very rapid increase in the number of infections over the past 14 days has highlighted the seriousness of the situation and the importance of coordinated actions, he stated.
Due to recorded cases on poultry farms in Baden-Württemberg, about 15 thousand animals will need to be euthanized. The ministry has appealed to the EU to raise the compensation limit from 50 to 110 euros per animal to support farmers. Rainer emphasized that the main task is to prevent the spread of the virus, protect animals, and minimize losses for the agricultural and food industries.
Increase in bird flu: the situation is virulent but not dangerous for humans
Bird flu is deadly for birds, but is currently not considered dangerous for humans. In the US, the first death of a human from severe bird flu H5N1 has been recorded, which is present among wild and domesticated birds. The patient, who was over 65 years old and had comorbidities, became infected after contact with birds. Strain D1.1 is considered particularly dangerous, and experts note that its fatal cases were expected, but remain tragic.
Bird flu is actively spreading in Germany, requiring immediate government action to control the situation and support farmers. The situation is serious, but does not currently pose a significant threat to human health. Against this backdrop, a death from bird flu has already been recorded in the US, but the risk to the wider public remains relatively low.