(de-news.net) – Authorities, researchers, and industry stakeholders are becoming concerned about the rapidly increasing incidence of avian influenza in Germany. According to estimates from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), more than 200,000 chickens were killed this fall. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has responded by calling for an increase in EU compensation limitations.
Although there is little danger to people, the virus is contagious among birds. According to the FLI, migratory wild birds are contributing to the disease’s increased year-round circulation. More than 1,000 dead cranes have been found in the Linum marshes close to Berlin. Despite the fact that the total number of cases is still below historical highs, FLI President Christa Kühn has called the outbreak exceptionally rapid. As of right now, the institution considers the risk to poultry to be significant, with cranes and other wild birds being especially vulnerable.
Due to robust mating earlier in the year, Kühn does not anticipate long-term harm to crane populations, even when localized mortality rates are more than 10%. In addition to advocating pet restrictions in impacted regions and urging the public to avoid contact with diseased birds, she has rejected the term “superspreader” as misleading.
Martin Beer, the vice president of FLI, has issued a warning that culling could soon amount to several hundred thousand animals. In just three weeks, some 20 chicken farms have been impacted, which has sparked concerns about potential subsequent outbreaks. Beer also stressed that the virus is not harmful to people but can spread through contaminated surfaces and cautioned against touching dead birds. He has observed how common it is throughout Europe.
The supply of eggs and chicken meat may be disrupted if infection rates remain high, the Central Association of the German chicken Industry (ZDG) has warned, in the meantime. Urgent policy action, including vaccination plans and changes to EU regulations, has been demanded by the group. Even though the supply of Christmas geese is steady, additional degradation can cause logistical problems and jeopardize farm livelihoods.
Furthermore, the Standing Committee on vaccine’s (Stiko) new influenza vaccine guidelines have been put to the forefront by Thomas Preis of the Federal Union of German Pharmacists’ Associations. To avoid co-infections and lower the chance of a novel human-transmissible strain, people who interact with birds or specific mammals are recommended to get vaccinated against seasonal flu, according to the guidelines.
