Bird flu: National Park in Darß closed – cranes in danger!

Bird flu: National Park in Darß closed – cranes in danger!

Bird flu has the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region firmly in its grip and is causing worrying developments. How NDR According to reports, the Sundische Wiese on the Zingst peninsula and other important resting places for cranes are currently closed to visitors due to the spread of the virus. Numerous cranes have been found dead in recent days and fears of a further spread are growing.

The closure is a measure by the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park Authority to minimize the risk of the virus spreading. The animals are mainly cranes that stop on their migration south. Special epidemic protection mats are being installed in the affected areas to prevent the spread of the scary H5N1 virus. Carcasses of dead birds are being recovered, and the number of reports of dead animals is increasing, including reports from Bad Sülze, Dranske and Neustadt-Glewe.

Massive impact on the poultry industry

Bird flu doesn't just affect the wild bird population. Over 500,000 farm animals have had to be culled in Germany so far. The situation is particularly critical in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where six outbreaks have been registered in livestock farms in the last few weeks. Experts warn that the spread of bird flu, which is transmitted through contact with wild birds, is increasing rapidly. The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG) is sounding the alarm.

How daily news reported, poultry farmers are calling for a nationwide requirement to keep stables in order to contain the spread of the virus. ZDG President Hans-Peter Goldnick points out potential supply bottlenecks for eggs and poultry meat and calls for measures to protect the animals and secure production. In northwest Brandenburg, for example, over 1,200 dead cranes were recorded, which resulted in trade bans on eggs and meat products.

The situation is serious, but not acute

Despite the dramatic situation, there is currently no acute shortage of poultry products BR communicates. The ZDG explains that the supply of Christmas geese, for example, is secured. However, a further deterioration of the situation could cause logistical problems and endanger the economic existence of affected companies.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) sees the situation as very critical, especially during bird migration in autumn, and estimates the risk to the population as low unless there is direct contact with the virus source. Nevertheless, the development of infection cases remains to be seen and the authorities are required to act quickly and efficiently.

The spread of bird flu shows once again how vulnerable our agriculture and environment are. The situation is being closely monitored and everyone hopes that the measures will be successful and the spread can be limited.