Bird flu stops warbler show: health risk too high in Gnoien!

Bird flu stops warbler show: health risk too high in Gnoien!

There was great anticipation, but bird flu put a stop to the traditional warbler show in Gnoien. The event, scheduled for November 7th to 9th, had to be canceled due to the increased risks. The Rostock district veterinary office expressed concerns and assessed the risk of infection as too high. This year, the breeders and visitors are only left with the cancellation and the hope that the situation will improve next year.

The Warbelschau is considered one of the most important pedigree poultry exhibitions in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which attracts numerous breeders and visitors from the region. It is organized, among other things, as a venue for the state show for large and bantam chickens as well as the main special show for ring-necked pigeons. Preparations for the exhibition were already well advanced, but the health of the animals has priority.

Effects of bird flu

The bird flu outbreak has affected several events in the region. The virus, known as avian influenza, is particularly common in wild waterfowl, which often act as carriers of the virus without becoming ill themselves. There are currently no known human cases in Germany, but there have been more than 60 infections in the USA since March 2024, mostly with mild symptoms. These numbers show that the virus can be quite dangerous. However, the ECDC assesses the risk of transmission to humans in Europe as low.

Symptoms in chickens range from lethargy to difficulty breathing and are often severe. Breeders are therefore called upon to avoid direct contact between their animals and wild birds. Depending on the threat situation, the stable requirement is to be enacted by the federal states or districts. Preparations to ensure the health of the animals are at the top of the agenda.

A look into the future

The organizers of the canceled Warbelschau emphasize that the health of the animals and the containment of the animal disease are the top priority. Even if the shock of the cancellation can still be felt, the hope remains that a healthy and successful Warbelschau can take place next year. Until then, all that remains is to look forward and hope for an improvement in the situation.

There are many breeders in the region who are looking forward to future exhibitions, as long as circumstances allow. The traditional event not only has cultural significance, but is also a platform for exchange and community among breeders. We can only hope that the next Warbelschau can be under better auspices.