Germany Faces Major Avian Influenza Outbreak as 200,000 Animals Culled

Avian influenza is currently spreading at an alarming rate, primarily driven by the highly contagious HPAIV variant. This outbreak has led to the culling of over 200,000 livestock animals in Germany, particularly in regions like Baden-Württemberg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, to contain the virus.

While vaccines exist, they are restricted to specific poultry species and require special approval for use. In response to this crisis, protection zones have been established in affected areas.

It is crucial for consumers to properly cook poultry and eggs to temperatures exceeding 70 degrees Celsius to mitigate health risks. The rapid spread of this virus, which has already resulted in severe cases among infected animals, highlights the urgent need for vigilance and preventive measures.