Germany's H5N1 Outbreak Forces Mass Culling of 400,000 Birds

The ongoing threat of avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, poses a significant risk to both wildlife and livestock in Germany. Migratory birds are becoming increasingly affected, leading to heightened concerns as their seasonal movements peak.

The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has reported a worrying trend, predicting more migratory birds will die and potentially spread the virus. In response, German authorities have initiated mass culling of affected livestock, with approximately 400,000 birds already euthanized to contain the outbreak.

Regions such as North Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are particularly hard hit, prompting calls for stricter protective measures, including a nationwide confinement order for poultry. The situation remains critical, as the rapid spread of infections among farms underscores the urgent need for intervention to safeguard both animal health and agricultural stability.