禽流感在德国蔓延

Core Insights - The Friedrich Loeffler Institute reported that over 30 commercial poultry farms in Germany have been forced to cull birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza, with approximately 400,000 chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys already culled and processed [1] - The current avian influenza outbreak in Germany is the most severe since the data collection began in the autumn and winter of 2020, with the situation being described as "volatile" and the number of cases expected to rise [2] - The most affected regions are Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg, where significant culling has occurred, including nearly 150,000 egg-laying hens in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and plans to cull an additional 130,000 chickens and ducks in Brandenburg [2] - Several states in Germany have implemented measures to contain the spread of avian influenza, including establishing monitoring zones and mandating that poultry be kept indoors [2] - The risk level for poultry farms in Germany has been raised from "low" to "high" due to the spread of the virus from infected cranes to other wild waterfowl, with warnings issued to avoid contact with dead wild birds [3] Industry Impact - The rapid increase in avian influenza cases over the past two weeks has been described as "abnormal" compared to previous years, indicating a significant threat to the poultry industry [2] - The ongoing migration season for birds poses additional risks, as infected wild birds may spread the virus to poultry farms along their migratory paths [3] - Strict hygiene protocols are being emphasized for livestock farmers to prevent contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, highlighting the industry's need for enhanced biosecurity measures [3]