德国禽流感疫情加剧 近百万只禽类被扑杀

Core Insights - The avian influenza outbreak in Germany is worsening, with nearly 1 million birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, culled to manage the situation [1] - Since early September, 66 poultry farms across Germany have reported cases of avian influenza, with no signs of abatement [1] - The outbreak is expected to spread further due to the migration of autumn wild birds, particularly affecting the southwestern regions of Germany [1] Summary by Category Outbreak Details - The most severely affected area is Lower Saxony in northwestern Germany, with 30 farms reporting outbreaks [1] - Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern follow, with 11 and 7 farms affected, respectively [1] - The Friedrich Loeffler Institute has raised the risk level for poultry farms from "low" to "high" due to the early onset of this year's outbreak compared to previous years [1] Causes and Spread - The ongoing spread of the avian influenza is closely linked to the migration activities of wild birds, which can carry the virus to poultry farms along their migratory routes [1] Preventive Measures - In addition to culling measures, protective zones have been established in various regions to contain the outbreak [1] - Saarland became the first federal state in Germany to require poultry to be kept indoors starting October 30, transitioning free-range birds to closed housing to reduce infection risks [1] - Hamburg also announced a ban on free-range poultry on October 31 [1]