In Brandenburg, Germany, cases of avian influenza have been reported again, according to the Kazinform agency, citing information from DW. Farmers in the northeast of the country will have to cull approximately 130,000 birds due to a new outbreak of the disease.
According to available data, in the Neuhardenberg area, the virus has affected 80,000 ducks, while in Neutrebbin, 50,000 broilers have been impacted. To prevent the spread of the infection, protective zones with a radius of three kilometers and surveillance zones within ten kilometers of the infection hotspots have been established. Regional authorities report that in Märkisch-Oderland, more than half a million birds have already died or been culled.
The head of the district emphasized that Märkisch-Oderland is one of the leading poultry farming centers in Brandenburg and is located on the migratory path of wild birds. A mass migration of cranes and swans to the south is expected soon.
In the neighboring state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, nearly 150,000 laying hens have previously been culled. Scientists believe that the outbreak of the virus can be contained, despite the fact that this year's epidemic started earlier than usual. Experts note that cranes have become the main carriers of the virus, and cases of swan deaths have also been recorded.
Farmers who are forced to cull their flocks due to avian influenza will receive compensation of up to 110 euros for each bird.
