Avian Influenza Outbreak in Brandenburg: Emergency Measures Enforced After Duck Farm Infection

Authorities in Brandenburg have implemented emergency protocols following a significant outbreak of avian influenza at a large duck farming operation in Neuhardenberg. The recent detection of the highly contagious H5N1 virus has resulted in the quarantine of approximately 80,000 ducks, as officials work to contain the spread of the disease and protect both agricultural and wild bird populations.

The region has also seen a dramatic increase in wild bird fatalities, particularly among cranes. In the Linumer Teichland area, a well-known migratory stopover, wildlife experts estimate that up to 2,000 cranes may have died due to the current outbreak. Teams from conservation organizations and environmental agencies have been engaged in extensive operations to remove and safely dispose of bird carcasses to limit further transmission of the virus. So far, between 1,000 and 1,200 dead cranes have been collected, with ongoing efforts expected to continue for several more days.

The situation has placed significant pressure on both animal welfare workers and local authorities, who have mobilized additional personnel to assist in containment and cleanup efforts. The deployment of staff with prior experience in managing animal disease outbreaks has been prioritized, particularly those familiar with handling large-scale animal health emergencies.

Meanwhile, poultry farmers across the region remain on high alert. To date, nearly 18,000 ducks, geese, and turkeys have been culled from three separate facilities in Brandenburg as a precautionary measure. The fate of the 80,000 ducks at the Neuhardenberg site is currently under review, with local health officials assessing whether a full culling will be required to mitigate further risks.

Concerns about economic losses within the agricultural sector are mounting, prompting calls for increased compensation. The federal agricultural ministry has petitioned European authorities to raise the compensation cap for affected poultry farmers from EUR50 to EUR110 per animal, with payments typically based on market value through the national animal disease fund.

In Berlin, authorities are also monitoring potential cases, having reported 16 suspected instances of avian influenza among local wild birds. Laboratory testing has confirmed the virus in two of these cases. As a precaution, zoos have relocated particularly susceptible bird species, such as pelicans, to their winter enclosures, though public access to facilities remains unaffected at this stage.

Efforts to curb the outbreak include directives for all poultry keepers to house birds in enclosed spaces or under protective coverings to reduce exposure to wild birds, which are believed to be a primary vector for the virus. The ongoing response is being coordinated by state and district authorities in partnership with conservation groups and agricultural representatives.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral illness primarily affecting wild waterfowl. The current strain circulating in Brandenburg, HPAIV H5N1, is recognized for its high transmissibility and significant mortality rate among infected birds. According to health experts, while the disease poses minimal risk to humans under normal circumstances, the scale of the outbreak necessitates comprehensive biosecurity and monitoring to safeguard both wildlife and commercial poultry operations.

As response activities continue, stakeholders across the region are calling for rapid support and clear guidance to prevent further losses and to protect the livelihoods of those dependent on the poultry industry.