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Avian Flu Surge Pushes German Labs to the Limit as Authorities Expand Restriction Zones

The FLI reports roughly 1.5 million kept birds lost in a fast-rising H5N1 wave.

Overview

  • Germany’s veterinary network is at capacity, with the FLI prioritizing farm outbreaks over wild-bird testing as daily case counts in holdings approach 100 since September and wild-bird detections near 800.
  • Cologne extended Hürth’s controls into the city with a 3.1 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone that mandate separation from wild birds and stricter hygiene, with the city noting very low risk for humans.
  • Bavaria ordered risk-based stalling around the Ismaninger Speichersee for up to 5 km and banned feeding wild birds, as Erding confirmed HPAI in four wild geese and instructed all keepers on registration, biosecurity, and preparation for stall orders.
  • Authorities confirmed HPAI at the Germering animal sanctuary, where about 80 birds were culled, while select high-value birds remain in indoor housing under tight controls and the site operates under enhanced protective measures.
  • The wave is regional, with Czech farms reporting fresh H5N1 outbreaks that require large culls, and Germany logging mass crane deaths in Brandenburg; pets, especially cats, are susceptible through contact with infected birds, though no cat cases are confirmed in Germany this season.