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Germany Confirms H5N1 at 436,000-Bird Farm as Authorities Expand Controls

A confirmed case at Grafschaft Bentheim triggers deliberations over full culling under EU disease rules.

Overview

  • The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut confirmed H5N1 in one laying-hen stall at a Grafschaft Bentheim complex that includes nine hen barns plus an 83,000-bird pullet barn.
  • Officials are preparing a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone, with a decision pending on whether the entire 436,000-bird flock must be culled.
  • Lower Saxony counts 1,016,282 birds killed across 63 outbreaks this year, as the state animal-disease fund estimates roughly €17 million so far for culling, cleaning and compensation.
  • Three new holdings in Kreis Kleve tested positive, prompting protection and surveillance zones that extend into Kreis Wesel, including parts of Sonsbeck, Alpen and Kamp-Lintfort, with orders effective from Saturday 00:00.
  • Wild-bird detections and a hobby-flock case in Bavaria have spurred stall requirements and strict biosecurity guidance, while Spain imposed a nationwide quarantine for free-range flocks and authorities stress properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe.