Bird Flu Surge in Germany: Minister Reports Rapid Increase

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* Outbreak: Germany ⁣is experiencing a “very rapid increase” in bird flu (avian influenza) infections over the past two weeks.
* Affected Animals: The virus is affecting both poultry and wild birds, including cranes⁣ for the first time. A ⁤significant ⁤number of animals have died, and large-scale culling is occurring.
* ‍ Culling: Over 240,000 animals have likely been culled (though this figure is unconfirmed by the FLI), with 15,000 culled at a single farm on Thursday.
* Risk: The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) warns of a “high” risk of ⁤further,potentially widespread outbreaks.
* ⁣ Response: Authorities are focused on preventing the spread of the virus, protecting animals, and ‍safeguarding⁣ agriculture and the food ⁢industry.‍ They are urging the public to avoid contact with sick or dead animals.
* Human Transmission: While bird-to-human transmission is theoretically possible, the risk is currently considered low.
* Visuals: An AFP photographer documented volunteers collecting dead cranes in protective gear.