Avian Influenza Outbreaks Kill 1,000+ Poultry in Germany, Portugal

Recent outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus have struck poultry farms in Germany and Portugal, causing over 1,000 bird deaths and leading to mass culling to prevent further spread. In Germany, an outbreak at a farm in Hadenfeld affected 2,800 laying hens, resulting in 100 deaths, while in Portugal, a farm in Samora Correia near Lisbon saw 1,011 fattening ducks die out of a flock of over 250,000. The sources of these infections remain undetermined, but migratory waterfowl are considered natural carriers of the virus. These outbreaks have raised concerns among governments and the poultry industry due to their potential to disrupt supply chains, increase food prices, and pose a risk of human transmission. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) emphasized the importance of strict monitoring and preventive measures as Europe faces a seasonal rise in avian influenza cases. This resurgence highlights the ongoing public health and economic challenges posed by bird flu across the continent.