Bird Flu Cases Rise in Northern Hemisphere, Prompting Major Poultry Culls

Bird flu cases caused by the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus are rising across the Northern Hemisphere, affecting both wild birds and poultry. Major culls have been carried out in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Belgium to prevent further spread. The virus can occasionally infect humans, mainly through close contact with infected animals, but there is currently a low risk of human-to-human transmission. Authorities continue to monitor outbreaks closely to protect public health and the food supply.

Bird flu cases are increasing across the Northern Hemisphere, with outbreaks expected to continue this winter, challenging farmers and public health authorities who are working to contain the disease. The current H5N1 strain, primarily carried by birds, is highly pathogenic and can cause severe avian influenza. While H5N1 was first identified in the mid-1990s, annual outbreaks have only become common since 2020. The virus is now present on every continent, including Antarctica, prompting concern among health authorities, wildlife specialists, and disease scientists.

In Germany, authorities have conducted major farm culls, removing half a million poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, as well as thousands of other livestock, to prevent further spread. Denmark and the Netherlands have taken similar measures, while Belgium and France have implemented protective actions to shield farm stock. Migratory birds, which are starting their fall journeys from the Northern Hemisphere, are contributing to the spread as they stopover and interact with local birds. This year, more species, including cranes, have been infected, increasing the risk for poultry when sick birds die nearby.

Experts note that bird flu is no longer confined to winter, with cases now occurring year-round in wild birds. Germany has seen infected cranes perish near Berlin and Stuttgart, prompting mass culls to prevent transmission. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), Germany's federal animal health agency, anticipates more infections and transmissions into November. Similar precautions have been taken in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, the UK, and Slovakia, including raising alert levels and keeping poultry indoors.

H5N1 can easily spread from birds to other birds and farm animals, and occasionally humans, mainly through direct contact, inhalation of viral particles, or contaminated surfaces. Farm workers are advised to wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and FFP3 respirators, to avoid infection. Human cases have occurred, mostly among agricultural workers, with no known transmission between people so far. However, experts warn that repeated exposure increases the potential for the virus to mutate and spread between humans, raising concerns about a possible pandemic.

The risk from infected livestock, such as cows and pigs, also exists, particularly through raw milk and unpasteurized products, which can carry influenza virus particles. Culling remains a primary method to manage outbreaks, protect food supply chains, and prevent the disease from spreading to wildlife and other mammals. Farmers and consumers may experience shortages of eggs and meat, affecting prices, especially during peak periods like Thanksgiving in the US.

Past H5N1 outbreaks, such as the 2023 incident in Argentina, demonstrate the virus’s impact on wildlife, having killed over 24,000 sealions along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Authorities continue to monitor and respond to H5N1 with vigilance to protect both human and animal populations.