A German research institute has announced a significant outbreak of avian influenza, following reports of mass bird deaths in the eastern part of the country.

The Friedrich-Loeffler Institute (FLI) — Germany’s national animal health research center — reported on Monday, October 20, 2025, that bird flu is spreading widely among both wild birds and poultry. The institute, based in Greifswald, northeastern Germany, said that the number of outbreaks in poultry farms has sharply increased in October.
In its latest risk assessment, the FLI raised the risk level for poultry farms from “low” to “high”, and for wild birds from “medium” to “high.”
Rising bird deaths in eastern Germany
The institute noted a sharp rise in crane deaths reported over the past few days across several eastern German states. More than 100 dead cranes were found last week at Lake Kelbra, on the border between Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
Dozens more were discovered over the weekend near Lake Müritz in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, according to local authorities in the Mecklenburg Lake District.
Tests have confirmed infections with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of the H5N1 subtype in crane samples collected from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
Possible causes and growing concerns
FLI spokesperson Elke Reinking said similar mass crane deaths had previously occurred in Hungary, adding that the large number of infected poultry farms this season is linked to dense wild bird populations and their seasonal migration patterns.
More than 15 poultry farms have been affected so far in October, compared to only four cases in September, according to FLI data. The institute is now conducting genetic analysis of the virus to better understand the causes of this surge.
The institute warned that further spread of the HPAI virus is expected in the coming weeks, potentially on a larger scale, and that not only cranes but also other wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese may be affected — though these species might show milder symptoms due to partial immunity.
Avian influenza, also known as fowl plague, is a highly contagious and often fatal disease among many bird and poultry species. Experts emphasized that the disease does not currently pose a risk to humans.
Source: www.dw.com