A new bird flu outbreak in Germany has sparked concern across Europe, forcing the culling of over 130,000 ducks and chickens to stop the virus from spreading. Authorities hope to prevent a repeat of past crises, when millions of birds were destroyed and food prices surged. 

The most critical situation is in Lower Saxony, in the country’s northwest, home to nearly two-thirds of Germany’s poultry population. Experts warn that dense farming conditions and cold weather are accelerating the virus’s transmission, making containment efforts increasingly urgent. 

The Poultry Industry Association of Lower Saxony has urged farmers to keep all birds indoors “to save millions of lives.” Its president, Friedrich-Otto Ripke, has called on government officials to make the indoor housing rule mandatory as the outbreak worsens. 

Several German federal states have already tightened restrictions, while neighboring countries have stepped up border controls and health monitoring.

In Spain, the Agriculture Ministry expanded restriction zones across 25 municipalities in Madrid and confirmed the culling of more than 130,000 hens in Valladolid. 

European health agencies now fear that the bird flu outbreak could spread further, threatening the poultry industry and food security across Europe, amid rising costs and supply chain challenges.