111 Wild Animals Stricken by H5N1 Outbreak, Germany, Czech Republic, and Spain Urgently Affected, 900 Birds Culled!

On 16 September 2024, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture reported an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic influenza A in Burgenland County, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, confirmed on 13 September 2024, according to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Laboratory tests found 111 suspected infections in wild animals, of which one died and the remaining 110 were culled and disposed of. The source of the outbreak is not yet known, and Germany will submit weekly follow-up reports.

On the same day, the Czech National Veterinary Authority also reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in the Przybram district of Central Bohemia, confirmed on 16 September 2024. Tests showed 900 birds were suspected to be infected, of which 52 died and the remaining 848 were culled. The Czech Republic will also submit weekly follow-up reports on the outbreak.

On 17 September 2024, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food informed WOAH of an outbreak of anthrax infection in the province of Badajoz, Autonomous Region of Extremadura, which was confirmed on 10 September 2024. Sixty-four cattle were suspected to have been infected, nine of which died. Spain will submit weekly follow-up reports on the outbreak.