Avian flu detected in wild bird in Berlin

After a case of avian influenza occurred at Berlin Zoo in November 2022, the virus has now been detected in a wild bird.

This was announced by the Senate Department for the Environment on Wednesday. An affected Mute Swan had to be euthanized. It was found in the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Accordingly, the national reference laboratory at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute confirmed on Tuesday that the bird was infected with the virus subtype H5N1. Wild birds were last affected by the avian flu last winter and temporarily had to be kept in stalls as a result.

Avoid contact with wild birds and report sick animals

Waterfowl, ravens and birds of prey are particularly affected by avian influenza. Songbirds and pigeons, on the other hand, are considered less susceptible. The Senate Department recommends not touching sick or dead birds and not collecting feathers. Anyone who finds dead waterfowl, ravens or birds of prey should contact the respective veterinary office.