Bird flu in Germany
Editor: Kerstin Stenger
topics in this article
Bird flu in Germany - What consumers need to know now!
Christmas is still a while away, but the anticipation of crispy goose legs and festive feasts is being dampened this year. There are fears that bird flu will not only affect barns and farms, but also our traditions. Millions of animals have already been affected, entire flocks have had to be culled – and many are asking themselves: will there even be enough geese this winter?
What is behind the current situation? How dangerous is the virus – for animals and humans? And what can consumers do to enjoy their food safely?
What is bird flu?
Bird flu – also known as avian influenza – is a highly contagious animal disease that mainly affects birds. It is caused by influenza A viruses, in particular the H5N1 subtype. The risk to humans is low, but the economic consequences for agriculture and food production are considerable.
The current situation in Germany
In Germany, authorities are currently observing the highest incidence of bird flu cases in years. As of October 26, 2025, around 400,000 animals from more than 30 farms had been culled. Regions with a high density of poultry, such as Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, are particularly affected. The virus is usually spread by wild birds, which carry it unnoticed.
Measures such as mandatory housing, quarantine, and culling of entire flocks are intended to contain the spread.
According to the German Friedrich-Löffler-Institut (FLI), this year's wave of infection started earlier than usual.
What does this mean for our food supply?
Bird flu is already having an initial impact on the poultry industry – and thus indirectly on the availability of eggs and poultry meat. Products with smaller production volumes, as geese for the Christmas season, are particularly affected.
- Short term: No acute supply crisis yet, but noticeable restrictions possible.
- Medium term: Further outbreaks could affect supply and prices.
Food security: Supply chains are under strain but stable. Hygiene remains crucial.
LANXESS helps: Protection through barn hygiene
In the fight against bird flu, thorough cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses is the most effective protection. With Virkon® S, LANXESS offers a powerful disinfectant that reliably breaks the chain of infection.
“Virkon® S is a versatile, fast-acting disinfectant for modern animal husbandry that reliably combats viruses, bacteria, and yeasts, thereby protecting animals, stables, and equipment.”
Virkon® S – the advantages at a glance
- Effective against 100 virus strains, 400 bacterial strains and 60 fungal and yeast strains
- Fast-acting: 15 to 60 seconds
- Easy to use as a spray or dip
- Biodegradable
- Versatile – from shoe disinfection to surface disinfection
For more information about Virkon® S and its application, please visit our product page. (link to the Biosecurity Solutions homepage)
Whether it's roast goose, duck breast, or breakfast eggs – those who pay attention to hygiene can enjoy their food safely, even in times of bird flu. With solutions such as Virkon® S, LANXESS ensures that poultry farms are protected. So nothing stands in the way of a festive meal.
