Berlin, February 6 – A severe bird flu outbreak is currently affecting Berlin and Brandenburg, leading to the deaths of numerous cranes, swans, and other waterfowl. The Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory recently confirmed 14 new positive cases among wild birds, though official confirmation from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute is still pending.
Alarming Number of Swans Infected
According to the Berlin Consumer Protection Agency, a particularly high number of swans have been found infected in Berlin. In addition to waterfowl, birds of prey, seagulls, and gray herons have also been affected, likely due to consuming deceased birds.
The agency noted that the severe winter conditions have exacerbated the infection situation. Waterfowl have gathered in large numbers on the few ice-free areas, increasing the risk of transmission of the highly pathogenic virus. Photos of dead swans on the frozen Landwehr Canal have been shared by neighborhood groups, highlighting the severity of the situation.
41 Wild Bird Deaths in Berlin Since Autumn
Since the outbreak began in autumn 2025, 41 wild birds have died in Berlin due to the bird flu. Across Germany, the spread of the highly contagious H5N1 virus variant has reached a dramatic new dimension. Brandenburg has been particularly hard-hit, with official figures indicating over 1,000 crane deaths in the Linumer Teichgebiet alone.
Do Not Touch Sick or Dead Animals
Authorities strongly advise the public against touching sick or dead animals or even individual feathers. Anyone who discovers dead or sick cranes, waterfowl, ravens, or birds of prey should report the finding to their local district veterinary and food inspection authority.
The H5N1 subtype, which is currently prevalent, has been known to transmit to humans in isolated cases through close contact with infected birds, sometimes leading to illness. However, authorities emphasize that human-to-human transmission has not yet been proven.
The ongoing bird flu situation underscores the importance of public awareness and adherence to official guidelines to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.
