Published in News
No Place Safe from H5N1
A new H5N1 variant in Antarctica shows how fast bird flu is moving worldwide — and why European poultry farmers must stay alert.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
Even Antarctica Is No Longer Safe
For a long time, Antarctica seemed protected by distance and cold climate. Now that has changed.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has reached the Antarctic mainland. Researchers have confirmed infections in:
Antarctic cormorants
Kelp gulls
Two penguin species
Fur seals
In some coastal regions, a new virus variant has spread across around 900 kilometers. Scientists report very high mortality in affected colonies.
This development shows how far the current bird flu wave has expanded.
Why Penguins Are Especially Vulnerable
Penguins breed in extremely dense colonies. Thousands of birds stand close together during nesting season.
This creates ideal conditions for the virus:
Constant physical contact
Fast transmission from one bird to another
No space to isolate sick animals
Another major problem is immunity. Antarctic bird populations have had little exposure to H5N1 in the past. That means they have almost no natural protection. An outbreak can reduce populations drastically within one breeding season.
The Virus Is Expanding Its Host Range
The new variant does not only affect birds. Infections have also been detected in fur seals and elephant seals.
This suggests that the virus is adapting. It is crossing species barriers more easily than before. Scientists see this as a serious ecological signal.
The situation in Antarctica is part of a broader global pattern. H5N1 continues to appear in wild birds, poultry farms, and even mammals in different parts of the world.
Why This Matters in Germany and Europe
Antarctica may feel far away. But migratory birds connect continents.
They can carry the virus over long distances. This keeps the infection pressure in Europe high.
For poultry farmers, the key points are clear:
Maintain strict biosecurity measures
Limit contact between poultry and wild birds
Follow hygiene protocols consistently
Act quickly if symptoms appear
The events in Antarctica show how persistent and adaptable the virus has become.
A Farmer’s Reality After an Outbreak
While researchers focus on Antarctica, some German farmers are still dealing with the consequences of recent outbreaks.
In autumn 2025, poultry farmer Holger Nöhrnberg in Lower Saxony lost his entire flock to avian influenza. Around 1,100 laying hens died or had to be culled.
For weeks, the barn stood empty.
First Case in the District
His farm was the first confirmed bird flu case in the district of Diepholz. After the diagnosis:
The farm was placed under quarantine
All hens were culled
The barns were disinfected multiple times
Since autumn 2025, around 1.5 million birds have been killed in Lower Saxony. About 90 farms were affected. Total economic damage is estimated at roughly 36 million euros.
Financial and Emotional Impact
Compensation covered the official costs of culling and cleaning. However, payments for the hens were lower than their usual market value.
With no hens, there were no eggs to sell. Income stopped immediately.
Local customers organized a fundraising campaign and collected more than 13,000 euros. This support helped the family during the hardest period.
Starting Again With 850 Hens
Now, 850 young hens have moved into the barn.
The farmer says it feels good to hear the animals again. The hens are settling in and already laying their first eggs. The egg vending machine will soon reopen, just in time for the Easter season.
He has also reapplied for organic certification, which requires free-range access.
Living With Ongoing Risk
The farm is located near a nature reserve with many wild birds. Permanent indoor housing is not an option for him. Instead, he uses shelters and management strategies to reduce contact between wild and domestic birds.
Authorities say infection numbers are currently decreasing. However, the overall risk remains high.
A Global Challenge
From penguin colonies in Antarctica to family farms in Germany, bird flu remains a global issue.
The situation shows that H5N1 is not slowing down. For poultry farmers, constant vigilance is essential. Prevention, strict hygiene, and quick action are still the best tools against the virus.
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