German bird flu outbreak sparks fear among farmers

Germany is facing a severe outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, with seven poultry farms in the north-eastern state of Brandenburg affected and over 150,000 birds culled. Migratory wild cranes are suspected to play a role in the virus's spread, raising alarm among farmers and conservationists. As federal states enforce indoor housing for poultry, experts warn the situation could evolve with the ongoing bird migration. Despite the scale of the outbreak, officials say Christmas poultry supplies remain stable, thanks in part to imports. Spain and France are also stepping up containment efforts as Europe braces for further cases.