Increasingly common Usutu virus in songbirds - Also contagion for humans?

Dangerous pathogen: Again Usutu virus found in songbirds

In Bavaria, the dangerous Usutu virus was detected in several songbirds. The pathogen has its origins in Africa, but it has been appearing again and again in Europe for several years. Even humans can become infected with it. The risk of infection is low.

Dangerous virus detected in the Nuremberg area

In 2010, the tropical Usutu virus, which is transmitted to birds by mosquitoes, was first detected in Germany. In the following years, the pathogen repeatedly caused regional bird deaths. Now the virus was detected in four dead wild birds from the Nuremberg area.

In Bavaria, the Usutu virus was detected in several songbirds. The risk of infection for humans is low, but dead animals should still better not be touched with bare hands. (Image: Bernd Wolter / fotolia.com)

Usutu virus-related deaths in birds

According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), which received the samples from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) for virological examination, there are two blackbirds, a nuthatch and a bearded owl.

As the LGL writes in a communication, investigations of further samples are currently underway at the FLI.

According to the experts, the pathogen is transmitted by mosquitoes, in Germany, Usutu virus-related deaths in birds first appeared in 2011.

Risk of infection for humans is very low

Although the virus can in principle also be transmitted to humans, the risk of infection is very low.

"So far, only very few cases of disease in humans are known. Especially in immunocompromised individuals, an infection can be associated with flu-like symptoms and skin rashes, "says the LGL.

If more dead birds are found, they should not be touched and the responsible veterinary office should be contacted.

"In principle, animals killed in nature should not be touched, because there is a risk of infection in general," writes the Office.

Pathogens can cause mass bird dying

As the FLI explains on its website, the Usutu virus, which originated in Africa, was first diagnosed in Europe at the beginning of the millennium.

The main hosts for the pathogen are wild birds, which usually do not fall ill. However, also very sensitive bird species are known, for example black birds, which are very easily infected.

Infected birds often show apathy and central nervous system disorders such as tumbling or twisting the head. It can come to mass bird death.

According to the experts, infections occur mainly during the mosquito season from May to September. (Ad)