Increased blackbird death Usutu virus infections this year particularly prevalent

Especially the north of the country affected: Usutu virus occurs in 2018 reinforced

The Usutu virus, which has its origins in Africa, is particularly prevalent in some areas of Germany this year. Especially in the north of the country, the pathogen is increasingly found in birds. People can also catch the virus. The risk of infection is low.

Pathogen is transmitted to birds by mosquitoes

In 2011, 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. As the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) now reports, the pathogen is particularly prevalent this year.

This year, an increased rate of blackbird mortalities caused by Usutu virus infections (USUV) has increased in some regions of Germany. (Image: Bernd Wolter / fotolia.com)

Increased blackbird dying

According to the experts, this year in some regions of Germany an increased blackbird mortality was recorded, which was caused by infections with the Usutu virus (USUV).

According to the information, other birds (mainly Barbados) have died of USUV infections.

"This year's epidemic is currently affecting mainly Hamburg and the region between the Hanseatic city and Bremen as well as Nuremberg," writes the FLI.

Around 300 infections detected in birds

As stated in the communication, the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg (BNITM) and the FLI have so far detected around 300 USUV cases in birds nationwide.

In addition, in the course of investigations on USUV at the end of August, an infection with the West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in a black-headed owl in aviary housing.

This virus has already caused more than 70 human deaths in Europe this year.

As the FLI explains, USUV and WNV are closely related.

The gray owl was kept together with a second one in which a USUV infection has been detected.

"An end to the USUV epidemic in birds is currently not in sight. Especially if several dead wild birds are found in one place, the local veterinary authorities or the NABU should be informed, "said the FLI.

Risk of infection for humans is very low

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

In 2011, the pathogen that is transmitted to birds by mosquitoes, especially in late summer, was first detected in Germany.

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," reports the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) on its website.

"Especially in immunocompromised individuals, an infection can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and skin rashes," said the Office.

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

"Basically, animals killed in nature should not be touched, because there is a risk of infection in general," writes the LGL. (Ad)