- The Saar Nature Protection League requests submissions concerning amber.
The Environmental Protection Organization in Saarland encourages residents to share online any encounters with ill or deceased crows. Experts believe that the Usutu virus is currently spreading amongst crows, resulting in an uptick in fatalities, as stated by the Environmental Protection Organization (EPO) in Saarland. The high temperatures during summer have facilitated the proliferation of mosquitoes, known carriers of the virus.
It's hoped that these reports will contribute to a clearer understanding of the issue. Anyone who spots deceased crows or uncommon symptoms in birds within their backyard or local park should submit a report at www.epo-saar.de/usutu.
Signs of infected avian wildlife
The affected crows exhibit apparent sickness, with disheveled feathers, a reluctance to fly off, and an overall lethargic demeanor. Infected crows typically pass away within a few days. Unfortunately, there's no treatment available for the affected birds. The virus originated from South Africa and first appeared in Germany in 2010.
Following several years of tranquility, there's been a considerable rise in reported cases of deceased and ailing-looking crows in gardens and green spaces, as mentioned by the EPO in Lebach. Moreover, wildlife conservationists receive numerous phone calls reporting sick or deceased crows. Deceased animals can be sent to the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg for further evaluation.
Residents in Saarland should actively participate in reporting ill or deceased crows on the EPO's website due to the increasing number of Usutu virus cases in Saarland's crows. The Environmental Protection Organization in Lebach, a part of Saarland, has noted an increase in reports of ailing-looking and deceased crows, contributing to the concern about the virus spreading further.
