The Usutu virus is spreading widely.
In Germany this year, there's an unwanted surge in the mortality rate of songbirds. One cause for this is the Usutu virus, which is spread to birds through local mosquitoes. The number of reported fatalities has already outpaced the total from the previous year. Conservationists are concerned that this trend will continue.
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg (BNITM) has reported that around 25% of the birds examined and tested this year have been infected with the Usutu virus. More than 120 deceased birds, including songbirds, thrushes, and falcons, have been submitted to the Hamburg institute since the start of the year. In 2023, the institute only received 100 submissions throughout the entire year.
Higher than usual bird deaths reported in Lower Saxony
The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) has received more than double the number of reports of sick or deceased birds this year compared to the same period in 2023. The NABU website has received 1,536 reports of 1,806 deceased and 1,060 sick songbirds and other birds.
The majority of these reports originate from Lower Saxony, with nearly 800 deceased and over 400 sick songbirds reported. This is six times more than the same period in 2023, according to NABU.
Anticipated increase in fatalities
NABU bird protection expert Marco Sommerfeld predicts that these numbers will continue to rise significantly, potentially causing another catastrophic impact on the bird population. The Usutu epidemic, often referred to as the "songbird die-off," is well-known as it commonly affects songbirds. However, other bird species are also susceptible to the virus.
Following a 40% decrease in the songbird population in Hamburg in 2018, it has yet to fully recover, which is concerning given the prevalence of this species in Germany.
Although humans can contract the Usutu virus, most remain symptom-free. However, in rare cases, particularly among immunocompromised and elderly individuals, severe illness may occur.
The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, as reported by the BNITM. Symptoms include fever, headache, and skin rash; in rare instances, it can lead to encephalitis.
Collaborative efforts to track the virus
The Bernhard Nocht Institute and NABU continue to encourage public involvement, asking that people report and submit deceased and sick animals. This information helps observe, document, and scientifically evaluate the virus's spread.
Infected birds display nervous system disorders, causing them to stumble or tilt their heads and exhibit apathy. Approaching humans or other animals no longer causes them to flee, and they often pass away within a few days.
First discovered in Swaziland, southern Africa, in 1959 during a comprehensive search for arthropod viruses, the Usutu virus is believed to have been introduced to Europe by migratory birds. Since at least the mid-1990s, it has been causing recurring outbreaks among birds in Europe, often resulting in a songbird die-off, according to the BNITM.
First identified in Germany in 2011, the pathogen triggered a bird die-off. Since then, larger outbreaks of the virus have occurred frequently in Germany. According to NABU, the tropical virus continues to spread.
Despite the minimal risk of infection from decomposing birds, it is advisable to follow certain guidelines when disposing of them. For more information, please contact organizations such as the Landesbund fur Vogel- und Naturschutz in Bayern.
The Protection of species is a critical concern for conservationists as the Usutu virus epidemic, leading to high bird mortality rates, continues to spread across Germany. Collaborative efforts between institutions like the Bernhard Nocht Institute and organizations such as the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) are essential to monitor and track the virus, protecting various bird species.
