In Salzburg, an increasing number of dead birds have recently been discovered. An investigation shows: The animals carried the deadly Usutu virus.
Salzburg – In Salzburg in Austria, dead birds have been found in the past few days. Now it’s clear what happened to the animals: they were infected with the Usutu virus. It has serious consequences for blackbirds in particular.
In Salzburg it was the first case in more than a decade, according to the Salzburg State Correspondence. In 2001, an epidemic led to a veritable death of blackbirds. “At that time, the population shrank locally by up to 90 percent, especially in metropolitan areas,” said State Veterinary Director Josef Schöchl.
Usutu virus in Salzburg: Infected birds show zombie-like behavior
At that time, it was the first case of the Usutu virus to be detected in Europe. It was particularly active in Germany in 2016. It was first discovered in Swaziland in 1959. It was named after a river in the African country.
The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Blackbirds that carry it exhibit zombie-like behavior. “They show apathetic behavior, no tendency to flee, staggering movements and ruffled feathers in the head area. After a few days they die. There are no antidotes so far, ”explained Schöchl.
Bird deaths in Salzburg: Usutu virus is not transmitted from blackbirds to humans
Humans can also become infected with the Usutu virus. According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, “mild symptoms such as fever and skin rash” can occasionally occur.
Schöckl also reassured: “According to the current state of knowledge, there is no significant health risk for humans.” Humans could not be infected by birds. And birds do not spread the virus among themselves either. Hundreds of birds have suddenly fallen dead from the sky in Mexico. (mt)
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