Mysterious disease kills thousands of birds in Germany

Authorities recorded about eleven thousand cases of birds, of the blue tit species, found dead.

There is a mysterious disease that is killing thousands of blue tit birds in Germany. In this sense, scientists advise “social distance” with birds in gardens.

An investigation by conservation groups and scientists already underway, after hearing reports from the population and authorities of more than 11,000 cases of sick or found dead birds.

The vast majority of cases came from western Germany, mainly in the Mosel wine region and in the city of Oldenburg, in Lower Saxony.

The initial laboratory tests signaled an infection by the bacterium “Suttonella Ornithocola” that causes pneumonia in birds. Blue tit are affected sporadically by this bacterium, and although other test results are expected in the coming days, the researchers recommend “social distance” with the said birds.

The guidelines now state that the public must stop feeding the birds or provide them with drinking fountains to reduce transmission. Despite the large number of deaths in Germany, Becki Lawson, a specialist in diseases at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), maintains to the English “Independent” that there is currently no increase in the mortality rate of these birds or other species.

The blue tit measures about 12 centimeters in length, enjoys a diet of insects, caterpillars and seeds. A trend in the reports shows that birds, which are distinguished by blue and yellow feathers, face breathing problems, in addition to not accepting food or shrinking when approached by people.

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