An outbreak of bird flu in Hungary killed more than 20,000 cranes, many of which were due to migrate to Spain, where they found their main wintering grounds.
José Antonio Román, coordinator of Spain’s Crane Census, explained to EFE this Thursday that news from Hungary provides horrific data on the number of specimens that have died from the disease.
Roman noted that the deaths were concentrated in two locations, Hortobáj National Park and Lake Feher, where he estimated there were about 200,000 specimens in November.
So far, there is little information about what is happening in Hungary, but what is known is that many of the cranes that arrive in the Iberian Peninsula each autumn pass through the Central European country during their migration.
Roman added that this information was informed by studies such as radio tracking by Estonian researchers, which showed that 13 of 15 radio-tagged cranes had used this route for migration.
It is unclear whether the outbreak is recent or occurred weeks ago as very little information has been provided, although the number of dead birds is known to be “significant” through the species’ monitoring team. , underlined.
Bird flu and cranes
Roman recalled that an outbreak of bird flu in northern Israel two years ago killed at least 5,200 cranes, noting that two specimens that tested positive for bird flu died last year. One is located in Santa Amalia (Badajoz) and the other is in Cordoba.”
Similarly, Roman said Spain has a large proportion of wintering common cranes and that the arrival of these birds is currently “surprisingly” delayed by several weeks, with more than 100,000 cranes now in the country. .
The National Crane Census Coordinator commented that if there was any indication that he could observe or spot any bird that might be showing signs of weakness or appearing to be dead, it was recommended that “under no circumstances should the bird be touched or manipulated.”
It also recommends immediately notifying the veterinary authorities of the autonomous region where it is located for removal and analysis, or alerting environmental personnel through the 112 service.
Avian influenza, an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses that affects birds, has been known to humans for more than 100 years, Roman reported, noting that several cases had been recorded since late 2003. This phenomenon is found in birds in different countries in Southeast Asia and has gradually spread to other parts of the world.
Currently, this is an animal disease that can be transmitted from bird to bird and, in exceptional cases, from birds to humans, so Roman assures that there is “no need to panic”, although he reiterates that “what is the responsibility, if” it is discovered A dead bird or an unwell bird please alert the competent authorities”.