Following early warnings of a rising blue tit disease outbreak across Sweden, the State Veterinary Institute (SVA) now highlights a sharp increase in cases among blue tits in Dalarna. Birdwatchers are urged to report sick birds, with two confirmed reports in the county by April 17.
The deadly bacterial lung disease, which causes rapid pneumonia primarily in blue tits (but also great tits, coal tits, and long-tailed tits), has prompted heightened vigilance in Dalarna. SVA reports a dramatic uptick, receiving up to ten reports daily compared to the usual ten per month.
"I have never seen anything like this before," says Mats Forslund, chairman of the Dalarna Ornithological Society. He calls on the public to report sick or dead birds to SVA, advising to bag dead birds and contact local municipalities for safe disposal.
Karin Olofsson-Sannö, deputy state veterinarian at SVA, confirms the escalation. To curb spread, SVA recommends halting feeding of small birds for three weeks.
