An unusual outbreak of blue tit disease has struck small birds in southern and central Sweden since March. Hundreds of reports of dead birds have reached Statens veterinärmedicinska anstalt (SVA). Deputy state veterinarian Karin Olofsson-Sannö describes it as an outbreak never before seen in the country.
Since March, SVA has received hundreds of reports of dead small birds, mainly blue tits and great tits. "In March it was 100 reports a day. Now it has slowed down a bit and we are at around 50 reports a day," says Karin Olofsson-Sannö.
Blue tit disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and spreads at sites like bird feeders and fountains where birds gather. The disease poses no risk to humans.
For a couple of weeks, SVA has urged the public to remove all bird feeders. Previously, a three-week pause was recommended, but now people are advised not to feed birds at all until autumn. "They find plenty of food in nature now, so they don't need to be fed," Olofsson-Sannö explains.
The agency also encourages reporting dead birds. "If you see a sick bird that is still alive, we recommend leaving it alone. If it is very sick, it can be euthanized. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to cure the disease," she adds.
