Alarm in Eggenfelden: Borna virus threatens hedgehog population!

Alarm in Eggenfelden: Borna virus threatens hedgehog population!

In an alarming development, several hedgehogs were infected in a hedgehog station in Eggenfelden with the dangerous Borna virus. Since July 2024, four sick animals that were sent to the animal health service Bavaria after their death were found. There, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute confirmed the suspicion of the virus, which leads to severe symptoms of illness in hinges. The animals show signs of inability to move, loss of appetite and strong muscle twitching. Healing is currently not possible.

In order to prevent the virus from spreading, the team introduced strict hygiene measures under the direction of Margot Niedl. This includes wearing disposable gloves when contacting the animals and regular disinfections of the boxes. In the event of symptoms, the hedgehogs immediately come to quarantine. While infections with the Borna virus are extremely rare in humans, they can be life-threatening. The main transmitters of the virus have so far been Feldspitz mice that are considered the source of infection. Further information on this worrying incident can be found