09.04.2008

Clarification of the Causes of Death of the White Stork Nestlings

Mr. Philipp Webs of the Institute for Animal Pathology of the Free University of Berlin will continue the investigations into the aspergillosis this year.

For this study we need the active participation of stork care givers and "stork parents". Please help!

If at all possible, all dead chicks are to be included in this study to come to a scientifically based conclusion.

Please report the deceased animals. They can be picked up, but they may also be sent in.

Contact Address:
Philipp Weps (Vetenarian)
Institut für Tierpathologie der Freien Universität Berlin Robert-von-Ostertag-Straße 15 14163 Berlin
Telephone: 49-030-838-62459
Cell phone (also on weekends): 0179-5208749
E-Mail: weps.philipp@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

The goal of the investigations is, to get an overview of the causes of death and in particular the occurring pathogens, and with to evaluate the level of danger of this bird species. Over the past years the aspergillosis (a mould fungus infection primarily of the
airway) played a major roll among others.

In many cases it led to the death of complete broods. During the study comprehensive bacteriogical, virological, mycological and pathological investigations will be performed on the dead chicks for the isolation of the causative agent. In addition during banding of the nestlings, blood and swab samples will be collected. Further, the nest material and, if possible, potential nest material from the surrounding area of the eyrie is to be included. This opens the possibility to show the connections to the existing agent and to eradicate sources of danger.

Winfried Boehmer
NABU Project Leader

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