Borna virus threatens animals in Ebersberg: District office warns for caution!

Borna virus threatens animals in Ebersberg: District office warns for caution!

In the district of Ebersberg, the alarm bells beat: the Borna virus has struck again in the stables. Previous reports show that the virus, which occurs especially in animals, has affected several animals in the past few months. A lama in Kirchseeon had to be euthaized in the late 2024 and a horse in Ebersberg in February 2025. Now there is a suspicion in another horse in Straußdorf near Grafing, whose investigation is currently underway.

like the Merkur reports, the risk of infection for people is to be classified as low. Nevertheless, the district office advises prospect to minimize potential risks. The focus here is particularly on the Feldspitz mice, which act as transmission of the virus. Your excretions should definitely be avoided because around a third of these mice in affected regions could carry the virus.

The background of the Borna virus

The Borna virus has a long story that goes back to the 19th century. Already in 1894 there was a massive outbreak in Borna, Saxony, which was finally known as Borna’s illness. Researchers identified the virus in 1935 as a RNA virus. The first human infections occurred in 2015, with breeders of the colored hearing died of severe meningitis. The official confirmation of the transfer to people was only carried out in 2018, which makes the situation seriously and particularly challenging, such as Bavarian Radio

In Germany, five to ten people fall ill annually to Borna, with the death rate alarmingly high - over 97 percent of the sick do not survive the disease. This presents the health authorities with great challenges, since there are currently no standard therapy against the virus, and the treatment is often experimental.

protective measures and recommendations

The health department gives clear recommendations for dealing with the potential transfers: contact with Feldspitz mice and their excretions should be avoided. Dead mice must be disposed of with rubber gloves, and when developing dust, wearing an FFP2 mask and protective glasses are advisable. After each contact you should take a shower and change clothes to get rid of possible virus residues. The elucidation of the population is crucial in order to raise awareness of this serious disease.

Last but not least: In May 2025, an information event for farmers and horse owners took place to clarify the risks of the Borna virus and preventive measures. For the affected farmers and pet owners, it is of crucial importance to be well informed about symptoms and behavioral problems in animals in order to be able to take measures at an early stage.

In this tense situation, there is hope that the few cases can be kept under control and that people in the Ebersberg district will remain healthy. In this way, the look forward and the willingness to carefully observe and act accordingly.