On Friday 7 June 2024, Luxembourg's Nature and Forest Agency and the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration provided an update in relation to the recent discovery of dead crows in Bettembourg.
The authorities recalled that ten dead rooks (Corvus frugilegus) were discovered in the Bettembourg Castle park on 16 May 2024. The Nature and Forest Agency took the dead birds to the state veterinary laboratory for further examination.
The autopsy and the bacteriological and parasitological analyses carried out by the laboratory on the ten carcasses did not produce a conclusive result for the acute death. Nor did the virus analysis by the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) produce a positive result.
The toxicological examination in the National Health Laboratory (LNS) detected a rodenticidal active ingredient. However, this active ingredient may only be used in rodenticidal biocidal products for indoor use in the EU, noted the authorities. Improper use can lead to symptoms of poisoning in domestic and wild animals.
To protect people and the environment, the authorities stressed that, if use of such products is absolutely necessary, one should strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions when handling poison or other chemicals and only use them as indicated.
In case of suspected poisoning, the public is asked to contact a veterinarian immediately. The poison control number for Luxembourg is 8002-5500.
