Goose plague in Cologne: Health risks from goose droppings are increasing!

Goose plague in Cologne: Health risks from goose droppings are increasing!

In Cologne, the grass remains on the meadows, which not only benefits nature but also the geese. These feathered guests, especially the Egyptian geese, are feeling more and more comfortable in the city and are increasingly spreading. [WDR] reports that the number of geese in urban areas has increased in recent years. The geese can no longer only be seen in parks, but even in outdoor baths and pools, where they happily waddle around. But where there is light, there is often also shadow, because even a few geese produce enormous amounts of feces and leave their mark in the form of health risks, especially for children.

The geese may look cute, but they have an unmistakable influence on the cityscape. Their feces can pose a risk of infection, and this is a problem that should not be underestimated, especially in areas where children play. The discussion revolves around the potential dangers posed by goose droppings, including pathogens such as salmonella. Therefore, it is not surprising that urban planners need to think about strategies to address these challenges.

The Egyptian goose – a neozoon among geese

The Egyptian goose, originally from Africa south of the Sahara and Egypt, has established itself as a neozoon in Germany. Current figures show over 7,500 breeding pairs in Germany, mainly in states such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Hesse. [NABU] urges caution and informs that this bird species was added to the list of invasive species in the EU in 2017, although it is still unclear whether it actually represents an ecological problem. While some studies suggest that Egyptian geese spread to other species without negative consequences, other reports suggest that they compete with native waterfowl and can potentially disrupt local ecosystems.

The discussion about the Egyptian goose reflects larger societal issues: how do you deal with non-native species? The EU issued a directive on the control of invasive species back in 2014, and Germany is required to develop a management plan. Annual hunting of Egyptian geese is permitted in nine federal states, but this measure has little impact on the population. According to NABU, they are against hunting to reduce the population and recommend alternative solutions such as feeding bans or the creation of alternative areas.

Invasive species in Germany

The Egyptian geese are just one of almost 2,000 invasive species that have become native to Germany. A recent study counts 1,962 non-native species, including plants, insects and vertebrates. [Nature and Landscape] highlights that the impact of most of these species on native ecosystems is unknown - a worrying fact, especially given their increasing numbers due to global trade. The image of dangerous newcomers has changed through migration and online trading, which has encouraged the introduction of invasive species.

Targeted management aims to use resources effectively to control not only the Egyptian goose, but also other invasive species. It remains to be seen how the city and conservation organizations address the geese population challenges and what measures will be taken in the future to both ensure public health and protect nature.