Infected lynx Alva will not be captured after all

Infection probably shortly before capture in Switzerland

Alva comes from the Swiss Jura and was released into the wild after a three-week quarantine in the Westerzgebirge after she had successfully passed all health tests.

It was only in a blood sample taken in Switzerland for research purposes on the last day of quarantine and only evaluated later that the infection was revealed. Initially, the plan was to recapture the female and examine her extensively.

Virus is rare in lynxes

The feline leukaemia virus, as the infection is scientifically known, is rare in lynxes and only infectious to cat species. According to the LfULG, it can only be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal, for example through bites, mutual grooming or mating. The infection can take different courses and, in the worst case, lead to death.