Finland - Avian flu in wild birds 2023 - 2026

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Translation Google

The bird flu transmission zone will be abolished


November 1, 2023

The Finnish Food Agency is abolishing the infection zone established in the summer to prevent the spread of bird flu and its extensions. At the same time, the disease protection regulations that were to be followed in the infection zone will be dismantled. The decision to cancel is supported by the abatement of the disease situation in wild birds and the autumn migration of birds that has already taken place. The decision will enter into force on November 8, 2023.

The infection zone will be abolished, as the Food Agency estimates that there is no longer a need for it to prevent the spread of bird flu. Since August, only four cases of H5N1 type bird flu in wild birds have been found in the transmission zone. In addition, only isolated cases of wild birds have been found outside the infection zone. Mass deaths of laughing gulls have no longer been observed and the laughing gulls have moved from Finland to wintering areas.

Based on the situational picture of the disease, the Food Agency has estimated that the bird flu situation in wild birds in the infection zone has eased and the number of wild birds has significantly decreased due to the progress of autumn migration. The Food Agency considers that wild birds no longer pose such an increased risk of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza to poultry and other captive birds that maintaining an infection zone is necessary. The bird flu functional expert group has also recommended the abolition of the transmission zone.

In order to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza, the Food Agency established an infection zone in July under the Animal Diseases Act, which was later also expanded. The infection zone has covered the provinces of Varsinais-Suomi, Satakunta, Etelä Ostrobothnia, Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia, as well as the provinces of Uusimaa, Kanta-Häme, Pirkanmaa and Päijät-Häme. The regulations of the infection zone were eased already in mid-October, when personal traffic was allowed to the poultry farms, which had previously been limited to only essential visits.

After the bird flu epidemic that started in the summer, a total of 33 cases of infection have been confirmed in wild birds and the disease has been found in 31 fur farms. Disease control measures continue at fur farms, but no new, suspected bird flu infections have been detected at fur farms since September.

More information:

Head of Unit Sirpa Kiviruusu, tel. 029 520 4436, firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
...
​https://www.ruokavirasto.fi/elaimet...intuinfluenssan-tartuntavyohyke-lakkautetaan/

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 17


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 17

REPORT ID
FUR_163792

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/11/09

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. FUR 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. FUR 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American Mink (WILD)NEW900011---TOTAL8215029221000000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL1020044600000 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW390044---TOTAL183823205220452574000 Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL25010126125198000 All speciesNEW1290055---TOTAL301183221221974372000

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	American Mink,Red Fox,Arctic Fox	5	2023/10/05	2023/11/02	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink	5	2023/09/18	2023/11/01	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox,Otter	29	2023/07/13	2023/09/27	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,American Mink,Otter,Raccoon dog,Red Fox	28	2023/07/12	2023/09/26	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Otter,Raccoon dog,American Mink	29	2023/07/12	2023/09/25	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 18


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 18

REPORT ID
FUR_163918

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/11/16

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT


EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS


Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. FUR 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. FUR 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW-11---TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW-11---TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW450-----TOTAL450----- American Mink (WILD)NEW32000-----TOTAL11415029221000000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW3890-----TOTAL1409044600000 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW236656262---TOTAL207488211421072574000 Red Fox (WILD)NEW132011---TOTAL26330127126198000 All speciesNEW613256565---TOTAL362508227722624372000

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink	19	2023/10/05	2023/11/14	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	American Mink,Arctic Fox,Red Fox	19	2023/09/18	2023/11/12	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Eurasian Lynx,Red Fox,Otter	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Raccoon dog,Eurasian Lynx,Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Otter	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Eurasian Lynx,Arctic Fox,Otter	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 21


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 21

REPORT ID
FUR_164290

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/12/07

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed negative results.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL450----- American Mink (WILD)NEW------TOTAL13108029222199700 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW100011---TOTAL167902424708000 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW950771899--TOTAL287675225522483224200 Red Fox (WILD)NEW300-----TOTAL33949131130198000 All speciesNEW2250881899--TOTAL469944244224276329900

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog	40	2023/10/05	2023/12/01	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	American Mink,Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Raccoon dog	40	2023/09/18	2023/11/29	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,American Mink,Red Fox,Otter,Eurasian Lynx	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,American Mink,Red Fox,Raccoon dog,Otter,Eurasian Lynx	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Otter,Eurasian Lynx	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 27 [FINAL]


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5090

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/11

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Recurrence of an eradicated strain

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
2022/08/16

CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/06/19

EVENT STATUS
Resolved

END DATE
2023/11/23

SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 27

REPORT ID
FUR_164708

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/12/28

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
No epidemiological comment

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Canada Goose (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Barnacle Goose (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Black-headed Gull (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-2525--- Whooper Swan (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- White-tailed Eagle (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-55--- Herring Gull (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Mew Gull (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Lesser Black-backed Gull (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Black-headed Gull (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-4040--- Great Crested Grebe (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Black-legged Kittiwake (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-33--- Common Eider (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Common Tern (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-33--- All speciesNEW------TOTAL-8787---

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Common Tern,Black-headed Gull,Canada Goose,Black-headed Gull,Lesser Black-backed Gull,Common Eider,Great Crested Grebe,Mew Gull,White-tailed Eagle,Whooper Swan,Black-legged Kittiwake,Herring Gull,Barnacle Goose	32	2023/06/19	2023/11/23	Positive
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Black-headed Gull,Lesser Black-backed Gull,Canada Goose,Common Tern,Mew Gull,Great Crested Grebe,Common Eider,Black-legged Kittiwake,White-tailed Eagle,Barnacle Goose,Whooper Swan,Black-headed Gull,Herring Gull	32	2023/06/15	2023/11/21	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5090

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 24


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 24

REPORT ID
FUR_164705

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/12/28

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS


Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL250----- American Mink (WILD)NEW------TOTAL121280304230345687000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL204902621978000 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW-99348000TOTAL301381753574078648200 Red Fox (WILD)NEW---7998--TOTAL237192102051083800 All speciesNEW-991147800TOTAL467120108161067016397000

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox	44	2023/10/05	2023/12/21	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,American Mink,Red Fox,Raccoon dog	44	2023/09/18	2023/12/20	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Raccoon dog,Red Fox,Arctic Fox,American Mink,Eurasian Lynx,Otter	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Eurasian Lynx,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,Otter	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Raccoon dog,American Mink,Otter,Eurasian Lynx	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5479

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/10/04

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Recurrence of an eradicated strain

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
2023/11/23

CONFIRMATION DATE
2024/01/08

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Immediate notification

REPORT ID
IN_164945

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2024/01/09

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
No epidemiological comment

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Northern Goshawk (WILD)NEW-11---TOTAL-11---

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Northern Goshawk	1	2024/01/04	2024/01/04	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Northern Goshawk	1	2024/01/08	2024/01/08	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5479

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 26


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 26

REPORT ID
FUR_164999

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2024/01/11

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW---25000TOTAL250--25000 American Mink (WILD)NEW---4338000TOTAL1212803042303410025000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW---389000TOTAL2049026211367000 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW1235--5494000TOTAL3026167535740714142300 Red Fox (WILD)NEW-3939630000TOTAL237192492441713800 All speciesNEW1235393910876000TOTAL4683551085510709272 73100

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,American Mink,Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog	44	2023/10/05	2023/12/21	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Raccoon dog,American Mink	44	2023/09/18	2023/12/20	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox,American Mink,Red Fox,Eurasian Lynx,Otter	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	American Mink,Arctic Fox,Eurasian Lynx,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,Otter	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Eurasian Lynx,Otter,Raccoon dog,American Mink	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 29


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 29

REPORT ID
FUR_165455

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2024/02/01

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL250--25000 American Mink (WILD)NEW------TOTAL1244803638363010785000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW---170000TOTAL2049026211696900 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW---1402800TOTAL303116110211089326037100 Red Fox (WILD)NEW---43000TOTAL237192872822193200 All speciesNEW---1615800TOTAL472055149751482940737200 DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS


CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Raccoon dog,Red Fox,Arctic Fox,American Mink	44	2023/10/05	2023/12/21	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,American Mink	44	2023/09/18	2023/12/20	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,American Mink,Otter,Eurasian Lynx	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	American Mink,Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Raccoon dog,Eurasian Lynx,Otter	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,Raccoon dog,American Mink,Eurasian Lynx,Otter	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

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Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 4 [FINAL]


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5479

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/10/04

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Recurrence of an eradicated strain

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
2023/11/23

CONFIRMATION DATE
2024/01/08

EVENT STATUS
Resolved

END DATE
2024/01/08


SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 4

REPORT ID
FUR_165461

REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2024/02/01

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
No epidemiological comment

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Northern Goshawk (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11---

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Northern Goshawk	1	2024/01/04	2024/01/04	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Northern Goshawk	1	2024/01/08	2024/01/08	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5479

 

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Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 31


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 31

REPORT ID
FUR_165660

REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/02/15

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL250--25000 American Mink (WILD)NEW---400000TOTAL1244803638363011185000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW---350000TOTAL2049026212046900 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW---933500TOTAL303116110211089326970600 Red Fox (WILD)NEW---32000TOTAL237192872822225200 All speciesNEW---1715500TOTAL472055149751482942452700

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox	44	2023/10/05	2023/12/21	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog	44	2023/09/18	2023/12/20	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,American Mink,Eurasian Lynx,Otter	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Otter,Eurasian Lynx	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Otter,Eurasian Lynx,Raccoon dog	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

[Lance]

Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 37


GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
5119

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2023/06/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE- CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 37

REPORT ID
FUR_166706

REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/03/28

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

• Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL250--25000 American Mink (WILD)NEW---900000TOTAL1244803638363012085000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL2049026212046900 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW---1032000TOTAL303116110211089328002600 Red Fox (WILD)NEW---118500TOTAL237192872822343700 All speciesNEW---2050500TOTAL472055149751482944503200

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test

Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI)	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,American Mink,Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog	44	2023/10/05	2023/12/21	Positive
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)	Finnish Food Authority	American Mink,Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox,Red Fox	44	2023/09/18	2023/12/20	Positive
Gene sequencing	Finnish Food Authority	Red Fox,Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox,Otter,American Mink,Eurasian Lynx	31	2023/07/13	2023/11/10	Positive
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,Otter,American Mink,Eurasian Lynx,Raccoon dog,Red Fox	30	2023/07/12	2023/11/10	Positive
Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)	Finnish Food Authority	Arctic Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Otter,Red Fox,Eurasian Lynx	31	2023/07/12	2023/11/09	Positive

​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119

 

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​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6597

 

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​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6956

 

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​https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6956

 

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6956​

 

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​
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helsinki
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Avian influenza found in waterfowl in Helsinki

Wild birds infected with H5N1 avian influenza have been found in Helsinki. The risk of human infection is low, but contact with bird secretions and dead birds should be avoided. Poultry owners are advised to protect their birds from contact with wild birds.


Published 26.1.2026 9:55 Updated 26.1.2026 14:34

Birds infected with avian influenza have been found in Kallio, Helsinki in January. The disease has been confirmed in one Mute Swan and three Canada geese.

A symptomatic swan in Tokoinranta was taken to the Korkeasaari Zoo’s wildlife hospital to be euthanised, and the other birds were found dead in Eläintarhanlahti Bay.

The virus has been confirmed as H5N1 strain of avian influenza, causing high mortality in wild birds and poultry. The risk of human infection from H5N1 avian influenza is low.

Restrictions on keeping poultry outdoors due to avian influenza


To prevent the spread of the avian influenza virus, Finland has an annual ban on keeping poultry outdoors from 8 February to 31 May. During this period, poultry and other birds must be protected from contact with wild birds. Although this ban is not yet in force for this year, bird keepers are now urged to exercise special caution.

During the ban on keeping birds outdoors, birds must be kept indoors or their outdoor area must be protected with a sufficiently dense net. Keeping birds outdoors in Helsinki must be reported to the supervising veterinarian of the City of Helsinki’s Environmental Services. Poultry farmers should also closely follow information on the avian influenza situation provided by the Finnish Food Authority.

The aim of this regulation is to prevent contact between poultry and wild waterfowl, as waterfowl may carry avian influenza. The virus can be transmitted from wild birds to poultry if the birds are in direct or indirect contact with each other. The ban of keeping birds outdoors does not apply to free flights of pigeons, zoos or permanent animal exhibitions.

Poultry farms in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area are small hobby farms, most of which keep birds only in summer. The last review of the poultry sites was carried out about a year ago, and known poultry keepers were then informed of the restrictions on keeping birds outdoors.

There are no large poultry farms in Helsinki, such as broiler or turkey farms or large egg farms with laying hens.

Mass mortalities of birds to be reported


Symptoms of avian influenza in poultry and mass mortalities of wild birds in Helsinki must be reported to the City’s supervising veterinarian. The supervising veterinarian is available on weekdays 8.15–16.00 ( kymp.elainsuojelu@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program) , tel. +358 9 310 320 76 and +358 9 310 209 43)

Outside office hours, the report may be submitted to the Rescue Department or the state veterinarian on duty.

A mass mortality of birds is considered to occur if there are at least five dead waterfowl or ten other dead birds in the same area. You should avoid touching dead birds without gloves.

Winter feeding of wild birds continues at Tokoinranta


The City of Helsinki organises winter feeding for birds at Tokoinranta in Kallio. Feeding will continue to ensure the birds' nutrition, and the avian flu situation will not lead to any changes in feeding. Winter feeding of birds reduces the risk of birds spreading the disease to other areas.

Avian influenza is spread through bird secretions


Birds spread the disease in their droppings and secretions. Due to this, you need to change your shoes and clothes and wash your hands carefully when entering henhouses.

The currently circulating H5N1 avian influenza virus has not been found to have caused any human infections in Finland. Avian influenza viruses are poorly transmissible to humans, and infection usually requires close contact with infected wild birds, poultry or their excrement.

Avian influenza is not transmitted to humans through food, eggs and poultry, as long as the food is prepared and cooked properly.

Transmission of avian influenza to pets is very rare. However, cats and dogs should be kept away from sick and dead wild birds in an area where avian influenza has been confirmed. Avoid walking dogs in areas visibly contaminated with bird droppings.
​
https://www.hel.fi/en/news/avian-influenza-found-in-waterfowl-in-helsinki

 

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​wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/7401