Avian influenza infections in wild birds and fur animals – answers to frequently asked questions on our website in Finnish and Swedish
During the summer, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5) has caused exceptionally large mass deaths of wild birds in Finland. For the first time in Finland, the virus has also spread to fur farms and caused high morbidity and mortality in animals.
In Europe, large epidemics caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus A(H5) have been found in birds since 2020. In addition to birds, infections have been detected in several mammal species.
Avian influenza is poorly transmitted to humans as the virus has adapted to living in the respiratory tracts of birds. In order to prevent the transmission of avian influenza, it is important to avoid touching sick and dead birds, other animals and surfaces stained with their secretions.
Finnish Food Authority is the national authority responsible for the control and monitoring of the avian influenza virus in domestic and wild animals.
THL works in close cooperation with the Finnish Food Authority and other national and regional authorities to control avian influenza. For the time being, the H5N1 avian influenza situation is primarily an animal health problem, but THL monitors the development closely.
Answers to frequently asked questions about avian influenza, transmission of virus and prevention of infections have been compiled on THL website in Finnish and in Swedish:
- Avian influenza – frequently asked question (in Finnish)
- Fågelinfluensa – ofta frågat om fågelinfluensa (in Swedish)
Additional information about avian influenza are also available on the website of Finnish Food Authority.
Current information about avian influenza (Finnish Food Authority)
Additional information
Anna Katz
Chief Specialist, Head of Unit
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7424
[email protected]
Infectious disease doctor
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8557
tartuntatautilaakari(a)thl.fi
