The risk of avian influenza increases when the spring migration of birds starts – vaccinations for target groups to begin
Spring migration of birds increases the risk of avian influenza infections. This year, avian influenza has so far been detected in Finland in jackdaws in Turku at the end of January and in a goshawk in Taivassalo in February. No avian influenza infections have been diagnosed in humans in Finland, but there have been cases in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
Avian influenza is a disease caused by a virus which primarily affects birds. It may spread from birds to other animals, such as fur animals and poultry. In the United States, the virus has also been detected in dairy cattle.
Avian influenza does not spread to humans easily. However, a human may contract the infection from sick or dead animals or from animal excretions. The virus may cause a respiratory tract infection that is asymptomatic or mild, but the infection may also be severe.
Infections can be prevented by avoiding touching dead and sick birds or other wildlife and surfaces stained by their secretions.
Wellbeing services counties are responsible for organising vaccinations
Vaccinations against avian influenza will begin in March this year. Wellbeing services counties are responsible for organising vaccinations, and they inform residents where and when vaccinations are available.
The vaccine is recommended to persons aged 18 or over who are at increased risk of being infected because of their work or other circumstances. The group includes fur farmers and poultry farmers, their family members and farm workers.
“The vaccine provides protection against currently circulating avian influenza viruses. Studies have shown that the vaccine protects against a serious disease”, says Merit Melin, Research Manager at THL.
The vaccine series consists of two doses.
The vaccine is a key defence
In poultry and fur farms, efforts are made to prevent avian influenza infections through various protection and hygiene measures, such as preventing wild birds from coming into contact with fur animals.
The vaccine supplements these measures by providing people with the necessary additional protection.
“The goal of vaccination is to reduce situations where the virus could mutate and transmit more easily from animals to humans and between humans,” says Erika Lindh, Senior Researcher at THL.
According to a recent study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the avian influenza vaccine provides protection against currently circulating avian influenza viruses. It can also provide long-term protection against various avian influenza viruses. THL recommends that those at risk be vaccinated before the mass migration of birds begins in the spring.
THL monitors the occurrence of avian influenza in humans and makes vaccination recommendations. The Finnish Food Authority is responsible for monitoring and controlling the virus in domestic and wild animals.
Further information:
Read more about the avian influenza vaccine in Finnish
THL, Avian influenza (in Finnish)
Finnish Food Authority, Avian influenza
Erika Lindh
Senior Researcher
THL
Tel. +358 (0)29 524 8039
[email protected]
Mia Kontio (vaccinations)
Leading Expert
THL
Tel. +358 (0)29 524 8365
[email protected]
