Risk posed to population’s health by avian influenza is low in Finland – health risk to those working with fur animals is moderate

According to a recent assessment, a large-scale outbreak of avian influenza on fur farms in Finland is unlikely. However, if an outbreak were to occur, it would pose a moderate health risk to individuals working with fur animals. The risk can be mitigated through proper disease prevention measures on fur farms, adherence to the protection instructions issued for farm workers, and with vaccinations.

According to the current assessment by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the Finnish Food Authority, a large-scale outbreak caused of avian influenza among fur animals in Finland is considered unlikely in 2025. However, if an outbreak were to occur, it would pose a moderate health risk to individuals working with fur animals.

On the other hand, the health risk to the general population is considered low, as fur farms are located in sparsely populated areas and avian influenza virus does not spread easily from person to person.

The reason for the risk assessment is the weakened avian influenza situation in Europe, which may lead to an increased incidence of the virus among wild birds in Finland. This in turn increases the level of disease pressure on fur farms.

The previous large-scale outbreak on Finnish fur farms occurred in 2023. At that time, wild birds, especially seagulls, were identified as the source. However, no human infections were diagnosed.

“Based on the outbreaks in 2023, we know that fur farms are more susceptible to avian influenza than other forms of animal production, which is why individuals working on these farms are considered to be at a higher risk of exposure,” says Erika Lindh, Senior Researcher at THL.

The at-risk group for avian influenza in Finland includes keepers of fur farms and their families, farm workers and others involved in handling fur animals.
This year, a few cases of avian influenza have been detected in wild birds in Finland. 

Protection against the disease on farms, personal protective equipment and vaccinations reduce the risk of avian influenza

Since the 2023 outbreak, biosecurity on fur farms has been enhanced, including the installation of bird nets as required by legislation. However, the extent of current protection measures remains unclear. In addition, training on the use of personal protective equipment has been increased, though there is limited information on how widely such equipment is actually used.

Individuals in the at-risk groups can reduce the risk to their health by taking the avian influenza vaccine, which protects against severe disease. Since summer 2024, wellbeing services counties have offered free avian influenza vaccinations to high-risk groups, and they remain available.

The Finnish Food Authority, THL, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, and other authorities work in close cooperation to prevent and limit outbreaks. Their measures and recommendations are based on guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Commission regarding avian influenza prevention.

“With this risk assessment, we aim to raise awareness of the risk of avian influenza among at-risk groups, as well as awareness among healthcare and other authorities, and to support decision-making related to risk management measures,” says Liina Voutilainen, Senior Specialist at THL.

This spring marked the first time that the avian influenza risk assessment was conducted from a human health perspective. The cross-sectoral assessment, carried out by THL and the Finnish Food Authority, is an important part of the authorities’ joint preparedness efforts.

The risk assessment will be updated if significant changes are observed in the geographic spread of the virus, its host range, pathogenicity, or any other factor that could affect its ability to spread in the population.

The risk assessment will also be updated if multiple human infections are reported in Europe or if a human-to-human transmission is confirmed.

Further information 

Working paper: Risk Assessment of H5 Avian Influenza in Finland (abstract in English)

Erika Lindh
Senior Researcher
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8039
[email protected]

Liina Voutilainen
Senior Specialist
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8228
[email protected]

Heidi Rossow
Senior Researcher 
Finnish Food Authority
tel. +358 29 520 4940
[email protected]

Leena Seppä-Lassila 
Senior Researcher
Finnish Food Authority
tel. +368 29 520 4988
[email protected]