Norwegian Vet. Institute: Update On Avian Flu Detections In Wild Birds

#19,043

Although the above map (EFSA Avian Flu Dashboard) is only current through mid-December, it illustrates just how impressive this year's invasion of (mostly) HPAI viruses has been in Europe (note: not all countries test, or report cases). 

While we await further word from the Netherlands on their detection of H5N1 antibodies in dairy cattle, we have the following update from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, on a recent surge in HPAI H5 detections in wild birds. 

As we've seen in other European countries, H5N1 continues to expand its host range in both mammals and avian species.  I've reproduced the (translated) press release below.

Increased number of detections of avian influenza in swans
Published 05.02.2026

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has detected an increasing number of cases of avian influenza in wild birds, especially swans, since mid-November 2025. Both mute swans and whooper swans have been affected, and the findings have been made in Trøndelag, Eastern Norway, Southern Norway and Western Norway.

Illustration image: Colourbox

– Swans are among the species that often show clear signs of illness when they get influenza, and there are many people who follow them, so it is quickly caught when they become infected, says Bjørnar Ytrehus, head of wildlife health at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

Swans show clear signs of illness

Most of the sick swans have shown clear signs of neurological disease, such as swimming in circles, lying with their heads on the water surface or losing the ability to keep their balance. Sick swans are probably an indicator that there is now a lot of avian influenza virus circulating among wild birds in large parts of Norway, says Ytrehus.

Geese, ducks, birds of prey and seagulls are also affected.

In addition to swans, bird flu has been detected in several species of geese and ducks, as well as some birds of prey and gulls. Several of these birds have also been sick. However, ducks can also be healthy carriers of the infection and contribute to the spread without showing signs of illness.

If there is suspicion of infection with avian influenza in birds and other animals, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority must be notified.

The same virus variant dominates in Europe

It is the same variant of the H5N1 virus that caused a strong increase in infections in wild birds in Europe this autumn, which now also dominates in Norway. Several other European countries have also reported increased infections in ducks in recent months. In Europe, there have also been many outbreaks of bird flu in poultry and hobby birds during this period, while in Norway we had the last outbreak in September 2025.

See an overview of previous outbreaks in poultry in Norway.

– A high infection pressure among wild birds emphasizes the importance of maintaining good infection control in commercial poultry farms and hobby bird keeping throughout the country to avoid the introduction of infection, says Grim Rømo, head of poultry at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

Can also infect other animals

Bird flu can be transmitted from wild birds to mammals, and in rare cases to humans. From 2022 to now, bird flu virus has been detected in 18 wild mammals in Norway. See an overview of cases in mammals on the Norwegian Veterinary Institute's website.

– If sick or dead birds are found, they should not be touched, emphasizes Ytrehus. Such birds should only be handled by trained personnel with appropriate infection control equipment. Dogs and cats should also be kept away from sick and dead birds.

More information and advice about bird flu can be found on the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's website.

Monitoring the situation

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute monitors avian influenza as part of its core activity, and also participates together with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in the EU-funded One Health for Surveillance (OH4S) project. One of the goals of OH4S is to strengthen surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds in order to better assess the risk of infection to humans. Read more on the Norwegian Veterinary Institute's website.

Advice for preventing bird flu infection in humans can be found on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's website

 

South Korea: MAFRA Announces Additional Outbreaks of ASF (African Swine Fever)

 

#19,042

Two days ago, in South Korea: MAFRA Warns on Risks From HPAI, ASF & FMD During Upcoming Lunar New Year, we looked at concerns over South Korea's recent spike in livestock diseases prior to the Lunar New Year, including 4 outbreaks of ASF in January. 

While South Korea only reported 6 outbreaks of ASF in all of 2025, over the past 2 days 3 more outbreaks have been reported, making 7 reported in just over 2 weeks time.

Although the number of farms (and pigs) affected remains small, this represents a worrisome uptick in reports.  Given the explosive nature of past outbreaks, MAFRA is pulling out all of the stops in an attempt to nip this one in the bud. 

First, the (translated) announcement from MAFA, after which I'll have a bit more. 

Additional African swine fever cases reported in Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do; enhanced quarantine measures implemented.

2026.02.04 16:55:46 Foot-and-Mouth Disease Prevention Division, Quarantine Policy Bureau

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for African Swine Fever ( Chief: Song Mei-ryeong , Minister of Agriculture , Food and Rural Affairs , hereinafter referred to as the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters) held a meeting of relevant ministries and local governments on Wednesday, February 4th , to review the outbreak situation and quarantine measures following the confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) at a pig farm (raising 2,400 pigs) in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do .

1. Situation

This outbreak in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, occurred on February 3 ( Tuesday ) following a report of pig deaths. A detailed examination was conducted , and the positive result for African swine fever was confirmed on February 4 ( Wednesday ) . This is the seventh confirmed case nationwide this year .

* Farm occurrences in 2025 (6 cases ): Gyeonggi ① Yangju (1.20, 50th ) , ② Yangju (1.28, 51st ) , ③ Yangju (3.16, 52nd ) , ④ Paju (7.16, 53rd ), ⑤ Yeoncheon (9.14, 54th ) , Chungnam ⑥ Dangjin (11.24, 55th )

** Farm outbreaks in 2026 (7 cases ): Gangwon ① Gangneung (1.16, 56th ) , Gyeonggi ② Anseong (1.23, 57th ) , Pocheon (1.24, 58th ) , Jeollanam-do ④ Yeonggwang ( 1.26, 59th ) , Jeollabuk-do ⑤ Gochang (2.1, 60th ) , Chungcheongnam-do ⑥ Boryeong (2.3, 61st ) , Gyeongsangnam-do ⑦ Changnyeong (2.3, 62nd )

2. Quarantine measures for farms where the outbreak occurred

As African swine fever was confirmed at a pig farm in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters immediately dispatched an initial quarantine team and an epidemiological investigation team to the site to control entry of outsiders and vehicles into the farm , and to prevent further spread, 2,400 pigs at the outbreak farm were culled and emergency quarantine measures such as disinfection and epidemiological investigation are being implemented .

Second , a temporary standstill order was issued for workers and vehicles at livestock facilities such as pig farms , slaughterhouses , and feed factories nationwide for 24 hours from 2:30 PM on Wednesday , February 4 , 2026 to 2:30 PM on Thursday, February 5 , and compliance is being monitored .

Third , in order to block the spread of the virus within the outbreak area, we are mobilizing all 63 available disinfection resources , including wide-area disinfection equipment and quarantine vehicles, to intensively disinfect pig farms (No. 303) and surrounding roads in Changnyeong , Gyeongsangnam - do and eight adjacent cities and counties ( Hapcheon , Uiryeong , Haman , Changwon , and Miryang in Gyeongsangnam-do; Cheongdo and Goryeong in Gyeongsangbuk-do ; and Dalseong in Daegu ) . In addition , a central mobile quarantine organization consisting of three people , one from the Ministry of Agriculture , Food and Rural Affairs and two from the Quarantine Headquarters, has been dispatched to the outbreak city or county to comprehensively manage the on-site situation, including culling, burial, and disposal of residue .

* Available resources : 41 quarantine vehicles from the Joint Disinfection Team , 14 quarantine vehicles owned by local governments , and 8 vehicles leased by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation.

Fourth , urgent detailed inspections are being conducted on farm No. 14 within a 10km quarantine zone around the outbreak farm and pig farm No. 148 with an epidemiological relationship with the outbreak farm , clinical examinations are being conducted on farm No. 919 with an epidemiological relationship with the outbreak farm , and cleaning and disinfection are being conducted on 15 vehicles .

3. Additional measures to strengthen quarantine management against ASF

We will inspect the on-site implementation status of the ASF quarantine management reinforcement measures announced and implemented in the revised version and strengthen their effectiveness , and strengthen the following additional quarantine measures for people , vehicles , livestock , and goods to prevent further outbreaks of ASF .

First , for pig farm workers, in preparation for the Chuseok holiday, when there is a lot of human interaction, gatherings ( events ) and the import and storage of illegal livestock products will be prohibited , and quarantine education and publicity by nationality will continue to be promoted by understanding the status of farm workers .

Second , in order to block the illegal distribution and trading of illegal livestock products ( beef , pork, etc. ) through domestic and international delivery services , we will cooperate with relevant organizations and also conduct monitoring and inspections of illegal livestock products traded online , etc.

Third , environmental inspections will be conducted on imported supplies ( purchased online ) used inside livestock houses, such as automatic waterers and feeders, and on items stored by importers of foreign equipment. For pig farms , quarantine management will be strengthened to ensure that such items are disinfected before entering the livestock house .

Fourth , for slaughterhouses with a high risk of cross-contamination due to the high number of livestock , people , and vehicles entering and leaving, environmental inspections will be strengthened . In particular , livestock transport vehicles will be prohibited from transshipping in places without separate disinfection facilities, and if violations such as livestock vehicles not being equipped with GPS are confirmed, strong measures such as punishment will be taken .

Fifth , we plan to take action by conducting additional investigations and tests on wild birds , feed from outbreak farms , and groundwater that are at risk of contamination based on comprehensive inspections of feed , additives, and raw materials , environmental inspections of feed companies, and epidemiological investigations, to identify the cause of the inflow .

Lastly, in order to protect a large number of good farmers, there are many cases where basic quarantine rules are not followed at outbreak farms. Therefore, if violations of quarantine rules are confirmed, we plan to take strict measures such as reducing the compensation for culling .

4. Requests

The mobile quarantine policy director emphasized, “ Including Changnyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do, there have already been seven sporadic outbreaks of African swine fever across the country in January alone, ” and “ Except for Pocheon, this is a new region where there were no farm outbreaks or wild boars detected , so the risk of African swine fever outbreak is nationwide , and the current quarantine situation is very serious . ”

* By year : ('19) 14 cases → ('20) 2 → ('21) 5 → ('22) 7 → ('23) 10 → ('24) 11 → ('25) 6 → ('26) 7

Additionally, the government said , “ We will keep in mind all possibilities, such as illegal livestock products and goods possessed by farm workers , and mobilize all available means to block the virus from entering farms, ” and requested, “ We ask local governments to thoroughly disinfect and control access to all pig farms, including livestock products , goods , and vehicles related to pig farms and workers . ”
In particular, “ In order to prevent delays in reporting African swine fever, please report without delay when suspicious symptoms occur so that there are no disadvantages in culling compensation, ” and “ We will conduct a detailed epidemiological investigation on farms suspected of delaying reporting livestock deaths among recently reported farms , and if it is confirmed that the delay in reporting was the cause of the spread of African swine fever , we will respond strongly, including reducing the culling compensation and seeking compensation . ”

In addition , he requested, “ All pig farms should thoroughly disinfect all people , equipment , and goods entering the farm with the mindset that they are protecting their own farm , and follow basic quarantine rules such as washing hands , changing protective clothing and boots , and disinfecting when entering and exiting the barn , as well as thoroughly conduct clinical observations of the pigs raised every day . ”

5. Pork supply and demand

The number of pigs culled due to this outbreak of African swine fever is 2,400 , which is less than 0.02% of the total number of pigs raised (11.754 million ) , and the impact on the domestic pork supply and demand is minimal . However , with the Lunar New Year holiday just two weeks away , the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters plans to continue to closely monitor the supply and demand situation and manage the livestock product supply and demand without any gaps .

African Swine Fever (ASF) doesn't affect human health directly, but it reportedly killed somewhere around 1/3rd of the world's swine during the last decade - mostly in Asia and Eastern Europe - which often leads to steep economic losses and food insecurity.

While African Swine Fever can be transmitted directly from pig-to-pig, and can be carried by certain types of ticks, in many cases the virus has been spread by the movement of contaminated food products, animal feed or bedding, or other products to uninfected regions.

Between 2018-2019, China witnessed the worst ASF outbreak on record, losing an estimated 150-200 million pigs to the disease (see African Swine Fever In China: Epizootic or An EpicZootic?), although the exact number remains a closely held secret. 

For now North American remains free from the ASF virus, but the more inroads it makes around the globe, the more opportunities it will have to jump into our backyard (see USDA's A qualitative assessment of the likelihood of ASF virus entry to the United States. March 2019).

Iceland MAST: HPAI H5N1 Reported In Wild Birds in Capital

 

#19,042

Until about a decade ago, the prevailing notion was that the Atlantic and Pacific oceans were too vast to support the transoceanic spread of HPAI H5 via migratory birds.

Still, a number of researchers thought it was possible (see 2014's PLoS One: North Atlantic Flyways Provide Opportunities For Spread Of Avian Influenza Viruses) with Iceland or Greenland cited as possible staging areas for bird flu.

In 2017, in Iceland Warns On Bird Flu, we saw reports suggesting that European birds carrying avian flu may have reached Iceland, as it is the first major landing spot for wing-weary travelers, followed by Greenland (see 2016's Avian Flu Surveillance In Greenland).

In late 2021, all doubts were erased after HPAI H5 arrived in Eastern Canada and Western Canada via two different routes; across the Pacific and the Atlantic (Multiple Introductions of H5 HPAI Viruses into Canada Via both East Asia-Australasia/Pacific & Atlantic Flyways).

Changes in the virus - specifically the HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4b virus - have been credited with this arrival, but the rapid spread of older H5N1 clades across Europe and into the Middle East and Africa over 2004-2007 also suggest long-distance carriage. 

Over the past couple of years, Iceland has only reported the H5N5 subtype (see More Reports On HPAI H5N5 In Iceland) including spillovers into foxes and domestic cats (see Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) : H5N5 Infection In Domestic Cat).

After an absence of two and a half years, Iceland's MAST is once again reporting outbreaks of HPAI H5N1. Their (translated) announcement follows:

Avian influenza strain detected in wild birds in the capital area
News - 03.02.2026

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority recently received reports of bird deaths in the capital area. One bird, a mallard, was found at Tjörnin in Reykjavík and the other bird, a swan, at Ögurhvarf in Kópavogur. Samples were taken and they were found to be infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. This was confirmed by the University of Iceland's Pathology Laboratory at Keldur yesterday.

The same strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 was last detected in July 2023 in Iceland. Since then, only the other highly pathogenic strain H5N5 has been found. At this stage, little is known about the origin of the infection, but it can be assumed that it recently entered the country with migratory birds or that it arrived last autumn and remained undetected until now. Genetic studies of the virus will be carried out and may shed light on whether it is of European origin or from North America. Little is known about the spread of the virus at present, but there is no evidence of increased mortality in wild birds in the southwest corner of the country or elsewhere.

The H5N5 variant has been detected in isolated wild birds across the country last fall, although cases have been decreasing and it appears to have disappeared in November 2025 or at least not been found since. In this country, there are also examples of mammals, such as foxes, minks and cats, falling ill with this variant of the virus, but the last cases were confirmed in October 2025, when three foxes were diagnosed with avian influenza of the H5N5 variant .

The avian influenza alert level has been at an uncertain level since this fall and will remain unchanged for the time being.

In light of this, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority has issued a recommendation to poultry farmers, emphasizing stricter infection control measures to prevent infection in poultry from wild birds. Other bird owners are also encouraged to ensure strong infection control measures when handling their bird flocks and to be vigilant for signs of disease in birds or abnormal deaths in them and to report such cases to the Authority without delay .

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority also encourages the public to report sick and dead birds and wild mammals they find to the agency. This is done by clicking on “ Suggestions and Inquiries ” on the front page of  www.mast.is . It is important to describe the location of the meeting place well, preferably with coordinates, and to include a picture. The general rule is that the carcass of a wild bird is left lying around. If, on the other hand, the carcass is located in such a way that it is considered desirable to remove it, for example near people's homes, it is necessary to take care of personal and infectious protection and use disposable gloves, goggles and virus-resistant masks for the task. The carcass should then be placed in a double plastic bag and disposed of in general waste, according to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority's instructions .

The strains of the bird flu virus that are currently most prevalent in Europe and elsewhere generally do not cause infections in people. This applies to both strains that have been detected in Iceland since the fall (H5N5 and H5N1). Isolated infections have occurred abroad, but in individuals who have been in close contact with sick birds without taking precautions. The chances of infection from birds to people are therefore very low, but infection can never be ruled out and people must always take precautions when handling sick and dead birds.

Further information and other instructions can be found on the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority's information page on avian influenza. 

Iceland's Office of the Director of Health also issued the following brief statement:

Avian influenza of the H5N1 strain is detected in wild birds
February 2, 2026

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority has published a report on the detection of influenza viruses of the H5N1 strain in wild birds in the capital area.

An H5N1 strain was last detected in a wild bird in Iceland in 2023, but since then only strains of the H5N5 type have been detected, in both wild birds and mammals.

The Chief Epidemiologist would like to draw special attention to MAST's guidelines on appropriate responses if a carcass is discovered in a public place, which are mentioned in the news report .

A considerable amount of influenza is still being detected in people , but there have been no signs of H5 strains in people in this country.

Further information about avian influenza can be found on the website of the Director of Health .

The Chief Epidemiologist publishes weekly news on respiratory infections , and the epidemiology of various respiratory infections can be viewed on the regularly updated dashboard of the Office of the Director of Health.

Epidemiologist

While this is not the first arrival of HPAI H5 to Iceland, the $64 question this time is whether these recent reports reflect continued westward spread of European HPAI viruses, or an eastward expansion of North America HPAI viruses. 

Either way, this is another opportunity for genetic mixing of HPAI H5 viruses, and that rarely turns out to be good news.

New Mexico DOH Warns Against Consuming Raw Dairy Products After Death of Newborn from Listeria

 
Credit Wikipedia

#19,041

Despite the overwhelming evidence (see ASM's Raw Milk Microbiology: Unfiltered and Unfriendly) of the potential harm from consuming raw milk products - and the discovery of HPAI H5N1 in more than 1000 dairy herds in the U.S. - the sale of raw milk remains `legal' (via a series of loopholes) across nearly the entire United States.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Food Protection reported:

Results show that 4.4% of U.S. adults reported consuming raw milk at least once in the past year, with 1.6% reporting frequent consumption of raw milk (once per month or more often) and 1.0% reporting consumption once per week or more often

Some states restrict raw milk sale to `pet use' only, but nothing prevents the purchaser from using it personally. Pets, however, are not immune to the pathogens that may be present in unpasteurized milk (see California: LA County Health Dept - Suspected H5 Bird Flu Detected in Los Angeles County Cats That Consumed Recalled Raw Milk).

Other states, including New Mexico, have far fewer restrictions (see map above).

The CDC warns:

Human consumption of unpasteurized, or raw, milk is a serious public health concern.1 Pathogens found in raw milk that would be otherwise destroyed by pasteurization include E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria, among others.2 Human infection with these pathogens can cause severe illness and death.3

Federal law prohibits the sale of unpasteurized milk across state lines, but individual state laws govern the sale of unpasteurized milk within the state. These state laws vary widely. While some states prohibit the sale of unpasteurized milk to consumers, other states allow its sale in retail stores or on the farm where the milk was produced.

What may cause mild-to-moderate case of `food poisoning' in a healthy adult can sometimes become a deadly crisis in very young children, the elderly, and those who may be otherwise immunocompromised. 

Today we have the following statement from the New Mexico Department of Health on a suspected raw-milk linked listeriosis death of a newborn. 

Health department warns against consuming raw dairy products
February 3, 2026 - Public Health - Awareness

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health is warning New Mexicans to avoid raw dairy products following the death of a newborn from Listeria infection.

Health officials believe the most likely source of infection was unpasteurized milk the infant's mother drank during pregnancy. While investigators cannot pinpoint the exact cause, the tragic death underscores the serious risks raw dairy poses to pregnant women, young children, elderly New Mexicans and anyone with a weakened immune system.

"Individuals who are pregnant should only consume pasteurized milk products to help prevent illnesses and deaths in newborns,” said Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist for the New Mexican Department of Health (NMDOH).

Pasteurization is a process of briefly heating milk to a high enough temperature to kill germs.

Raw milk can contain numerous disease-causing germs, including Listeria, which is bacteria that can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or fatal infection in newborns, even if the mother is only mildly ill. Listeria is also able to invade the bloodstream of people with compromised immune systems, causing serious infections and sometimes death.

Consuming raw milk products can also expose people to other pathogens, including avian influenza, Brucella, Tuberculosis, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium and E. coli. Some of these diseases are particularly dangerous for children under 5 and adults over 65.

“New Mexico’s dairy producers work hard to provide safe, wholesome products and pasteurization is a vital part of that process,” said Jeff M. Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture. “Consumers, particularly those at higher risk, are encouraged to choose pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of serious foodborne illness.”

For more information, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/raw-milk.html
https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/about/index.html
https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/eip/foodnet/listeria/

Listeriosis is a particularly severe form of food poisoning. The CDC reports:

CDC estimates that listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness with about 172 deaths per year.

Nearly everyone with listeriosis is hospitalized. The case-fatality rate is about 20%. Nearly 25% of pregnancy-associated cases result in fetal loss or death of the newborn.

And:

Foods Linked to U.S. Outbreaks of Listeriosis

Past listeriosis outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to raw, unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized milk products, certain types of cheeses like pasteurized or unpasteurized queso fresco-type cheeses; raw or processed vegetables; raw or processed fruits; raw or undercooked poultry, sausages, hot dogs, deli meats, ice cream; and raw or smoked fish and other seafood. L. monocytogenes has also been found in raw pet food.

The `raw milk' movement in the United States continues to grow, despite cautionary reports of HPAI and other pathogens detected in retail samples (see California: CDFA Announces Another Recall of H5 Contaminated Raw Milk  and  California: Marin County HHS Investigating A Suspected Avian Flu Patient Who Consumed Raw Milk).

Admittedly, the chances of contracting H5N1 from drinking raw milk are probably quite low - but given its recent string of successes - we really shouldn't be giving  unnecessary opportunities to this emerging pandemic threat. 

Colorado: CDA Statement on Large HPAI Outbreak in Commercial Egg-Layer Facility in Weld County

#19,040

After several months of relatively low numbers of commercial poultry affected by HPAI H5N1 in the United States, in the last week of January two major outbreaks (in Colorado and Pennsylvania) were reported to the USDA. 

While there were vague reports on the Weld County outbreak over the weekend, yesterday the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) released the following statement.

Avian Influenza Detected in Commercial Egg-Layer Facility in Weld County

Monday, February 2, 2026

This January, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has confirmed three new detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan Counties and one detection in a commercial egg layer operation in Weld County. All premises are currently under quarantine orders and control areas have been set up in Weld and Logan counties.

“The confirmation of these new HPAI cases is a reminder that the virus is actively circulating in our state,” said Dr. Maggie Baldwin, Colorado State Veterinarian. “We urge all flock owners to remain highly vigilant, monitor their birds closely for any signs of illness, and, most critically, to immediately reinforce and practice strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.”

Summary of New Cases

Larimer 07: On January 5, 2026, CDA was notified of death losses in a backyard mixed species flock of 16 birds in Larimer County. Samples tested presumptive positive on January 6 and were confirmed by USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory on January 7.

Logan 01: On January 8, 2026, USDA was notified of a poultry chicken flock in Logan County experiencing increased death rates. Samples tested presumptive positive on January 9 and were confirmed on January 14. A total of 55 birds were lost. An area quarantine has been established for this premise and poultry owners within the quarantine area are asked to report the status of their flocks through an online self-reporting form.

Larimer 08: On January 9, 2026, CDA was notified of increased death losses in a backyard facility in Larimer County. The flock lost 18 birds (chickens and ducks). Samples tested presumptive positive on January 9 and were confirmed on January 14.

Weld 18: On January 28, CDA received notification of a mortality event in a commercial egg laying facility in Weld County which houses 1.33 million chickens. Samples tested presumptive positive on January 29 at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and were confirmed late on Friday, January 30, by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL).

A control area has been established for this premise (which is under a quarantine order) and poultry owners within the quarantine area are asked to report the status of their flocks through an online self-reporting form. The response for this facility is ongoing and is currently in the depopulation and disposal phase.

An updated Situation Report (#82 from January 30, 2026), which summarizes all HPAI detections in Colorado, can be found on the CDA landing page at ag.colorado.gov/HPAIresponse.

 
General Information on HPAI

HPAI is a viral disease that can cause severe illness and death in poultry. The recent detections signal that the virus is circulating, often carried by migrating wild birds which act as a reservoir for the disease. Colorado has been working proactively on HPAI response and testing, which has been incredibly successful at slowing the spread of avian influenza in the state. Since the summer of 2024, Colorado has not had any human cases of HPAI.

What Flock Owners Can Do: Biosecurity and Vigilance

The Colorado Department of Agriculture urges all livestock and poultry owners to remain vigilant and monitor their animals for symptoms of disease. The most critical step poultry owners can take is to implement strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

Flock owners should:

Implement Biosecurity: Review and implement strong biosecurity measures, such as securing the flock from wild birds, especially waterfowl. The CDA has additional guidance available on their website at ag.colorado.gov/animal-health/biosecurity-101.

Monitor Animals: Watch for symptoms of illness, including sudden death, a drop in egg production, decreased food/water consumption, and lethargy.

Suspected HPAI Reporting

A delay in reporting can lead to a delay in necessary response measures which can compromise human and animal health.Poultry and Livestock: HPAI in poultry, dairy cattle, or other livestock species must be reported directly to the State Veterinarian’s Office. Information can be found on the CDA Reportable Diseases page.

Feline Cases: Suspected HPAI feline cases can be reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) at 303-692-2700, and they will share that information with CDA.
Wild Birds: The public is urged to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife without proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and to contact their local CPW office to report suspect cases of sick or dying wild birds.

For more information on HPAI, please see the CDA HPAI landing page.

Although the recent reduction in large commercial outbreaks may be a testament to better biosecurity practices, it may also have something to do with recent changes to the clade 2.3.4.4b virus.  

Recent studies have indicated a shift in the N1 Neuraminidase stalk domain of  H5N1 since 2022 which may decrease its transmissibility and virulence in poultry (see mBio Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 neuraminidase has a long stalk, which is in contrast to most highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses circulating between 2002 and 2020 by Enikő Hermann & Florian Krammer.)

The authors of the above report explain:

While the truncated version of the N1 neuraminidase stalk domain may be associated with increased virulence in poultry, the long version of the stalk domain has been associated with increased transmissibility in mammals.

The vast majority of highly pathogenic H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b that is currently circulating globally features the long stalk version of the neuraminidase, which may increase the risk for these viruses to become human-to-human transmissible.

While somewhat encouraging for the poultry industry, this change may prove less so the mammalian set, who could find themselves more susceptible to infection. 

A reminder that HPAI H5N1 continues to change, and what we say about it today may not hold true tomorrow.

Taiwan: Another Avian Flu `Incident'

#19,039

Taiwan, which is positioned roughly 100 miles off the Chinese Mainland and beneath one of the most active migratory (East Asian-Australian) bird flyways, has a long and checkered history of dealing with both HPAI and LPAI avian flu. 

With more than 23 million people and 6,000 poultry farms crammed into an area the size of the state of Maryland, they are forced to take farm biosecurity very seriously. 

Over the years we've seen multiple HPAI subtypes turn up on this island nation, including H5N1, H5N2, H5N5, H5N6, H5N8, and H5N9, along with the co-circulation of LPAI H6N1 and H9N2 (both of which are zoonotic threats). 

Taiwan's pig industry has also been threatened by ASF (African Swine Fever), both from floating pig carcasses dumped on the Mainland, and by the smuggling of  contaminated pork products from China. 

Taiwan's APHIA (Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Administration) - formerly BAPHIQ - is the lead agency on biosecurity, and in the past we've seen them deal with a variety of threats (see here, here, here, here, and here). 

Those with long memories will recall that in January of 2015 HPAI H5N8 arrived in the island nation of Taiwan - immediately spun off several reassorted HPAI H5 subtypes - and together infected more than 1,000 farms over the next 12 months.

That fall, as desperate poultry farmers lobbied for vaccines, Taiwan's Council Of Agriculture strongly Warned Against the Importation & Use Of AI Vaccines.

Beyond the illegalities, the HPAI H5 viruses in Taiwan originated from Korea, and were expected to be a poor match to the Chinese R5 vaccine.

In 2017, we learned of a smuggling operation, which was caught trying to bring in hundreds of `wine bottles' filled with an illegal (and `sketchy') poultry vaccine (see BAPHIQ photo below) from the Mainland.

At the same time that was going on (see Taiwan's Counterfeit AI Vaccine Trade), Taiwanese police arrested 9 people accused of making and selling counterfeit pig vaccines. At least 7,800 vials of this fake porcine vaccine had been sold to 32 farmers, and nearly 400,000 pigs had been injected.

Not only were these vaccines diluted to the point of being useless to prevent porcine circovirus (PCV), they were also contaminated with bacteria, and many of the vaccinated pigs died.

This story gets worse, as it was also revealed that those arrests lead to an even larger investigation into counterfeit poultry vaccines. According to multiple reports (see here, here, and here), the scheme involved the illicit collection of blood from (supposedly) previously infected and recovered poultry at a slaughterhouse.

The harvested blood was reportedly `centrifuged', and the serum collected - and after adding antibiotics and `other drugs' - injected as a vaccine.

It isn't clear how many birds already received this fake vaccine, but enough of this witch's brew to vaccinate 500,000 birds was recovered by authorities. 

According to this YouTube video of the premises, this operation was conducted under absolutely squalid and primitive conditions, and the resultant `vaccine' appears to have undergone absolutely no testing for purity, contents, or strength.

Once again, in December of 2018, we saw Taiwan: Arrests In Another Counterfeit Avian Flu Vaccine Scheme, where Taiwan's media reported on the arrest of several college professors who are accused of manufacturing, and selling, illicit AI poultry vaccines.

This (translated) report from the China Times.

Private bird flu vaccine sold, 6 professors of Jiada University were accused

December 21, 2018 19:11 Zhongshi Hong Rongzhi

Professor Zhang Xing, Assistant Professor of the Department of Bio-Agricultural Science and Technology of Chiayi University, and Professor Guo Xing, from the Department of Veterinary Medicine, were accused of illegally manufacturing avian flu and other vaccines in cooperation with the biotechnology industry in the absence of the approval of the Council of Agriculture. Duck farmers and other duck farmers are playing.

After the investigation by the Tainan District Inspection Office, on the 21st, in accordance with the Law on the Administration of Animal Drugs, a total of 6 people from Zhang, Guo, biotechnology and large duck farmers were prosecuted.

This sordid history serves as prelude to the following (translated) report from APHIA today on the seizure of a large quantity of illegal Chinese poultry vaccines, which were (reportedly) purchased from a Chinese online shopping website.

The Agency for Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (AAPHIQ) has seized illegal avian influenza vaccines and urges poultry farmers not to illegally sell, transfer, or use them.
115-02-02

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine Administration (APHIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture stated that on July 24, 2025, the APHIA, in cooperation with the Yunlin District Prosecutors Office, directed the Changhua Investigation Team of the Coast Guard Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, and the Yunlin County Animal and Plant Disease Control Center to conduct an operation to seize illegal animal drugs. Searches were conducted at the residences and cargo terminals of suspected individuals in Yunlin County, resulting in the seizure of 1,356 bottles of suspected illegally imported avian influenza (avian influenza) vaccines and waterfowl parvovirus vaccines, among other prohibited animal drugs.

The individuals involved were taken in for questioning. On February 20 of the same year, the Keelung Customs Office of the Ministry of Finance and the Keelung Branch of the APHIA intercepted a shipment of 530 bottles of suspected avian influenza vaccines, which were about to be imported. The suspects admitted to importing them from mainland China. The investigation into the source of the aforementioned illegal avian influenza vaccines and waterfowl parvovirus vaccines, among other prohibited animal drugs, will continue. The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office has filed charges against the suspects in accordance with the law.

(Continue . . . )

Media reports indicate that twice last year the accused placed orders on Taobao to purchase H5N1 poultry vaccines, and had them disguised as `floor cleaner' and `drain cleaner' to evade customs checks.  

And perhaps more importantly, it is far from clear whether these were current, quality-controlled, Chinese state-sanctioned products.  Nor is it clear how many doses (if any) were sold or used in Taiwanese poultry.

 The investigation is apparently ongoing.   

Sadly, the world is awash with counterfeit drugs and medical devices, many of which are sold no-questions-asked by online retailers (see The Lancet: WHO Estimates That 50% Of Drugs For Sale Online Are Fake).

These products aren't just ripping off billions of dollars from consumers each year, they contribute to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), they may leave some people inadequately treated for potentially serious diseases, and they may even be lethal in their own right.

But of greatest concern, illegal poultry vaccines may be contributing to the evolution and spread of emerging viruses, like H5N1. 

And that's a dangerous gain of function experiment that could impact every single one of us.