#17,564
We've a brief update from the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) providing a few additional details regarding the H5N1 virus that has spread - at last report - to at least 10 fur farms in that country.
Although the report hints at other possible amino acid changes, the one specifically mentioned is PB2-E627K; the swapping out of Glutamic acid (E) for Lysine (K) at position 627 in the PB2 protein, which allows the virus to replicate at a lower temperature.
The virus is reportedly most closely related to one detected recently in seagulls in Finland, leading the agency to suspect the virus is being spread by these birds.
(translated)
The virus line that circulates especially among seagulls has been confirmed as the cause of bird flu infections in fur animals
July 21, 2023
The preliminary sequencing results of H5N1 subtype bird flu viruses detected in fur farms in Western Finland have been completed. Based on the results, the virus line circulating especially among seagulls has been confirmed as the causative agent of fur animals. The results point to the involvement of wild birds in the spread of the virus to fur farms.
In some of the samples collected from the fur farms, there were indications that a mutation has taken place in the virus that contributes to the multiplication of the virus in mammalian cells, including the previously known PB2-E627K mutation. However, this adaptation is not known to increase the ability of the virus to infect humans.
Sequencing, i.e. the study of the virus's genome and the changes that occur in it, can be used to support epidemic investigations in the investigation of the source of infection and chains of infection, and in the implementation of timely and extensive control measures.
The Food Agency and the Institute of Health and Welfare continue to investigate the epidemic in cooperation with the Regional Administration and international actors.
The Finnish Food Agency also published the following statement regarding enhanced biosecurity measures that those raising birds should be following due to the elevated level of H5N1 in wild birds.
(translated)
The Food Agency also recommends keeping hobby chickens indoors throughout Finland - wild birds have a lot of bird flu
July 21, 2023
The Food Agency recommends keeping birds indoors or otherwise ensuring that wild birds do not come into contact with poultry and captive birds or the feed and water offered to them. Bird flu is easily spread from wild birds to poultry and other birds, if the birds come into contact with each other directly or, for example, through feed contaminated with feces.
Feeds and bedding intended for birds should be stored in such a way that wild birds cannot come into contact with them. Bird flu can also spread over longer distances, e.g. with people or equipment contaminated with the virus.
If symptoms suggestive of bird flu or abnormal mortality are observed in poultry or other birds, the municipal or county veterinarian must be notified immediately. A decrease in water and feed consumption or egg production can be signs of bird flu infection.
Mass deaths of wild birds and individual dead birds of prey must also be reported to the municipal or county veterinarian. The municipal veterinarian takes care of sending the necessary samples to the Helsinki office of the Food Agency.
Avian flu viruses are poorly contagious to humans, and infection usually requires close contact with an infected wild bird, poultry or their secretions.
Read more about bird flu on the Food Agency's website (ruokavirasto.fi) .
