Finnish Food Authority Update On H5N1 In Additional Fur Farms

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The Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) has posted an update on the 4 additional fur farms infected with H5N1 that were mentioned in yesterday's blog. The virus has now been reported from 5 different farms, and today we learn that mink were infected (along with foxes) at a farm in Kauhavala.

It is unclear what steps, if any, are being taken by these farms to prevent the spread of the virus. All we are told is that they do not fall under the jurisdiction of the `animal disease authority'.

The translated statement follows 

Bird flu also in the animals of four fur farms

July 14, 2023

Highly pathogenic bird flu of the H5N1 type has been confirmed in the animals of four fur farms in southern and central Pohlia that have been investigated by the Food Agency. It is the same strain of virus that was found yesterday Thursday in the blue foxes of the fur farm in Kaustinen, and which has caused several mass deaths of wild birds this year. The disease has now been found in a total of five fur farms.

Two of the new shelter cases are located in Kauhava, South Ostrobothnia, one in Kausti and one in Halsua, Central Ostrobothnia. Avian flu was also now found in blue foxes and in the mink of another shelter in Kauhavala. The breeders had sent samples to the Food Agency to be examined in order to find out the cause of illness or death of the animals.

Bird flu infection in fur animals does not cause the shelter to be subject to restrictions imposed by the animal disease authority. However, the Food Agency and the regional administrative agencies are monitoring the situation in cooperation with the Health and Welfare Institute (THL) and the health authorities of the welfare regions.

The Food Agency is currently examining samples from several mass deaths of seagulls from different parts of Finland. The website of the Food Agency is updated with information on confirmed bird flu cases.