Taiwan: Yunlin County Reports Another `Midnight' Dumping of H5N1 Infected Poultry

 

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Last week Taiwan's poultry industry was roiled by the discovery of thousands of H5N1 infected poultry illegally dumped or buried in locations spanning two counties (see Taiwan: The Plot Thickens . . .), while earlier this week Taiwan's APHIA announced the seizure of a large quantity of illegal Chinese poultry vaccines, which were (reportedly) purchased from a Chinese online shopping website.

Given the steep civil and criminal penalties involved in these types of activities, it gives us some idea of how desperate the HPAI situation must be for some farmers in Taiwan.

Today, the Yunlin County Animal and Plant Disease Control Center (YCAPDCC) is reporting a similar incident, involving the illegal dumping of hundreds of H5N1 infected geese into a local fish pond.

First the translated statement from Yunlin County, after which I'll have a bit more.

Bird flu alert! Urges to implement food safety measures, proactive reporting, and severe penalties for concealing or disposing of dead poultry.
Issuing unit: Institute of Zoology and Plant Disease Control

 Yunlin County Government News Reference Material 115.02.06

On February 4, 2016, the Yunlin County Animal and Plant Disease Control Center (hereinafter referred to as the Disease Control Center) received a report that dead poultry (meat geese) had been randomly dumped next to a fishpond in Kouhu Township.

The source farm (Sihu Township) was found to have H5N1 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza. In accordance with standard operating procedures, 1,626 7-week-old meat geese were culled and destroyed. The Center also supervised the operator to complete the cleaning and disinfection of the farm area.

County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that it is currently the peak season for avian influenza, and poultry farmers must not only implement biosecurity measures on their farms but also cooperate with relevant disease prevention measures.

Regarding the farm's indiscriminate disposal and failure to proactively report the outbreak, the county government will, in accordance with the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, not compensate for the losses from culling animals and destroying materials, and will impose a fine of up to NT$1 million. Furthermore, the failure to properly process the dead poultry will also be punished according to the Animal Husbandry Act.

Liao Pei-chih, director of the Disease Control Center, stated that disinfection of public areas will be strengthened at farms where highly pathogenic avian influenza cases have been confirmed and at sites where dead poultry are disposed of. Sampling and site visits will also be conducted at two poultry farms within a 1-kilometer radius to control the risk of disease transmission.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza can spread through migratory birds and then horizontally through the production and sales system. It is imperative for poultry farms to strengthen their own biosecurity measures. Poultry farmers are urged to continue implementing bird-proofing facilities and access control at their farms. All personnel, vehicles, and equipment (including egg boxes and cages) entering the farm must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Farmers should also be vigilant and monitor the health of their poultry daily. If any abnormalities are found, they should be reported immediately (reporting hotline: 0932-690674) to prevent the spread of the virus and avoid significant economic losses to the industry.

We've often seen this sort of `midnight' dumping in places like China, India, and Vietnam, but it even occurs occasionally here in the United States (see news report Dozens Of Illegally Dumped Dead Chickens In Acton Test Positive For Contagious Avian Disease).  

Note: in this case, the disease was Infectious Laryngotracheitis, or ILT - not avian flu.

The wholesale dumping of ASF infected pigs in China (and elsewhere) likely contributed to the further spread of the disease (see Philippines Ag. Dept. Warns On Illegal Disposal Of Dead Pigs), and there are similar concerns with HPAI.

Soberingly, there is probably a lot more of this illegal activity than we ever hear about.  

South Korea CDC: `Traveler Respiratory Disease Testing Service' Expanded to 13 Airports & Ports Nationwide

 

Translated KCDC Graphic

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South Korea continues to be openly proactive in their preparations for the next pandemic threat:

• Eighteen months ago, in South Korea CDC Releases Revised ‘Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan’, warning “In the event of a new or variant influenza pandemic, it can surpass COVID-19”.

• In May of 2025, South Korea partnered with SK Bioscience to develop an Avian Flu Vaccine.

• Last September, in South Korea Conducted A 19-day, Nationwide, Mock-Training Exercise to Prepare for Zoonotic Influenza.

• Last December, South Korea was one of 31 Asian countries to participate in WPRO Table-Top Exercise Crystal: A `Bovine' Novel Flu Outbreak Scenario

• And we are currently watching some of the most aggressive culling and quarantine operations on the planet with with their triple outbreak of HPAI, ASF, and FMD on South Korean farms. 

A year ago, South Korea instituted a voluntary respiratory testing pilot program at two airports (Gimpo and Jeju), which was expanded to 5 more by mid summer.  

Today, based on their success, they are announcing the program will expanded to 13 airports and ports nationwide, starting February 10th.  This comes a week before the Lunar New Year, and the height of the spring travel season. 

While a few other countries (including the United States) have set up limited screening programs in a few select ports of entry, few are as sophisticated or as extensive as the system now in place in South Korea. 

I've reproduced the (translated) KCDC press release below.  I'll have a bit more after the break. 

The "Traveler Respiratory Disease Testing Service" will be expanded to 13 airports and ports nationwide (Friday, February 6).

Date of writing February 6, 2026
Last modified date February 6, 2026
Department in charge Quarantine Policy and
contact 043-719-9216

- The "Traveler Respiratory Disease Testing Service" has been expanded to 13 airports and ports nationwide.

- Free testing will be provided to all arrivals with respiratory infection symptoms starting February 10th.

- Health insurance benefits are applicable when you visit a medical institution with a positive test result.

【Related National Policy Tasks】 84. Eliminate regional disparities, expand essential medical services, and strengthen public health care.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) (Director Seung-Kwan Lim) will expand the "Traveler Respiratory Infectious Disease Testing Service" to 13 quarantine stations (12 branch offices) at airports and ports nationwide, starting February 10, 2026.

This project has been piloted at Gimpo and Jeju Airports since February 2025, followed by Gimhae Airport (April), Daegu and Cheongju Airports, and Busan and Incheon Ports (July). Based on comprehensive considerations of the operational results, traveler awareness surveys, and on-site conditions, the project will be expanded nationwide.

< Overview of Traveler Respiratory Infection Testing Services >

division

Key Contents

Translated KCDC Graphic

Target audience

Only those who wish to be tested among symptomatic overseas arrivals at the airport and those without epidemiological links

Inspection location

Quarantine station , overseas infectious disease reporting center, etc.

Inspection items

Animal influenza human infection (AI), COVID -19, influenza A/B (3 types )

Inspection method

PCR and genomic analysis of positive samples

< Intention to use ' Free Quarantine Testing ' >

< Reasons for using ' Free Quarantine Testing ' >

Translated KCDC Graphics

Through this project, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is proactively monitoring new and mutated pathogens entering the country. According to pathogen analysis results from 2025, 18 COVID-19 cases and 53 influenza cases (51 A and 2 B) were detected out of a total of 169 cases. Genomic analysis has identified COVID-19 subtypes (e.g., NB.1.8.1) and influenza subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, B (Victoria)), and ongoing monitoring is underway.

Meanwhile, according to the results of a survey on awareness of quarantine services conducted on 530 adult men and women in their 20s to 60s who have traveled abroad within the past year (November 25), 9 out of 10 respondents (88.9%) expressed their intention to use free quarantine testing if they develop symptoms of an infectious disease at the entry stage, confirming that there is high public demand for quarantine services.

< Results of a survey on awareness of free quarantine testing >

If an inbound traveler with respiratory infectious disease symptoms such as a cough wishes to be tested, he or she can receive free testing for three types of respiratory infectious diseases (COVID-19, influenza A/B, and animal influenza human infection (AI)) at the quarantine station quarantine desk or overseas infectious disease reporting center.

Test results will be individually notified via text message or email. If your test result is positive, you can receive National Health Insurance benefits by visiting a medical institution with a certificate of positive test result issued by the quarantine station.

Lim Seung-kwan, director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, “Through this nationwide expansion, we plan to strengthen the surveillance system for respiratory infectious diseases imported from overseas and establish a response foundation linked to the domestic infectious disease surveillance system by detecting new and mutated pathogens early.” He also asked, “In particular, if you have respiratory symptoms during the Lunar New Year holiday, please participate in protecting the safety of your family and neighbors by taking a simple test before returning home.”

        (Continue . . . )

 
Long-time followers of infectious disease outbreaks will recall that South Korea was badly burned in the summer of 2015 by an international traveler who arrived from the Middle East carrying MERS-CoV - which subsequently:

• forced the quarantining of > 16,000 people
• the closure of 2,400 schools and 22 Universities
• spread through 17 hospitals
• was confirmed in 186 people (185 in the Republic of Korea and 1 in China),  
• resulting in 38 deaths
• and the loss of billions of dollars

While ultimately contained, this was an early close call with a particularly deadly coronavirus. For more details, see The Lancet: Mapping The Korean MERS-CoV Superspreading Event. 

Which may help explain why South Korea has become so visibly proactive in preparing for the next global health crisis, while so many other countries appear eager to downplay the threat, and hope for the best.

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

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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)

 

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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

 

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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

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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.