sharon sanders
Editor-in-Chief & President
bump this
-
FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
-
We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.
Finland - Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in raccoon dogs, Arctic foxes, American minks and red foxes in fur farms
- Thread starter Pathfinder
- Start date
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 4
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 4
REPORT ID
FUR_162263
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/08/10
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
American Mink (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 18900 17 17 - - -
Raccoon dog (WILD) NEW - 2 2 - - -
TOTAL 4200 4 4 - - -
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW 10950 21 21 - - -
TOTAL 156843 74 74 - - -
Red Fox (WILD) NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 39940 19 19 - - -
All species
NEW 10950 23 23 - - -
TOTAL 219883 114 114 - - -
...
NEW OUTBREAKS
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 4
REPORT ID
FUR_162263
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/08/10
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
American Mink (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 18900 17 17 - - -
Raccoon dog (WILD) NEW - 2 2 - - -
TOTAL 4200 4 4 - - -
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW 10950 21 21 - - -
TOTAL 156843 74 74 - - -
Red Fox (WILD) NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 39940 19 19 - - -
All species
NEW 10950 23 23 - - -
TOTAL 219883 114 114 - - -
...
NEW OUTBREAKS
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
Michael Coston
Editor, Senior Moderator
Media Report: Finland Food Agency To Test All Fur Farms For Avian Flu
#17,616
Last week Finland's Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) released a statement warning that `. . . circulation of the bird flu virus in farmed fur animals must be stopped in order to prevent the virus from adapting to mammals.'
They urged Finland's Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) to take a more proactive stance to eliminate the threat.
Today, Finland's state owned National Public Broadcasting system - YLE - is reporting that the Food Agency has revealed plans to test all fur farms in the country, starting in September. So far, I've not seen a statement by Ruokavirasto on their twitter feed, or on their website.
A link, and a brief (translated) excerpt from the YLE report:
Starting in September, the Swedish Food Agency will inspect all approximately 400 fur farms in Finland. The massive project will take time, as the samples will not arrive at the laboratory at the same time.
The Swedish Food Agency intends to inspect all of Finland's approximately 400 fur farms due to the risk of bird flu.
(Continue . . . )
Currently, only farms reporting sick animals, or farms directly connected to infected farms, are being tested. This is a major undertaking, and will probably take a couple of months to complete.
Last month, in PNAS: Mink Farming Poses Risks for Future Viral Pandemics, we looked at an excellent opinion piece penned by two well known virologists from the UK (Professor Wendy Barclay & Tom Peacock) on why fur farms - and mink farms in particular - are high risk venues for flu.
While our focus is on Finland right now, there are thousands of other fur farms across Europe, Russia, China, and North and South America, and all pose similar risks.
With the fall bird migration about to commence - likely bringing higher levels of environmental H5N1 contamination - that's a lot of potential flash points.
Stay tuned.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/08/media-report-finland-food-agency-to.html
#17,616
Last week Finland's Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) released a statement warning that `. . . circulation of the bird flu virus in farmed fur animals must be stopped in order to prevent the virus from adapting to mammals.'
They urged Finland's Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) to take a more proactive stance to eliminate the threat.
Today, Finland's state owned National Public Broadcasting system - YLE - is reporting that the Food Agency has revealed plans to test all fur farms in the country, starting in September. So far, I've not seen a statement by Ruokavirasto on their twitter feed, or on their website.
A link, and a brief (translated) excerpt from the YLE report:
Published 14.08.2023 19:17.
Starting in September, the Swedish Food Agency will inspect all approximately 400 fur farms in Finland. The massive project will take time, as the samples will not arrive at the laboratory at the same time.
The Swedish Food Agency intends to inspect all of Finland's approximately 400 fur farms due to the risk of bird flu.
(Continue . . . )
Currently, only farms reporting sick animals, or farms directly connected to infected farms, are being tested. This is a major undertaking, and will probably take a couple of months to complete.
Last month, in PNAS: Mink Farming Poses Risks for Future Viral Pandemics, we looked at an excellent opinion piece penned by two well known virologists from the UK (Professor Wendy Barclay & Tom Peacock) on why fur farms - and mink farms in particular - are high risk venues for flu.
While our focus is on Finland right now, there are thousands of other fur farms across Europe, Russia, China, and North and South America, and all pose similar risks.
With the fall bird migration about to commence - likely bringing higher levels of environmental H5N1 contamination - that's a lot of potential flash points.
Stay tuned.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/08/media-report-finland-food-agency-to.html
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
What is known about the transformation of the virus, should we be worried about the situation? An expert answers the most common questions
In Finland, bird flu has been found in wild birds and in fur farms. Professor Olli Vapalahti tells what is known about the situation.
Pihla Loula HS
16.8. 18:28
Infections caused by HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA have been found in at least 24 fur farms in Finland since July, and the virus is also known to have mutated.
What is known about the mutation of the virus, how is the situation monitored in Finland and should we be concerned about the situation?
...
For several years now, H5N1 has spread effectively throughout Europe and formed new combinations with other influenza viruses found in birds.
In the last couple of years, the H5N1 variation strain has also caused mass deaths of laughing gulls, terns and eiders in Finland.
The place of birth of the virus is not known for sure, but previous H5 viruses and viruses naturally circulating in logs seem to have formed a combination that led to its creation, says professor of zoonotic virology Olli Vapalahti from the University of Helsinki.
"The viruses found in Finnish fur farms seem to belong to this same group, and in addition, some individual mutations have been tentatively found, which are of the same type as those found in other European countries in wild beasts such as foxes," Vapalahti says.
TODAY, H5N1 is increasingly infecting mammals as well. Finland's first fur animal infection was found in mid-July . Vapalahti points out that this is the first confirmed infection.
"We don't know when the first infection took place. In retrospect, the matter could be investigated from previously collected samples or antibodies that were generated."
As far as we know, the virus has not yet infected humans in Finland. Bird flu viruses can cause eye or lung infections in humans. Bird flu has not been able to infect the human upper respiratory tract.
...
How is the mutation of the virus monitored in Finland?
So far, less than ten percent of Finnish fur farms have been tested FOR INFLUENZA . The Food Agency's plans are now to map the situation by obtaining samples from all fur farms in Finland.
According to Vapalahti, it is important for monitoring to collect samples from sick and dead animals, the environment and feed. The exact mechanism of infection in fur farms is not yet known.
"Furthermore, it is important to understand how the virus has spread in nurseries. Has it spread from one animal to another, is it a case of infections spread from individual birds to fur animals, or is the cause of the infections contaminated feed."
...
The Food Agency has the main responsibility for analyzing bird flu virus samples. Cooperation is also carried out with the Institute of Health and Welfare and, among others, the University of Helsinki and foreign expert laboratories.
According to Vapalahti, nowadays samples can be analyzed reasonably quickly, even in hours, but it will take time for investigations and comprehensive sampling.
"Sequencing is happening faster than ever before, because capabilities were improved during the coronavirus pandemic."
How worried should you be about bird flu?
VAPALAHTI stresses that it is still a long way from the detection of individual mutations to the development of a virus that is contagious between people.
Vapalahti itself is involved in a study that examines influenza samples collected from several different disease centers. The purpose is to find out the types of viruses present in nurseries and to find out their properties in laboratory conditions.
One of the reasons for doing the research is to answer the concern in the air.
"So far, our own data has not raised any further concerns about the mutation of the virus, but the investigations continue."
https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000009785406.html
What is known about the transformation of the virus, should we be worried about the situation? An expert answers the most common questions
In Finland, bird flu has been found in wild birds and in fur farms. Professor Olli Vapalahti tells what is known about the situation.
Pihla Loula HS
16.8. 18:28
Infections caused by HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA have been found in at least 24 fur farms in Finland since July, and the virus is also known to have mutated.
What is known about the mutation of the virus, how is the situation monitored in Finland and should we be concerned about the situation?
...
For several years now, H5N1 has spread effectively throughout Europe and formed new combinations with other influenza viruses found in birds.
In the last couple of years, the H5N1 variation strain has also caused mass deaths of laughing gulls, terns and eiders in Finland.
The place of birth of the virus is not known for sure, but previous H5 viruses and viruses naturally circulating in logs seem to have formed a combination that led to its creation, says professor of zoonotic virology Olli Vapalahti from the University of Helsinki.
"The viruses found in Finnish fur farms seem to belong to this same group, and in addition, some individual mutations have been tentatively found, which are of the same type as those found in other European countries in wild beasts such as foxes," Vapalahti says.
TODAY, H5N1 is increasingly infecting mammals as well. Finland's first fur animal infection was found in mid-July . Vapalahti points out that this is the first confirmed infection.
"We don't know when the first infection took place. In retrospect, the matter could be investigated from previously collected samples or antibodies that were generated."
As far as we know, the virus has not yet infected humans in Finland. Bird flu viruses can cause eye or lung infections in humans. Bird flu has not been able to infect the human upper respiratory tract.
...
How is the mutation of the virus monitored in Finland?
So far, less than ten percent of Finnish fur farms have been tested FOR INFLUENZA . The Food Agency's plans are now to map the situation by obtaining samples from all fur farms in Finland.
According to Vapalahti, it is important for monitoring to collect samples from sick and dead animals, the environment and feed. The exact mechanism of infection in fur farms is not yet known.
"Furthermore, it is important to understand how the virus has spread in nurseries. Has it spread from one animal to another, is it a case of infections spread from individual birds to fur animals, or is the cause of the infections contaminated feed."
...
The Food Agency has the main responsibility for analyzing bird flu virus samples. Cooperation is also carried out with the Institute of Health and Welfare and, among others, the University of Helsinki and foreign expert laboratories.
According to Vapalahti, nowadays samples can be analyzed reasonably quickly, even in hours, but it will take time for investigations and comprehensive sampling.
"Sequencing is happening faster than ever before, because capabilities were improved during the coronavirus pandemic."
How worried should you be about bird flu?
VAPALAHTI stresses that it is still a long way from the detection of individual mutations to the development of a virus that is contagious between people.
Vapalahti itself is involved in a study that examines influenza samples collected from several different disease centers. The purpose is to find out the types of viruses present in nurseries and to find out their properties in laboratory conditions.
One of the reasons for doing the research is to answer the concern in the air.
"So far, our own data has not raised any further concerns about the mutation of the virus, but the investigations continue."
https://www.hs.fi/kotimaa/art-2000009785406.html
Michael Coston
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland Food Safety Authority: 25th Fur Farm Infected With H5N1 - Expanded Culling Ordered
#17,627
It's been about a week since our last update from Finland's Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) on Fur farms infected with H5N1 (see Media Report: Finland Food Agency To Test All Fur Farms For Avian Flu), but today we have a statement indicating a 25th fur farm has been infected, and a status update on the number of animals that have been ordered euthanized.
Initially, Ruokavirasto announced that all mink from infected farms would be culled - amounting to between 50,000 and 70,000 animals. But concerns have been raised about allowing the virus to spread among foxes and other fur bearing animals.
Two weeks ago Finland's THL stated:
Although mink is considered to be the most problematic animal species in terms of avian influenza virus infections, there are also risks associated with bird flu epidemics in dense, large animal populations of foxes and other fur-bearing animals, that the virus becomes more adaptable to mammals.
Today's update from the Food Safety Authority indicates that as many as 120,000 animals have been ordered euthanized, across 13 facilities. With a dozen more farms already identified as infected, and as many as 400 farms yet to be tested, it is likely that these numbers will increase over time.
Today's statement also indicates that H5N1 has been found in seagulls well inland - in Mikkeli - about 70 miles from their eastern border with Russia.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/08/finland-food-safety-authority-25th-fur.html
#17,627
It's been about a week since our last update from Finland's Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) on Fur farms infected with H5N1 (see Media Report: Finland Food Agency To Test All Fur Farms For Avian Flu), but today we have a statement indicating a 25th fur farm has been infected, and a status update on the number of animals that have been ordered euthanized.
Initially, Ruokavirasto announced that all mink from infected farms would be culled - amounting to between 50,000 and 70,000 animals. But concerns have been raised about allowing the virus to spread among foxes and other fur bearing animals.
Two weeks ago Finland's THL stated:
Although mink is considered to be the most problematic animal species in terms of avian influenza virus infections, there are also risks associated with bird flu epidemics in dense, large animal populations of foxes and other fur-bearing animals, that the virus becomes more adaptable to mammals.
Today's update from the Food Safety Authority indicates that as many as 120,000 animals have been ordered euthanized, across 13 facilities. With a dozen more farms already identified as infected, and as many as 400 farms yet to be tested, it is likely that these numbers will increase over time.
Today's statement also indicates that H5N1 has been found in seagulls well inland - in Mikkeli - about 70 miles from their eastern border with Russia.
Bird flu was found at a new fur farm, seagulls died of the disease in Mikkeli
August 21, 2023
Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found in a new fur farm in Kauhava. In total, bird flu has now been found in 25 fur farms in Ostrobothnia, more than half of which are from the same locality, Kausti. The same virus has been confirmed as the cause of death of the laughing seagulls found in the center of Mikkeli in laboratory tests by the Food Agency.
The latest case of bird flu was found in blue foxes sent from a fur farm in Kauhava. The transformation of the virus has been found in five shelters. Termination decisions have been issued for 13 of the infected farms and a total of approximately 120,000 animals have been ordered to be euthanized. Terminations have been completed at 10 shelters, and terminations are currently underway at three shelters.
The bird flu epidemic started in the fur farms in mid-July. The disease probably spread to Pohja farms from laughing gulls, where bird flu infections have been particularly high this summer throughout Europe.
The first seagull deaths in Eastern Finland
The laughing gulls found in the center of Mikkeli are the first confirmed cases of bird flu in Eastern Finland during this epidemic. A total of 28 confirmed cases of bird flu in wild birds have been found this year.
In addition to infection zones, the Food Agency recommends keeping birds in the whole of Finland or otherwise ensuring that wild birds do not come into contact with poultry and captive birds or the feed and water offered to them. At the same time, the Food Agency reminds us of the importance of disease protection in poultry farms and other places where birds are kept, in order to prevent bird flu infections.
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.
Inform the official veterinarian about disease suspicions
If symptoms suggestive of bird flu, abnormal mortality or changes in production 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 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.
More information:
Research professor Tuija Gadd, phone 029 520 4183 (veterinary virology)
Head of Unit Riikka Holopainen, phone 029 520 4273 (animal health research)
E-mails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
Read more:
Bird flu in Finland
Sending samples
Protecting the holding area from animal diseases
.August 21, 2023
Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found in a new fur farm in Kauhava. In total, bird flu has now been found in 25 fur farms in Ostrobothnia, more than half of which are from the same locality, Kausti. The same virus has been confirmed as the cause of death of the laughing seagulls found in the center of Mikkeli in laboratory tests by the Food Agency.
The latest case of bird flu was found in blue foxes sent from a fur farm in Kauhava. The transformation of the virus has been found in five shelters. Termination decisions have been issued for 13 of the infected farms and a total of approximately 120,000 animals have been ordered to be euthanized. Terminations have been completed at 10 shelters, and terminations are currently underway at three shelters.
The bird flu epidemic started in the fur farms in mid-July. The disease probably spread to Pohja farms from laughing gulls, where bird flu infections have been particularly high this summer throughout Europe.
The first seagull deaths in Eastern Finland
The laughing gulls found in the center of Mikkeli are the first confirmed cases of bird flu in Eastern Finland during this epidemic. A total of 28 confirmed cases of bird flu in wild birds have been found this year.
In addition to infection zones, the Food Agency recommends keeping birds in the whole of Finland or otherwise ensuring that wild birds do not come into contact with poultry and captive birds or the feed and water offered to them. At the same time, the Food Agency reminds us of the importance of disease protection in poultry farms and other places where birds are kept, in order to prevent bird flu infections.
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.
Inform the official veterinarian about disease suspicions
If symptoms suggestive of bird flu, abnormal mortality or changes in production 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 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.
More information:
Research professor Tuija Gadd, phone 029 520 4183 (veterinary virology)
Head of Unit Riikka Holopainen, phone 029 520 4273 (animal health research)
E-mails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
Read more:
Bird flu in Finland
Sending samples
Protecting the holding area from animal diseases
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/08/finland-food-safety-authority-25th-fur.html
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland Culls 120,000 Fur Animals After Bird Flu Outbreak
By AFP - Agence France Presse
August 23, 2023
Finland, Europe's largest producer of fox fur, is culling 120,000 farmed foxes and minks in response to bird flu outbreaks in the country's fur farms, officials said Wednesday.
"A culling order has been issued for 13 farms," Tuija Gadd, head of the virology unit at the Finnish Food Authority, told AFP. "Culling has already been completed on 10 farms."
H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in seagulls were reported in June and the first cases of infected fur farm animals were detected in Finland in July.
Finnish authorities decided in early August to cull fur animals on all farms with infections, and the number of culls has steadily risen since.
...https://www.barrons.com/news/finland-culls-120-000-fur-animals-after-bird-flu-outbreak-1fcd52de
By AFP - Agence France Presse
August 23, 2023
Finland, Europe's largest producer of fox fur, is culling 120,000 farmed foxes and minks in response to bird flu outbreaks in the country's fur farms, officials said Wednesday.
"A culling order has been issued for 13 farms," Tuija Gadd, head of the virology unit at the Finnish Food Authority, told AFP. "Culling has already been completed on 10 farms."
H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in seagulls were reported in June and the first cases of infected fur farm animals were detected in Finland in July.
Finnish authorities decided in early August to cull fur animals on all farms with infections, and the number of culls has steadily risen since.
...https://www.barrons.com/news/finland-culls-120-000-fur-animals-after-bird-flu-outbreak-1fcd52de
Michael Coston
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland Food Safety Authority To Test All 130 Mink Farms For H5N1
#17,631
Amid media reports this morning that another 5 Finnish fur farms are under investigation for possible H5N1 infection (see YLE report Food Agency: Five new fur farms are being investigated for bird flu) - which, if confirmed, would bring the total to 30 - we've a report from Ruokavirasto to begin testing all 130 mink farms in the country.
As reported last week, eventually all 400 fur farms in the country will be tested, but that will take several months to complete. The first phase, involving high risk mink farms (see PNAS: Mink Farming Poses Risks for Future Viral Pandemics), appears to have begun.
Today's (translated) statement from the Food Agency.
Avian influenza monitoring for all fur farms is started from minks
August 23, 2023
At the beginning of September, the Finnish Food Agency will start bird flu monitoring for all fur farms. In the first phase of monitoring, the presence of the bird flu virus in minks from fur farms is investigated, because bird flu infections in minks pose a greater health risk to humans than bird flu infections in foxes and raccoons . Samples are taken from each of Finland's approximately 130 mink farms.
Mink is a particularly problematic animal species when it comes to avian influenza virus infections. In the mink's upper respiratory tract, there are receptors that bind both bird and human influenza viruses, which is why mink are susceptible to infections caused by both types of influenza. The simultaneous infection of these viruses in mink can cause the emergence of a new type of virus variant, which may be more susceptible to infecting humans.
The first phase of the monitoring is to be completed by the end of October, after which we will move on to the monitoring and sampling of the fox and raccoon kennels. Blood samples are taken from fur farms for antibody tests, and animals that have died or are euthanized by themselves are taken to detect the virus. Samples are taken by municipal veterinarians and samplers authorized by the Food Agency. The samples are examined in the Food Agency's laboratory. The samples are also examined for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) at the same time.
The infection was found in 25 fur farms
The bird flu epidemic started in fur farms in Ostrobothnia in mid-July. The first infected fur farm was found in the Food Agency's laboratory tests on July 13, and since then bird flu infections have been confirmed at a total of 25 fur farms.
For these shelters, shelter-specific reports on the infection situation have been made and a total of approximately 120,000 animals have been ordered to be euthanized. Termination orders have been issued to 13 shelters so far, and terminations are still ongoing in one shelter. In total, there are approximately 400 fur farms in Finland, which are estimated to have 1.3 million fur animals. After the autumn skinning, there are about 300,000 animals left in the shelters.
In controlling animal disease epidemics, the most important thing is to identify animal farms where there are animals affected by the disease. In the monitoring of animal diseases, diseases are best found by examining sick or recently dead animals, because in them the infection is most likely to be active and the probability of finding the cause of the disease is also the highest. By killing infected and exposed animals, the infection pressure can be reduced in the most effective way.
Monitoring of various animal diseases is carried out continuously at the Food Agency, and the need to expand the monitoring program is evaluated as necessary. Regarding bird flu, it has been decided to investigate all fur farms.
(Continue . . . )
There are also media reports this morning (see New rules are planned for fur farms) indicating that Finland's Ministry of Agriculture is planning to require stronger bio-security procedures at fur farms to prevent the entry of avian flu, but those changes may still be months away.
Meanwhile, H5N1 marches on.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/08/finland-food-safety-authority-to-test.html
#17,631
Amid media reports this morning that another 5 Finnish fur farms are under investigation for possible H5N1 infection (see YLE report Food Agency: Five new fur farms are being investigated for bird flu) - which, if confirmed, would bring the total to 30 - we've a report from Ruokavirasto to begin testing all 130 mink farms in the country.
As reported last week, eventually all 400 fur farms in the country will be tested, but that will take several months to complete. The first phase, involving high risk mink farms (see PNAS: Mink Farming Poses Risks for Future Viral Pandemics), appears to have begun.
Today's (translated) statement from the Food Agency.
Avian influenza monitoring for all fur farms is started from minks
August 23, 2023
At the beginning of September, the Finnish Food Agency will start bird flu monitoring for all fur farms. In the first phase of monitoring, the presence of the bird flu virus in minks from fur farms is investigated, because bird flu infections in minks pose a greater health risk to humans than bird flu infections in foxes and raccoons . Samples are taken from each of Finland's approximately 130 mink farms.
Mink is a particularly problematic animal species when it comes to avian influenza virus infections. In the mink's upper respiratory tract, there are receptors that bind both bird and human influenza viruses, which is why mink are susceptible to infections caused by both types of influenza. The simultaneous infection of these viruses in mink can cause the emergence of a new type of virus variant, which may be more susceptible to infecting humans.
The first phase of the monitoring is to be completed by the end of October, after which we will move on to the monitoring and sampling of the fox and raccoon kennels. Blood samples are taken from fur farms for antibody tests, and animals that have died or are euthanized by themselves are taken to detect the virus. Samples are taken by municipal veterinarians and samplers authorized by the Food Agency. The samples are examined in the Food Agency's laboratory. The samples are also examined for the presence of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) at the same time.
The infection was found in 25 fur farms
The bird flu epidemic started in fur farms in Ostrobothnia in mid-July. The first infected fur farm was found in the Food Agency's laboratory tests on July 13, and since then bird flu infections have been confirmed at a total of 25 fur farms.
For these shelters, shelter-specific reports on the infection situation have been made and a total of approximately 120,000 animals have been ordered to be euthanized. Termination orders have been issued to 13 shelters so far, and terminations are still ongoing in one shelter. In total, there are approximately 400 fur farms in Finland, which are estimated to have 1.3 million fur animals. After the autumn skinning, there are about 300,000 animals left in the shelters.
In controlling animal disease epidemics, the most important thing is to identify animal farms where there are animals affected by the disease. In the monitoring of animal diseases, diseases are best found by examining sick or recently dead animals, because in them the infection is most likely to be active and the probability of finding the cause of the disease is also the highest. By killing infected and exposed animals, the infection pressure can be reduced in the most effective way.
Monitoring of various animal diseases is carried out continuously at the Food Agency, and the need to expand the monitoring program is evaluated as necessary. Regarding bird flu, it has been decided to investigate all fur farms.
(Continue . . . )
There are also media reports this morning (see New rules are planned for fur farms) indicating that Finland's Ministry of Agriculture is planning to require stronger bio-security procedures at fur farms to prevent the entry of avian flu, but those changes may still be months away.
Meanwhile, H5N1 marches on.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/08/finland-food-safety-authority-to-test.html
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 6
REPORT ID
FUR_162460
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/08/24
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
American Mink (WILD)
NEW 10000 0 0 - 0 0
TOTAL 28900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 4200 4 4 - - -
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW 10800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 167643 75 75 - 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 39940 19 19 - - -
All species
NEW 20800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 240683 115 115 - 0 0
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...
NEW OUTBREAKS
OB_124320 - 25 - KAUHAVA
OUTBREAK REFERENCE
25
START DATE
2023/07/21
END DATE
-
DETAILED CHARACTERISATION
-
FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Länsi- ja Sisä-Suomen aluehallintovirasto
SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Etelä-Pohjanmaa
THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Kauhava
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
Farm
LOCATION
Kauhava
Latitude, Longitude
63.09985 , 23.0706
(Approximate location)
OUTBREAKS IN CLUSTER
-
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
-
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Arctic Fox (WILD)
Captive
NEW 10800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 10800 1 1 - 0 0
American Mink (WILD)
Captive
NEW 10000 0 0 - 0 0
TOTAL 10000 0 0 - 0 0
All species
NEW 20800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 20800 1 1 - 0 0
...
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS
OB_123093 - 21 - VÖYRI
OB_121770 - 1 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122644 - 20 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122629 - 15 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122136 - 6 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122107 - 2 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122638 - 14 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122146 - 9 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122110 - 5 - KAUHAVA
OB_122636 - 16 - KAUHAVA
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122632 - 13 - KAUHAVA
OB_122628 - 10 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_122128 - 3 - HALSUA
OB_122130 - 4 - KORTESJÄRVI
OB_122640 - 17 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 6
REPORT ID
FUR_162460
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/08/24
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
American Mink (WILD)
NEW 10000 0 0 - 0 0
TOTAL 28900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 4200 4 4 - - -
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW 10800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 167643 75 75 - 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 39940 19 19 - - -
All species
NEW 20800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 240683 115 115 - 0 0
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...
NEW OUTBREAKS
OB_124320 - 25 - KAUHAVA
OUTBREAK REFERENCE
25
START DATE
2023/07/21
END DATE
-
DETAILED CHARACTERISATION
-
FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Länsi- ja Sisä-Suomen aluehallintovirasto
SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Etelä-Pohjanmaa
THIRD ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Kauhava
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL UNIT
Farm
LOCATION
Kauhava
Latitude, Longitude
63.09985 , 23.0706
(Approximate location)
OUTBREAKS IN CLUSTER
-
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
AFFECTED POPULATION DESCRIPTION
-
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Arctic Fox (WILD)
Captive
NEW 10800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 10800 1 1 - 0 0
American Mink (WILD)
Captive
NEW 10000 0 0 - 0 0
TOTAL 10000 0 0 - 0 0
All species
NEW 20800 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 20800 1 1 - 0 0
...
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS
OB_123093 - 21 - VÖYRI
OB_121770 - 1 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122644 - 20 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122629 - 15 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122136 - 6 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122107 - 2 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122638 - 14 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122146 - 9 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122110 - 5 - KAUHAVA
OB_122636 - 16 - KAUHAVA
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122632 - 13 - KAUHAVA
OB_122628 - 10 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_122128 - 3 - HALSUA
OB_122130 - 4 - KORTESJÄRVI
OB_122640 - 17 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 7
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 7
REPORT ID
FUR_162567
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/08/31
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Otter (WILD)
NEW - 1 1 - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 - - -
American Mink (WILD)
NEW 19000 - - - 0 0
TOTAL 47900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW 6000 - - - 0 0
TOTAL 10200 4 4 - 0 0
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW 2330 5 - - 0 0
TOTAL 175373 80 75 - 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 13640 11 11 - 0 0
All species
NEW 27330 7 2 - 0 0
TOTAL 247113 113 108 - 0
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...
NEW OUTBREAKS
OB_124519 - WILD2 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_124517 - WILD1 - HALSUA
OB_124514 - 26 - KAUSTINEN
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122628 - 10 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123093 - 21 - VÖYRI
OB_122640 - 17 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122629 - 15 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122110 - 5 - KAUHAVA
OB_122632 - 13 - KAUHAVA
OB_121770 - 1 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122644 - 20 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122136 - 6 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122107 - 2 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122638 - 14 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122146 - 9 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122636 - 16 - KAUHAVA
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122128 - 3 - HALSUA
OB_122130 - 4 - KORTESJÄRVI
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS
OB_124320 - 25 - KAUHAVA
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 7
REPORT ID
FUR_162567
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/08/31
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Otter (WILD)
NEW - 1 1 - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 - - -
American Mink (WILD)
NEW 19000 - - - 0 0
TOTAL 47900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW 6000 - - - 0 0
TOTAL 10200 4 4 - 0 0
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW 2330 5 - - 0 0
TOTAL 175373 80 75 - 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - 1 1 - 0 0
TOTAL 13640 11 11 - 0 0
All species
NEW 27330 7 2 - 0 0
TOTAL 247113 113 108 - 0
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...
NEW OUTBREAKS
OB_124519 - WILD2 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_124517 - WILD1 - HALSUA
OB_124514 - 26 - KAUSTINEN
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122628 - 10 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123093 - 21 - VÖYRI
OB_122640 - 17 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122629 - 15 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122110 - 5 - KAUHAVA
OB_122632 - 13 - KAUHAVA
OB_121770 - 1 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122644 - 20 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122136 - 6 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122107 - 2 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122638 - 14 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122146 - 9 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122636 - 16 - KAUHAVA
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122128 - 3 - HALSUA
OB_122130 - 4 - KORTESJÄRVI
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS
OB_124320 - 25 - KAUHAVA
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
Michael Coston
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland Food Safety Authority Orders All Animals From Bird Flu Infected Fur Farms Be Euthanized
#17,672
It's been two months since the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) issued their first statement on the detection of HPAI H5N1 in farmed blue foxes at 5 fur farms in Southern and Central Ostrobothnia.
Within a week, the outbreak had spread to 10 farms and the first reports of mammalian viral adaptions (PB2-E627K) began to emerge (see Preliminary Sequencing Of H5N1 In Fur Farms). In addition to blue foxes, mink and raccoons were also listed as infected.
For the first few weeks, despite international expressions of concern (see PNAS: Mink Farming Poses Risks for Future Viral Pandemics), Finnish authorities declined to order the culling of infected animals. Fur farms are big business in that part of the world, and have a strong lobby.
On August 1st, the food safety authorityannounced the decision to cull all of the mink housed at 3 H5N1 affected farms, stating that `Decisions to cull other animals will be made on a case-by-case basis'.
A little more than a week later (Aug 8th), Finland's Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) released a strong statementurging the Food Authority to take more decisive actions, warning:
Although mink is considered to be the most problematic animal species in terms of avian influenza virus infections, there are also risks associated with bird flu epidemics in dense, large animal populations of foxes and other fur-bearing animals, that the virus becomes more adaptable to mammals.
A week later Ruokavirasto pledged to test all of the fur farms in the country (n > 400), but stated it would take months to complete. Since then, number of official reported infected farm remains at 26, and we've seen few updates over the past 3 weeks.
Today, more than two months into this crisis, the Food Agency announced the decision to cull all animals on infected farms, regardless of their species, following the detection of worrisome mammalian adaptation in foxes and raccoons.
(translation)
The concern, particularly with high density animal farms, is that it provides the virus with an ideal environment to spread from mammal to mammal. Long chains of infection (see graphic below) can provide the virus with additional opportunities to adapt to a new host species, furthering its evolution.
While fur farms aren't the only place where these conditions exist (see Study: Seroconversion of a Swine Herd in a Free-Range Rural Multi-Species Farm against HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b Clade Virus), mink (along with foxes and raccoons) are particularly susceptible to influenza A viruses and they are usually raised in extremely close quarters facilitating transmission.
We aren't getting daily updates on their testing progress, but with more than 400 fur farms to test, they've probably only sampled a small fraction of the susceptible population.
And even if a farm tests clean today, that doesn't prevent the virus from gaining entry tomorrow. With rising levels of H5N1 in the environment - even with better biosecurity - fur farms make for excellent flu factories.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/09/finland-food-safety-authority-orders.html
#17,672
It's been two months since the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) issued their first statement on the detection of HPAI H5N1 in farmed blue foxes at 5 fur farms in Southern and Central Ostrobothnia.
Within a week, the outbreak had spread to 10 farms and the first reports of mammalian viral adaptions (PB2-E627K) began to emerge (see Preliminary Sequencing Of H5N1 In Fur Farms). In addition to blue foxes, mink and raccoons were also listed as infected.
For the first few weeks, despite international expressions of concern (see PNAS: Mink Farming Poses Risks for Future Viral Pandemics), Finnish authorities declined to order the culling of infected animals. Fur farms are big business in that part of the world, and have a strong lobby.
On August 1st, the food safety authorityannounced the decision to cull all of the mink housed at 3 H5N1 affected farms, stating that `Decisions to cull other animals will be made on a case-by-case basis'.
A little more than a week later (Aug 8th), Finland's Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) released a strong statementurging the Food Authority to take more decisive actions, warning:
Although mink is considered to be the most problematic animal species in terms of avian influenza virus infections, there are also risks associated with bird flu epidemics in dense, large animal populations of foxes and other fur-bearing animals, that the virus becomes more adaptable to mammals.
A week later Ruokavirasto pledged to test all of the fur farms in the country (n > 400), but stated it would take months to complete. Since then, number of official reported infected farm remains at 26, and we've seen few updates over the past 3 weeks.
Today, more than two months into this crisis, the Food Agency announced the decision to cull all animals on infected farms, regardless of their species, following the detection of worrisome mammalian adaptation in foxes and raccoons.
(translation)
The Food Agency orders all animals to be euthanized from fur farms infected with bird flu
13 September 2023
The Food Agency orders all foxes and raccoons to be euthanized from fur farms that have been found to be infected with bird flu. All minks have already been ordered to be killed from breeding farms. The reason for terminations is to protect people's health.
Sequencing studies have been carried out on avian influenza viruses isolated from fur farms, in which the virus's genome and the changes occurring in it are investigated. Sequence analysis supports the indications that the viruses have also spread from fur animals to other fur animals in animal shelters, not only from birds to fur animals. In addition to droplet infection, infection from animal to animal can occur as a contact infection via animal secretions (especially saliva), feed or contaminated bedding and care equipment. It is not necessarily possible to find out the route of infection after the fact.
The longer viruses can circulate in mammals, the greater the risk of mutations that can cause infections in humans as well. So far, worrisome mutations that facilitate the transmission of the virus to a mammal have been identified in the genome of six viruses isolated from fur farm animals. Mutations have been found in minks, foxes and raccoons. Research on virus strains in fur farms continues in cooperation with the EU bird flu reference laboratory.
The symptoms of animals infected with bird flu can vary from severe to very mild, and the infection can also be asymptomatic in animals. This is why it is important to start inspections also in fur farms where no symptomatic animals have been found. In fur farms infected with avian flu, demonstrating freedom from infection with sufficient certainty would require taking such a large number of samples from the fur farm that it is not practically possible to do so. Latent infections in asymptomatic animals would cause an occupational health and safety risk for workers during skinning, and the risk of infection to humans would continue even after the skinning season.
The Food Agency's new cull decisions concern approximately 115,000 animals, of which 109,000 are foxes and 6,000 raccoons. In addition, the Food Agency has previously ordered the cull of approximately 135,000 animals, of which 50,000 are minks, 79,000 foxes, and 6,000 raccoons. at a fur farm in Ostrobothnia. Of these 11 shelters, all the animals have been ordered to be euthanized so far, and some of the animals from five shelters. In addition, 10 shelters have not yet been closed down. Now all the remaining animals in these shelters are ordered to be euthanized.
Termination decisions concerning foxes and raccoons were previously made on the basis of a case-by-case assessment. The evaluation was influenced by how widely and with how strong the symptoms of infection have been found at the shelter.
13 September 2023
The Food Agency orders all foxes and raccoons to be euthanized from fur farms that have been found to be infected with bird flu. All minks have already been ordered to be killed from breeding farms. The reason for terminations is to protect people's health.
Sequencing studies have been carried out on avian influenza viruses isolated from fur farms, in which the virus's genome and the changes occurring in it are investigated. Sequence analysis supports the indications that the viruses have also spread from fur animals to other fur animals in animal shelters, not only from birds to fur animals. In addition to droplet infection, infection from animal to animal can occur as a contact infection via animal secretions (especially saliva), feed or contaminated bedding and care equipment. It is not necessarily possible to find out the route of infection after the fact.
The longer viruses can circulate in mammals, the greater the risk of mutations that can cause infections in humans as well. So far, worrisome mutations that facilitate the transmission of the virus to a mammal have been identified in the genome of six viruses isolated from fur farm animals. Mutations have been found in minks, foxes and raccoons. Research on virus strains in fur farms continues in cooperation with the EU bird flu reference laboratory.
The symptoms of animals infected with bird flu can vary from severe to very mild, and the infection can also be asymptomatic in animals. This is why it is important to start inspections also in fur farms where no symptomatic animals have been found. In fur farms infected with avian flu, demonstrating freedom from infection with sufficient certainty would require taking such a large number of samples from the fur farm that it is not practically possible to do so. Latent infections in asymptomatic animals would cause an occupational health and safety risk for workers during skinning, and the risk of infection to humans would continue even after the skinning season.
The Food Agency's new cull decisions concern approximately 115,000 animals, of which 109,000 are foxes and 6,000 raccoons. In addition, the Food Agency has previously ordered the cull of approximately 135,000 animals, of which 50,000 are minks, 79,000 foxes, and 6,000 raccoons. at a fur farm in Ostrobothnia. Of these 11 shelters, all the animals have been ordered to be euthanized so far, and some of the animals from five shelters. In addition, 10 shelters have not yet been closed down. Now all the remaining animals in these shelters are ordered to be euthanized.
Termination decisions concerning foxes and raccoons were previously made on the basis of a case-by-case assessment. The evaluation was influenced by how widely and with how strong the symptoms of infection have been found at the shelter.
More information:
Head of department Terhi Laaksonen, tel. 029 520 4530 (animal disease control)
Research professor Tuija Gadd, tel. 029 520 4183 (virological studies)
E-mails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
Head of department Terhi Laaksonen, tel. 029 520 4530 (animal disease control)
Research professor Tuija Gadd, tel. 029 520 4183 (virological studies)
E-mails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
The concern, particularly with high density animal farms, is that it provides the virus with an ideal environment to spread from mammal to mammal. Long chains of infection (see graphic below) can provide the virus with additional opportunities to adapt to a new host species, furthering its evolution.
While fur farms aren't the only place where these conditions exist (see Study: Seroconversion of a Swine Herd in a Free-Range Rural Multi-Species Farm against HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b Clade Virus), mink (along with foxes and raccoons) are particularly susceptible to influenza A viruses and they are usually raised in extremely close quarters facilitating transmission.
We aren't getting daily updates on their testing progress, but with more than 400 fur farms to test, they've probably only sampled a small fraction of the susceptible population.
And even if a farm tests clean today, that doesn't prevent the virus from gaining entry tomorrow. With rising levels of H5N1 in the environment - even with better biosecurity - fur farms make for excellent flu factories.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/09/finland-food-safety-authority-orders.html
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 9
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 9
REPORT ID
FUR_162763
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/09/14
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Otter (WILD) NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 - - -
American Mink (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 47900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 10200 4 4 - 0 0
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW - 446 446 3150 - -
TOTAL 175373 526 521 3150 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 13640 11 11 - 0 0
All species
NEW - 446 446 3150 - -
TOTAL 247113 559 554 3150 0 0
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122136 - 6 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122640 - 17 - KAUSTINEN
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS
OB_124519 - WILD2 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_124517 - WILD1 - HALSUA
OB_124514 - 26 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122628 - 10 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123093 - 21 - VÖYRI
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122629 - 15 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122110 - 5 - KAUHAVA
OB_122632 - 13 - KAUHAVA
OB_121770 - 1 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122644 - 20 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122107 - 2 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122638 - 14 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122146 - 9 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122636 - 16 - KAUHAVA
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122128 - 3 - HALSUA
OB_122130 - 4 - KORTESJÄRVI
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
OB_124320 - 25 - KAUHAVA
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 9
REPORT ID
FUR_162763
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/09/14
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Otter (WILD) NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 - - -
American Mink (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 47900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 10200 4 4 - 0 0
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW - 446 446 3150 - -
TOTAL 175373 526 521 3150 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 13640 11 11 - 0 0
All species
NEW - 446 446 3150 - -
TOTAL 247113 559 554 3150 0 0
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
...
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122136 - 6 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122640 - 17 - KAUSTINEN
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED OUTBREAKS
OB_124519 - WILD2 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_124517 - WILD1 - HALSUA
OB_124514 - 26 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122628 - 10 - EVIJÄRVI
OB_123512 - 24 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123093 - 21 - VÖYRI
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122629 - 15 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122110 - 5 - KAUHAVA
OB_122632 - 13 - KAUHAVA
OB_121770 - 1 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122644 - 20 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122107 - 2 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122638 - 14 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122146 - 9 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122636 - 16 - KAUHAVA
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122128 - 3 - HALSUA
OB_122130 - 4 - KORTESJÄRVI
OB_122642 - 19 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123556 - 18 - KAUSTINEN
OB_123511 - 23 - KANNUS
OB_123510 - 22 - KAUSTINEN
OB_124320 - 25 - KAUHAVA
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 10
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 10
REPORT ID
FUR_162871
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/09/21
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Otter (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 - - -
American Mink (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 47900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL10200 4 4 - 0 0
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW - 1289 1289 5400 - -
TOTAL 175373 1815 1810 8550 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - 114 114 1980 - -
TOTAL 13640 125 125 1980 0 0
All species
NEW - 1403 1403 7380 - -
TOTAL 247113 1962 1957 10530 0 0
...
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
-
CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE
-
SELF-DECLARATION
NO
REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 10
REPORT ID
FUR_162871
REPORT REFERENCE
-
REPORT DATE
2023/09/21
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
-
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated
Otter (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL - 1 1 - - -
American Mink (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL 47900 17 17 - 0 0
Raccoon dog (WILD)
NEW - - - - - -
TOTAL10200 4 4 - 0 0
Arctic Fox (WILD)
NEW - 1289 1289 5400 - -
TOTAL 175373 1815 1810 8550 0 0
Red Fox (WILD)
NEW - 114 114 1980 - -
TOTAL 13640 125 125 1980 0 0
All species
NEW - 1403 1403 7380 - -
TOTAL 247113 1962 1957 10530 0 0
...
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_122631 - 12 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122630 - 11 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122142 - 8 - KAUSTINEN
OB_122138 - 7 - KAUSTINEN
...
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
Michael Coston
Editor, Senior Moderator
Finland: Food Safety Authority Reports 27th Fur Farm Infected With HPAI H5N1 (1st in North Ostrobothnia)
#17,697
After 20 Finnish Fur farms were found to be infected with H5N1 avian flu in the second half of July, the number of new cases has slowed (see chart below) - but as today's report shows - the threat is not over.
Today, for the first time in nearly a month - and in a previously unaffected region (North Ostrobothnia) - the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) has announced a new detection of the avian flu virus in a mink farm.
First today's (translated) announcement, after which I'll return with more.
A bird flu case in mink found in Northern Ostrobothnia
28 September 2023
Avian flu infection of fur animals has been found in farmed minks in Alavieska. This is the first case of bird flu in a fur farm in North Ostrobothnia. The case shows that the risk of bird flu infections is not over yet, and it is necessary to continue protective measures in fur farms.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found in a total of 27 fur farms. Except for the last one, these cases were found in the provinces of South and Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia in July-August.
The Alavieska bird flu case was discovered by the Food Agency on September 27 in investigations that were conducted after the owner of the fur farm reported the symptoms and deaths of the animals to the municipal veterinarian. The Food Agency orders all animals of the fur farm to be euthanized due to bird flu infection. The source of infection in the shelter is being investigated.
The bird flu survey for all fur farms in Finland has started in September. Sampling has progressed as planned. The first results of the survey are to be published at the beginning of next week (week 40).
As we've discussed numerous times over the years (see last January's That Touch of Mink Flu (2023 Edition), mink are particularly susceptible to COVID and Influenza A infection, raising concerns that they could act as a mixing vessel (see graphic below), possibly leading to the creation of a more dangerous virus.
This concern was well addressed a couple of months ago by two well known UK virologists in an opinion piece published in the Journal PNAS :
On August 1st, the food safety authority announced the decision to cull all of the mink housed at 3 H5N1 affected farms, stating that `Decisions to cull other animals will be made on a case-by-case basis'.
A little more than a week later (Aug 8th), Finland's Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) released a strong statementurging the Food Authority to take more decisive actions, warning:
Although mink is considered to be the most problematic animal species in terms of avian influenza virus infections, there are also risks associated with bird flu epidemics in dense, large animal populations of foxes and other fur-bearing animals, that the virus becomes more adaptable to mammals.
A week later Ruokavirasto pledged to test all of the fur farms in the country (n > 400), but stated it would take months to complete. Two weeks ago (Sept 13th), the Food Safety Authority finally ordered All Animals From Bird Flu Infected Fur Farms Be Euthanized.
We should see the first results from their survey of fur farms next week, but even if a farm tests clean today, that doesn't mean the virus can't gain entry tomorrow.
By now, presumably farm biosecurity has been improved across Finland, and yet new premises continue to be infected. With migratory birds returning from their summer roosting places, the risks of new outbreaks are only likely to increase this fall and winter.
The fur trade remains a major industry in parts of Northern Europe, Russia, North America, and China - but by raising thousands of these highly susceptible animals in extremely tight quarters - we risk giving avian flu (or COVID) a dangerous evolutionary advantage.
For more on this topic, you may wish to revisit:
Spain: Avian H5N1 Spillover Into Farmed Mink
Eurosurveillance: HPAI A(H5N1) Virus Infection in Farmed Minks, Spain, October 2022
Denmark SSI: Low to Moderate Risk of Human Infection With Bird Flu From Mink
.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/09/finland-food-safety-authority-reports.html
#17,697
After 20 Finnish Fur farms were found to be infected with H5N1 avian flu in the second half of July, the number of new cases has slowed (see chart below) - but as today's report shows - the threat is not over.
Today, for the first time in nearly a month - and in a previously unaffected region (North Ostrobothnia) - the Finnish Food Safety Authority (Ruokavirasto) has announced a new detection of the avian flu virus in a mink farm.
First today's (translated) announcement, after which I'll return with more.
A bird flu case in mink found in Northern Ostrobothnia
28 September 2023
Avian flu infection of fur animals has been found in farmed minks in Alavieska. This is the first case of bird flu in a fur farm in North Ostrobothnia. The case shows that the risk of bird flu infections is not over yet, and it is necessary to continue protective measures in fur farms.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found in a total of 27 fur farms. Except for the last one, these cases were found in the provinces of South and Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia in July-August.
The Alavieska bird flu case was discovered by the Food Agency on September 27 in investigations that were conducted after the owner of the fur farm reported the symptoms and deaths of the animals to the municipal veterinarian. The Food Agency orders all animals of the fur farm to be euthanized due to bird flu infection. The source of infection in the shelter is being investigated.
The bird flu survey for all fur farms in Finland has started in September. Sampling has progressed as planned. The first results of the survey are to be published at the beginning of next week (week 40).
More information:
Head of department Terhi Laaksonen, tel. 029 520 4530 (animal disease control)
Research professor Tuija Gadd, tel. 029 520 4183 (virological studies)
E-mails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
Head of department Terhi Laaksonen, tel. 029 520 4530 (animal disease control)
Research professor Tuija Gadd, tel. 029 520 4183 (virological studies)
E-mails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
As we've discussed numerous times over the years (see last January's That Touch of Mink Flu (2023 Edition), mink are particularly susceptible to COVID and Influenza A infection, raising concerns that they could act as a mixing vessel (see graphic below), possibly leading to the creation of a more dangerous virus.
This concern was well addressed a couple of months ago by two well known UK virologists in an opinion piece published in the Journal PNAS :
On August 1st, the food safety authority announced the decision to cull all of the mink housed at 3 H5N1 affected farms, stating that `Decisions to cull other animals will be made on a case-by-case basis'.
A little more than a week later (Aug 8th), Finland's Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) released a strong statementurging the Food Authority to take more decisive actions, warning:
Although mink is considered to be the most problematic animal species in terms of avian influenza virus infections, there are also risks associated with bird flu epidemics in dense, large animal populations of foxes and other fur-bearing animals, that the virus becomes more adaptable to mammals.
A week later Ruokavirasto pledged to test all of the fur farms in the country (n > 400), but stated it would take months to complete. Two weeks ago (Sept 13th), the Food Safety Authority finally ordered All Animals From Bird Flu Infected Fur Farms Be Euthanized.
We should see the first results from their survey of fur farms next week, but even if a farm tests clean today, that doesn't mean the virus can't gain entry tomorrow.
By now, presumably farm biosecurity has been improved across Finland, and yet new premises continue to be infected. With migratory birds returning from their summer roosting places, the risks of new outbreaks are only likely to increase this fall and winter.
The fur trade remains a major industry in parts of Northern Europe, Russia, North America, and China - but by raising thousands of these highly susceptible animals in extremely tight quarters - we risk giving avian flu (or COVID) a dangerous evolutionary advantage.
For more on this topic, you may wish to revisit:
Spain: Avian H5N1 Spillover Into Farmed Mink
Eurosurveillance: HPAI A(H5N1) Virus Infection in Farmed Minks, Spain, October 2022
Denmark SSI: Low to Moderate Risk of Human Infection With Bird Flu From Mink
.
https://afludiary.blogspot.com/2023/09/finland-food-safety-authority-reports.html
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
A bird flu case in mink found in Northern Ostrobothnia
Food Agency 28/09/2023, 10:24
Avian flu infection of fur animals has been found in farmed minks in Alavieska. This is the first case of bird flu in a fur farm in North Ostrobothnia. The case shows that the risk of bird flu infections is not over yet, and it is necessary to continue protective measures in fur farms.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found in a total of 27 fur farms. Except for the last one, these cases were found in the provinces of South and Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia in July-August.
The Alavieska bird flu case was discovered by the Food Agency on September 27 in investigations that were conducted after the owner of the fur farm reported the symptoms and deaths of the animals to the municipal veterinarian. The Food Agency orders all animals of the fur farm to be euthanized due to bird flu infection. The source of infection in the shelter is being investigated.
The bird flu survey for all fur farms in Finland has started in September. Sampling has progressed as planned. The first results of the survey are to be published at the beginning of next week (week 40).
More information:
Head of department Terhi Laaksonen, tel. 029 520 4530 (animal disease control)
Research professor Tuija Gadd, tel. 029 520 4183 (virological studies)
Emails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
https://www.epressi.com/tiedotteet/...-todettu-lintuinfluenssatapaus-minkeissa.html
A bird flu case in mink found in Northern Ostrobothnia
Food Agency 28/09/2023, 10:24
Avian flu infection of fur animals has been found in farmed minks in Alavieska. This is the first case of bird flu in a fur farm in North Ostrobothnia. The case shows that the risk of bird flu infections is not over yet, and it is necessary to continue protective measures in fur farms.
Highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been found in a total of 27 fur farms. Except for the last one, these cases were found in the provinces of South and Central Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia in July-August.
The Alavieska bird flu case was discovered by the Food Agency on September 27 in investigations that were conducted after the owner of the fur farm reported the symptoms and deaths of the animals to the municipal veterinarian. The Food Agency orders all animals of the fur farm to be euthanized due to bird flu infection. The source of infection in the shelter is being investigated.
The bird flu survey for all fur farms in Finland has started in September. Sampling has progressed as planned. The first results of the survey are to be published at the beginning of next week (week 40).
More information:
Head of department Terhi Laaksonen, tel. 029 520 4530 (animal disease control)
Research professor Tuija Gadd, tel. 029 520 4183 (virological studies)
Emails: firstname.surname@ruokavirasto.fi
https://www.epressi.com/tiedotteet/...-todettu-lintuinfluenssatapaus-minkeissa.html
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 11
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 11
REPORT ID
FUR_162981
REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/09/28
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American Mink (WILD)NEW300044---TOTAL509002121-00 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL1020044-00 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW30000----TOTAL17837318151810855000 Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL13640125125198000 All speciesNEW600044---TOTAL253113196619611053000
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE - CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE - SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 11
REPORT ID
FUR_162981
REPORT REFERENCE - REPORT DATE
2023/09/28
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Unknown or inconclusive
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Update on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American Mink (WILD)NEW300044---TOTAL509002121-00 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL1020044-00 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW30000----TOTAL17837318151810855000 Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL13640125125198000 All speciesNEW600044---TOTAL253113196619611053000
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test
| Gene sequencing | Finnish Food Authority | Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,American Mink,Otter | 29 | 2023/07/13 | 2023/09/27 | Positive |
| Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) | Finnish Food Authority | Arctic Fox,Red Fox,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Otter | 28 | 2023/07/12 | 2023/09/26 | Positive |
| Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) | Finnish Food Authority | Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,Otter,Red Fox,American Mink | 29 | 2023/07/12 | 2023/09/25 | Positive |
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
[FONT=var(--yja-heading-font-family]The new regulation obliges fur farms to be protected with nets and other measures to combat bird flu[/FONT]
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
16.1.2024 12.17 RELEASE
The regulation stipulates the measures that must be taken at fur farms in order to avoid contact of fur animals with birds and other harmful animals and their excrement. The openings of shelters, halls and other animal holding facilities in fur farms must be closed with either a net or other material so that birds cannot get inside the animal facilities. If a net is used, its mesh size may not exceed 25 x 25 mm. The access of seagulls under the cages and on the outside of the cages and possibly on top of the water pipes must be prevented between April 15 and October 31, when the seagulls are most likely to be in the area. This can be done either by installing a net per shade house from the eaves to the ground, or by installing a net between the eaves of the shade houses, preventing birds from flying under and next to the shade houses. The mesh size or material of the temporary net is not regulated.
The regulation also stipulates measures to combat other harmful animals. For example, vegetation must be kept short at a distance of two meters from buildings. The seagull net to be installed between the shade houses must be able to be moved out of the way to mow the grass or while spreading the manure. The material must be durable, and efforts must be made to prevent birds from getting caught in the net.
The decree also provides for the safe distribution of feed and the protection of feed stocks. Feeding and watering must be done in such a way that bird droppings do not contaminate feed or drinking water. The feed must be stored in closed containers, and the doors of the feed stores must be kept closed whenever the feed is not being moved, so that birds cannot fly into the feed storage areas.
In Finland, bird flu was found in fur animals for the first time in the summer of 2023. Infection has now been found in a total of 71 fur farms. Bird flu in fur animals is taken seriously, because the disease can become more easily contagious to humans in mammals. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has designated avian influenza in fur animals as another animal disease to be combated. As disease control measures, fur animals infected with avian flu are euthanized. In those fur farms that have so far been spared from infection, it is especially important to protect fur animals from birds and their excrement in order to avoid a similar epidemic in the future. The regulation entered into force on January 15, 2024 and will apply from April 15, 2024.
https://mmm.fi/-/uusi-asetus-velvoi...-toimenpiteilla-lintuinfluenssan-torjumiseksi
[FONT=var(--yja-heading-font-family]The new regulation obliges fur farms to be protected with nets and other measures to combat bird flu[/FONT]
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
16.1.2024 12.17 RELEASE
[FONT=var(--yja-font-family-base)]The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has issued a decree on the protection of fur animals from bird flu transmitted from wild birds.[/FONT]
The regulation stipulates the measures that must be taken at fur farms in order to avoid contact of fur animals with birds and other harmful animals and their excrement. The openings of shelters, halls and other animal holding facilities in fur farms must be closed with either a net or other material so that birds cannot get inside the animal facilities. If a net is used, its mesh size may not exceed 25 x 25 mm. The access of seagulls under the cages and on the outside of the cages and possibly on top of the water pipes must be prevented between April 15 and October 31, when the seagulls are most likely to be in the area. This can be done either by installing a net per shade house from the eaves to the ground, or by installing a net between the eaves of the shade houses, preventing birds from flying under and next to the shade houses. The mesh size or material of the temporary net is not regulated.
The regulation also stipulates measures to combat other harmful animals. For example, vegetation must be kept short at a distance of two meters from buildings. The seagull net to be installed between the shade houses must be able to be moved out of the way to mow the grass or while spreading the manure. The material must be durable, and efforts must be made to prevent birds from getting caught in the net.
The decree also provides for the safe distribution of feed and the protection of feed stocks. Feeding and watering must be done in such a way that bird droppings do not contaminate feed or drinking water. The feed must be stored in closed containers, and the doors of the feed stores must be kept closed whenever the feed is not being moved, so that birds cannot fly into the feed storage areas.
In Finland, bird flu was found in fur animals for the first time in the summer of 2023. Infection has now been found in a total of 71 fur farms. Bird flu in fur animals is taken seriously, because the disease can become more easily contagious to humans in mammals. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has designated avian influenza in fur animals as another animal disease to be combated. As disease control measures, fur animals infected with avian flu are euthanized. In those fur farms that have so far been spared from infection, it is especially important to protect fur animals from birds and their excrement in order to avoid a similar epidemic in the future. The regulation entered into force on January 15, 2024 and will apply from April 15, 2024.
https://mmm.fi/-/uusi-asetus-velvoi...-toimenpiteilla-lintuinfluenssan-torjumiseksi
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 40
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE- CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 40
REPORT ID
FUR_166999
REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/04/18
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL250--25000 American Mink (WILD)NEW------TOTAL1244803638363012085000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL2049026212046900 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW---1150000TOTAL303116110211089329152600 Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL237192872822343700 All speciesNEW---1150000TOTAL472055149751482945653200
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5119
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_127883 - 58 - KALAJOKI
OB_127318 - 32 - MERIKARVIA
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5119
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2023/06/30
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE- CONFIRMATION DATE
2023/07/13
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 40
REPORT ID
FUR_166999
REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/04/18
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
- Unknown or inconclusive
Note: previously published precise location data of the outbreaks was changed to approximate in follow-up report 3 to insure privacy of the farmers. Follow-up report on 24.8.2023: Several HPAI H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms raising arctic foxes, silver foxes, American minks and raccoon dogs have been detected. Wild birds are currently considered the most likely source of the infection, based on epidemiological investigations and sequencing of the viruses. The competent authority has imposed restrictive orders on infected fur animal farms. All minks from the infected farms are culled. Other fur animals from infected farms are culled based on the decisions that are made on a case-by-case basis and do not necessarily apply to all animals on the farm. In addition, samples are taken from infected farms to monitor the course of the epidemic. If the virus is detected, the culling will continue. Veterinary authorities are working in tight collaboration with the public health authority. Improved biosecurity measures and use of personal protection equipment on fur farms are encouraged. Follow-up report on 5.10.2023: Starting from 11 September 2023, a new culling policy has been adopted and all animals on HPAI virus-positive farms, including foxes and common raccoon dogs, are culled. Note on 30/11/2023: Outbreak OB_127861 - 49 - UUSIKAARLEPYY previously reported was deleted in follow-up report No. 20 after further testing confirmed that it was negative. Note on 22/12/2023: After further data received from the country, the number of susceptible animals was lowered in the following outbreaks: ob_127504/35, ob_127506/36, ob_127508/38, ob_127512/42 and ob_127881/56.
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-22--- Eurasian Lynx (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Sable (WILD)NEW------TOTAL250--25000 American Mink (WILD)NEW------TOTAL1244803638363012085000 Raccoon dog (WILD)NEW------TOTAL2049026212046900 Arctic Fox (WILD)NEW---1150000TOTAL303116110211089329152600 Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL237192872822343700 All speciesNEW---1150000TOTAL472055149751482945653200
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test
| Haemagglutination inhibition assay for antibody detection (Ab HI) | Finnish Food Authority | Arctic Fox,American Mink,Red Fox,Raccoon dog | 44 | 2023/10/05 | 2023/12/21 | Positive |
| Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) | Finnish Food Authority | Red Fox,American Mink,Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog | 44 | 2023/09/18 | 2023/12/20 | Positive |
| Gene sequencing | Finnish Food Authority | Arctic Fox,Raccoon dog,Red Fox,Otter,Eurasian Lynx,American Mink | 31 | 2023/07/13 | 2023/11/10 | Positive |
| Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) | Finnish Food Authority | Raccoon dog,Red Fox,Otter,Arctic Fox,Eurasian Lynx,American Mink | 30 | 2023/07/12 | 2023/11/10 | Positive |
| Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) | Finnish Food Authority | Red Fox,Otter,American Mink,Raccoon dog,Arctic Fox,Eurasian Lynx | 31 | 2023/07/12 | 2023/11/09 | Positive |
UPDATED OUTBREAKS
OB_127883 - 58 - KALAJOKI
OB_127318 - 32 - MERIKARVIA
Finland - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Immediate notification
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5700
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2024/01/24
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Recurrence of an eradicated strain
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
2024/01/08
CONFIRMATION DATE
2024/06/03
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Immediate notification
REPORT ID
IN_167599
REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/06/04
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
No epidemiological comment
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Northern Goshawk (WILD)NEW-11---TOTAL-11---
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test
https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5700
GENERAL INFORMATION
COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE
ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL
DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease
EVENT ID
5700
DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)
CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1
START DATE
2024/01/24
REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Recurrence of an eradicated strain
DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE
2024/01/08
CONFIRMATION DATE
2024/06/03
EVENT STATUS
On-going
END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION
NO REPORT INFORMATION
REPORT NUMBER
Immediate notification
REPORT ID
IN_167599
REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/06/04
REPORT STATUS
Validated
NO EVOLUTION REPORT
EPIDEMIOLOGY
SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION
- Unknown or inconclusive
No epidemiological comment
QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY
MEASURING UNIT
Animal
SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Northern Goshawk (WILD)NEW-11---TOTAL-11---
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS
CLINICAL SIGNS
YES
METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Diagnostic test
| Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) | Finnish Food Authority | Northern Goshawk | 1 | 2024/05/31 | 2024/05/31 | Positive |
| Gene sequencing | Finnish Food Authority | Northern Goshawk | 1 | 2024/06/03 | 2024/06/03 | Positive |