Avian Influenza – National Farmers Association

Avian influenza has been confirmed at a laying hens facility on Gotland. To reduce the risk of spreading infection, the Swedish Agriculture Agency has established a no-go area around the affected herd.

Over the past week, a poultry farmer in Jutland has seen signs of the disease in his fowl. After the chickens were sent for analysis to the State Veterinary Medical Institute, it turned out to be bird flu. Infected birds will be euthanized and the premises cleaned.

The Swedish Agriculture Agency has established a three-kilometer protection zone around the affected flock and a one-mile control zone around the affected flock. Within these areas, transportation and movement of poultry, other captive birds, hatching eggs, poultry meat and manure is prohibited.

County veterinarian Agneta Karlsson Norström also urges everyone with hobby birds to be extra careful with hygiene procedures and to pay attention to any symptoms.

The current infection comes from wild birds. So it’s important to reduce the risk of contact between poultry and wild birds, says county veterinarian Agneta Carlson Norström.

If the poultry shows an increase in mortality, changes in feed and water consumption, a decrease in egg production or a decrease in general condition, a veterinarian should be contacted.

Anyone who encounters sick or dead birds in the wild should leave them alone. The risk of people contracting the virus is low, but it is important to be careful. However, any bird finds must be reported to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

County Board Information on Avian Influenza

Here you can report dead, sick or injured wild animals to the SVA.

This occurs in a flock infected with avian influenza (PDF, Swedish Agriculture Agency)