New confirmed cases of avian influenza – Contact authorities immediately if dead birds are found

Avian influenza is spreading rapidly in Europe. Sea eagles have now been wounded in cougars and fur-bills in Ostrobothnia. Therefore, the county government reminds the public to protect poultry, avoid contact with dead birds, and notify the authorities if large amounts of dead birds are found.

In a press release today, Friday morning, the provincial government said the Swedish Food Agency investigation confirms that sea eagles found dead in Kokar on June 28 this year died of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

It is the same virus that was found in the dead eiders in Lågskär in June.

The Swedish Food Agency is currently investigating samples from several mass deaths among seagulls from different parts of Finland. The infection has also been found in poultry and fur farms.

The public is now being asked to be careful not to touch dead birds or their droppings without protective equipment.

“In case of contact with dead birds or feces, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap.”

If you come across sick or dead birds, you should contact Åland’s Environmental Protection and Health Authority, ÅMHM, or the county government immediately.

“Reduced water and feed consumption or decreased egg production can be signs of avian influenza. Even mass deaths among seabirds, seagulls or individual birds of prey must be reported to the authorities, so that the necessary samples can be sent to the food agency in Helsinki.” writes the provincial government in its press release.