Finland has been facing a serious situation for several weeks after the discovery of the bird flu variant H5N1 at multiple farms.
The infection is reportedly caused by seagulls that have come into contact with the feed of the mink and foxes. This has raised questions about environmental hygiene at Finnish livestock farms, which may contribute to the spreading of the virus.
By the end of July, bird flu had been detected at 20 fur animal farms, while samples from another four farms are currently being analyzed, according to the food authority. Finland is the largest producer of fox fur in Europe and the second largest worldwide. Approximately two million foxes are raised and slaughtered annually, according to figures from the Finnish Fur Breeders’ Association (FIFUR).
In response to the situation, authorities have authorized Finnish hunters to shoot more birds in the vicinity of the hundreds of livestock farms. This measure aims to minimize the risk of further spread of the bird flu virus.
The outbreak of bird flu at mink and fox farms has also raised concerns among virologists. The situation is considered worrying in Finland and could pose a significant threat to public health, virologists fear.
Compared to other European countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands, which two years ago decided to completely close their mink farms due to fears of coronavirus spread, Finland has chosen a different approach. Despite the recent bird flu outbreak, Finland has opted to maintain the fur industry.
Several countries have recently reported multiple cases of mammals becoming infected with bird flu. In December, a cat in France was infected, the variant was found in mink in Spain, and three grizzly bears in the United States contracted bird flu.
In England, the disease was diagnosed in foxes and seals over recent months. Mammals in the Netherlands have also been infected. In January, bird flu of the H5N1 type was detected in a fox in North Brabant, and earlier in the Netherlands, among others, a weasel, a badger, and an otter were infected.