A Grays Harbor resident who was hospitalized with influenza symptoms in early November has been confirmed to have influenza A H5, a type of avian influenza. Additional testing shows the virus to be H5N5, an avian influenza virus that has previously been reported in animals but never before in humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DOH currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low.

An avian influenza outbreak in Skåne has devastated a poultry farm, with over 55,000 geese, turkeys, and chickens lost. Sweden’s veterinary institute warns of an unusually early, severe season, with much of southern Sweden designated high-risk.

An emaciated Arctic fox found dead at Vindodden in August tested positive for avian influenza, not rabies, according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N5) was confirmed in multiple dead gulls found at Blönduós and in a female duck found dead at Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland. Authorities urge biosecurity for poultry, public reporting of dead or sick wildlife, and caution by hunters.

High-pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on 4 September at an egg farm in Hadsel, Nordland, Norway, with 7,500 laying hens to be culled. Authorities established 3 km and 10 km control zones; human infection risk is assessed as very low.

Residents in Tromsø find sick and dead seagulls after avian influenza detection and urge the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to deploy a weekend gull watch.

Avian influenza was confirmed in four seagulls in Tromsø, Norway, prompting authorities to advise the public against handling dead or sick birds without protection.

High pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a wild black-backed gull in Vadsø, Norway.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in four Arctic fox pups near Barentsburg, Svalbard—the first detection of bird flu in Arctic foxes in Norway. Sick cubs and adult foxes were euthanized to prevent further spread.