Sweden is seeing an unusually early and widespread bird flu outbreak affecting both wild and domestic birds, with infected birds showing abnormal behavior due to brain impacts. Reports include apathetic common buzzards in residential yards, a Eurasian curlew crashing in central Malmö, and dead cranes and barnacle geese observed in affected areas.
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.
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.
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.
Northern Ireland has announced an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone after bird flu was detected in several wild birds, imposing strict biosecurity measures on bird-keepers.
Hundreds of seagulls were found dead in Kalmar, Sweden due to a suspected outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, with low risk of transmission to humans.
Observations From Members 