Bird flu found in dead swans

At the beginning of November, several whooper swans were delivered to the Finnish Food Authority, in which the highly pathogenic H5N1 type avian influenza virus was detected. The majority of the cases were found in Virolahti, where more than ten swans were found dead or sick near the eastern border in Kiiskijärvi. In addition, avian influenza has been detected in Oulu, and samples of swans found sick or dead are being examined, for example, in Haapajärvi and Puolanga.

No cases of illness have been reported in the South Karelia region, but the situation must be monitored.
There is no need to worry yet, but if you do come across dead waterfowl, it is important not to touch them with bare hands or otherwise handle them.
If necessary, please contact our local animal protection authorities:

Supervisory veterinarian Kaarina Leiviskä tel. 020 617 1180
Parikkala small animal clinic tel. 020 617 4444

More information Finnish Food Authority press release