H5N1 Avian Flu Strikes Another Finnish Fur Farm

Sep 29, 2023

By Lisa Schnirring

The Finland Food Authority has reported another H5N1 avian flu outbreak at a fur farm, this time at a facility housing minks in a newly affected region.

The virus was detected on September 27 at a farm in Alavieska, a town in Northern Ostrobothnia region in the west central part of the country. The outbreak brings the number of outbreaks in the country's fur farms since the middle of July to 27.

Finland recently ordered culling of animals at all outbreak farms. Minks are thought to be a potential mixing vessel for respiratory viruses.

The outbreaks in Finland have intensified scientists' calls for shuttering fur farms to reduce the risk of flu viruses that have pandemic potential.

Denmark and Israel report new outbreaks in birds

In other avian flu developments, two countries reported more H5N1 outbreaks in poultry or other birds, according to recent notifications from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Denmark's outbreak began on September 26 at a backyard location housing 30 chickens and ducks on the island of Lolland in southern Denmark.

Elsewhere, Israel reported an outbreak that began on September 21 at a mini zoo in Northern District housing 350 birds, some caged and some free range. About 50 of the free-ranging birds died, including peacocks, ducks, chickens, geese, and guinea fowl.

European officials urge precautions ahead of fall migration

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) today released its latest avian flu update, which urged the poultry industry to tighten their biosecurity practices ahead of the fall migration season.

The group said though poultry outbreaks eased over the summer, H5N1 continued to strike seabird populations across European country coastlines. It noted that introductions to mammals, including the outbreaks at Finnish fur farms, likely occurred through contact with wild gulls, though farm-to-farm transmission can't be excluded.

The risk to the general public remains low, and low to moderate for people who have occupational exposure, the EFSA said.

Source : umn.edu

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.