Finland reports only one case of avian influenza in wild birds this year

This year, Finland has reported only one case of avian influenza in wild birds, according to Uutissuomalainen. Matti Nyberg, a veterinarian from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland, described the year as remarkable, stating, “The disease has disappeared.”

Terhi Laaksonen, head of animal health and welfare at the Finnish Food Agency, confirmed that the sole case was identified in a bird that died in January and was linked to last year’s outbreak. Laaksonen also noted a significant decrease in avian influenza cases across other European countries compared to previous years. This decline could be attributed to the seasonal nature of avian influenza and variations between years.

There is also the possibility that some gull species have developed resistance to the virus. However, Laaksonen cautioned that the avian influenza virus mutates easily and has the potential to infect new bird populations.