Polar bear found healthy after tests in Höfðaströnd, Iceland

A female polar bear, shot on September 19 in Höfðaströnd, Westfjords, has been found free of major infectious diseases. The only positive result from tests conducted by the research station at Keldur was for Trichinella, a parasite that can be transmitted to humans.

Veterinarian Anna Karen Sigurðardóttir stated that when animals like this enter Iceland, they are tested for the most common infectious diseases. The bear underwent examinations for rabies, avian influenza, and seal-associated viruses linked to measles, with all tests returning negative except for Trichinella, which often infects polar bears. However, transmission to humans is deemed extremely unlikely, as infection typically occurs through the consumption of contaminated meat.

Anna reported that the bear was in good physical condition, with a healthy layer of fat beneath the skin. Notably, there were no signs that it had consumed a significant amount of food prior to being shot.

In light of the bear’s health findings, authorities continue to monitor wildlife health in Iceland, especially concerning species migrating from other regions. The investigations are aimed at better understanding potential health threats posed by wildlife to both the environment and public health.