The Finnish Food Authority says this was anticipated as for the previous two years avian influenza has contaminated mammals in Finland.
Avian influenza, or chook flu, has been detected in wild mammals for the primary time this yr in Finland. Samples collected in August confirmed the illness was current in a fox in Halsua and an otter in Evijärvi, each within the west of Finland.
According to the Finnish Food Authority, these findings weren’t stunning however slightly anticipated.
“Avian influenza-infected birds are nonetheless discovered within the wild, and these are consumed by small predators. Therefore, this discovery doesn’t elevate any issues or warrant any particular precautionary measures,” commented Terhi Laaksonen, the top of the Animal and Welfare Division on the Finnish Food Authority.
The authority stated that searching of small predators can proceed, nevertheless it’s essential to recollect correct hygiene and to take precautions when dealing with useless animals.
The Finnish Food Authority additionally reminded folks that permitting dogs and particularly cats to roam freely in areas with a excessive danger of an infection can pose a danger.
Avian influenza has been detected in particular person wild animals in Finland within the two earlier years as effectively. Last yr, the illness was present in a lynx and an otter, and the yr earlier than that, two foxes have been contaminated.
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