Bird Flu: High-Risk Zone & Reporting Increase in Southern Sweden
Southern Sweden is on high alert as avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, spreads among wild bird populations, prompting authorities to designate a high-risk zone across much of the region. While no domestic poultry have yet been affected in Halland County, officials are bracing for increased transmission in the coming months.
Rising Reports and Public Concern
Reports of sick and deceased birds have surged in recent weeks, particularly in southern Sweden. Halland County is experiencing a notable increase in public reports to both the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA) and the County Administrative Board.
“We receive daily calls from people who have found sick or dead birds and are unsure what to do,” says Marie Baaz, a representative of the County Administrative Board. “If you encounter a sick bird, it’s best to leave it undisturbed. The disease progresses very rapidly, often within a few hours, and unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to help.”
What to Do If You Find a Bird
Authorities advise against handling sick or dead birds without protective gloves. Thorough handwashing after any potential contact is crucial.
Here’s what to do if you find a bird:
- Sick Bird: Leave it undisturbed.
- Dead Bird (in nature): Leave it where it is.
- Dead Bird (on your property): Bury it at least 70 centimeters (approximately 27.5 inches) deep, or securely double-bag it and dispose of it in regular household waste.
Reporting and the Bigger Picture
The SVA encourages the public to report findings of sick or dead wild birds through their online reporting form: https://www.sva.se/en/report-wildlife-findings/. The SVA may request submission of the bird for further investigation.
Globally, avian influenza outbreaks have been increasing in frequency and severity in recent years, impacting both wild bird populations and poultry industries. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the current H5N1 strain is particularly concerning due to its high pathogenicity and wide geographic spread. https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-do/global-animal-health/avian-influenza/
“Unfortunately, we don’t believe we’ve seen the peak of this avian influenza outbreak yet,” Baaz adds. “The SVA’s assessment indicates that transmission will likely continue to increase in southern Sweden over the next few months.”
The high-risk zone designation imposes specific regulations for those who keep chickens or other poultry, aimed at preventing the spread of the virus to domestic birds. Poultry farmers and hobbyists are urged to implement strict biosecurity measures.