Bird flu now also detected in domestic birds

Less than a year after bird flu was detected in wild birds, the same virus has now been detected in domestic birds.

Food and veterinary authority HFS recently received a report of a possible case of bird flu in an animal farm in the Havnardalur area west of the capital.

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The test results revealed that chicken and geese had been infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which is the same strain that was detected in wild birds in the Faroes late last year.

As a safety precaution, the facility in Havnardalur will be isolated for a period, says the HFS. The avian influenza virus can survive in the environment for more than 50 days.

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Bird flu spreads between birds and from birds to humans. Exposure to birds, bird faeces or feathers is the most likely way for a human to catch bird flu; however, the risk of bird-to-human transmission is considered relatively low.

“If you keep domestic birds such as chicken, ducks or geese, you shouldn’t worry too much. Just make sure to practise good hygiene and common sense,” says veterinarian Lars Mohr Nielsen.

Common symptoms for infected birds are reduced appetite, a swollen head and breathing difficulties.

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.