The authority writes that no cases of infection have been detected in Sweden since the beginning of September. At the same time, cold weather increases the virus’s chances of survival and the risk of the infection spreading from wild birds to domestic birds.
“The risk of infection to poultry can increase rapidly now and it is important to stay one step ahead and remedy any weak points in the infection protection on the farm,” says Malin Grant, epidemiologist at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, in the Swedish Agricultural Agency’s press release.
Bird flu has created major problems for the poultry industry in recent years. The 2020-2021 flu season was the worst on record, killing millions of poultry.
“Important that you do everything you can”
According to the authority, the risk of an outbreak increases when birds gather in large flocks in winter, or when migratory birds come to new places in the fall. It is therefore important that people do not spread the virus type to domestic birds, for example via clothing or transport.
“If you have problems with the presence of wild birds, especially ducks near your facility, it is especially important that you do everything you can to prevent contact with your birds,” says Enisa Miljanic, infection control officer at the Swedish Agency for Agriculture.
What symptoms do you need to watch out for? Hear the Public Health Agency in the clip below.