Avian influenza H5N5 detected in wild birds across Iceland

Highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N5 subtype has been detected in samples taken from wild birds in Iceland, according to RÚV. The positive samples came from various regions including Norðurland (North Iceland), Suðvesturland (Southwest Iceland), and Suðausturland (Southeast Iceland).

The Icelandic authorities collected these samples from mid-September through October, following numerous reports in recent weeks of sick and dead wild birds across wide areas of the country. The presence of the virus has prompted concern, although it is not yet known how widespread the outbreak is in Iceland.

Further analysis is pending for birds found in other parts of the country. A previous detection of avian influenza was reported in a pink-footed goose near Höfn in Hornafjörður in April, but it is unclear if that case is connected to the current outbreak.

Topicsavian influenzaH5N5Icelandpublic healthRÚVwild birds