A serious strain of bird flu has been found in Tuusula in a barnacle goose.
A white-fronted goose found near the Rantamo-Seittelin wetland in Tuusula has been diagnosed with highly pathogenic avian influenza, a serious disease affecting birds. The bird was taken to a veterinarian in an injured condition and, after being euthanised, was sent to the Finnish Food Authority for examination. On 24 April 2025, the examination confirmed that the bird was carrying highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Due to the prevalence of avian influenza, it is possible that dead wild birds may also be found in the Central Uusimaa region, especially along the shores of waterways. Avian influenza should always be suspected if mass deaths of wild birds are observed.
As a rule, a single bird found dead is not considered a suspected case of avian influenza, unless it is a large bird of prey. A mass illness or death that may indicate avian influenza can generally be considered to be a situation where more than one swan, five or more other waterfowl or corvids, or more than ten birds of other species are found sick or dead in the same area.
Avian influenza spreads easily from bird to bird. However, the disease does not spread easily from birds to other animals or humans.
Mass deaths of birds must be reported immediately to the official veterinarian. Individual large dead birds of prey should also be reported to the official veterinarian by telephone on weekdays during office hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 040 314 3524 and at other times on 0600 14241. The official veterinarian will ensure that the necessary samples are sent to the Finnish Food Authority.
If you find one or more dead birds, do the following
Individual birds found dead can be buried using disposable gloves and, for example, a spade. Dead birds can also be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in a mixed waste bin (not in a bio-waste bin). Do not touch dead birds with your bare hands. When transporting dead birds, ensure that they are securely packaged. In more remote areas, such as forests, dead birds can be left for natural decomposers to feed on.
If a large number of dead birds are found, they must not be disposed of as mixed waste. In such cases, the official veterinarian will provide more detailed instructions and ensure that the necessary samples are taken and sent for examination.
The landowner is responsible for burying or disposing of dead birds. In areas maintained by the municipality, such as beaches and market squares, the municipality is responsible for this.
Keusote is responsible for providing guidance and taking action if there is suspicion that a human has contracted avian influenza.
Poultry farmers are reminded of the ban on outdoor poultry farming, which will continue until the end of May.
This content has been translated using AI