27.08.2005

A preliminary virologic diagnosis of avian influenza in one seagull in the City of Oulu, Northern Finland, has been made by the Finnish veterinary authorities. Confirmation of avian influenza in birds has earlier been made in Finland only once in the late 1970s. The tests employed indicate influenza A infection. The virus preliminarily identified as avian influenza A is being submitted to an EU reference laboratory.
A slight increase has been observed in the Oulu area in findings of dead waterfowl in summer 2005 as compared to previous summer seasons. In careful risk assessment of the epidemiological and virological information currently available on the incident, the Finnish veterinary authorities have concluded that the influenza A finding most likely is of a low pathogenicity type (LPAI).
Although LPAI in waterfowl has been a common occurrence in various parts of Europe in recent years, pending the final results of the virological tests, the population in the City of Oulu has been advised against handling dead or ill waterfowl, and report them to the municipal veterinary service.
Persons who have handled the carcasses of dead waterfowl in recent weeks in Oulu and fall ill with high fever and respiratory symptoms within 7 days of this direct exposure are advised to contact health authorities. A hotline service has been established at the National Public Health Institute for inquiries by health care personnel and lay persons.
Notification of the incident has been made to the European Commission and to the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).