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Avian flu virus in fur farm outbreak adapted to mammals
A total of 27 fur farms were affected by avian flu during the outbreak last year.
Research into Finnish outbreak revealed genetic adaptations.

The vulnerability of fur farms to avian influenza viruses could increase the virus’ pandemic potential, a new study has suggested.

Between July and October 2023, the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in fur animals on 27 fur farms in Finland.

Although some of the infected mammals were asymptomatic, in others it caused fatal pneumonia and meningitis. Neurological symptoms were more common than respiratory symptoms.

In response to the outbreak, authorities in Finland quickly implemented control measures, including culling infected animals and introducing stronger biosecurity requirements on fur farms.

Analysing virus samples, the researchers found that the outbreak was likely caused by large-scale direct exposure to infected wild birds. According to the researchers, this highlights the importance of robust biosecurity measures.

The analysis also revealed genetic mutations which are associated with increased adaptability to mammals. During the outbreak, there was likely transmission of the virus between fur animals.

The genetic adaptions mean that outbreaks in fur farms could potentially pose a future risk to human health, the researchers suggest.

The study concluded: ‘Although prevention of outbreaks is the main target, improving preparedness and response capacity of both fur farms and authorities is essential, as well as being alert for any increase in mortality on the farms.

‘Virological surveillance designed for early detection of outbreaks is an essential part of disease control and we recommend active monitoring, especially when HPAI is found in bird populations in the vicinity of animal farms.

‘The importance of implementing safer fur farming practices is highlighted by the observations of genetic changes during the outbreak associated with mammalian adaptation, which may increase the pandemic potential of the circulating avian influenza viruses.’

The study has been published in the journal Eurosurveillance.

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.