Risk of bird flu on the rise

 

TT

 

Published 09:57

 

Lower temperatures, combined with birds migrating to new environments, increase the risk of bird flu, according to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA). File photo. Photo: Stefan Sauer/AP/TT

As the weather turns colder and birds migrate to new environments, the risk of bird flu outbreaks is increasing, according to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA).

Lower temperatures in Sweden favor the survival of the virus. The influenza can then spread through large flocks of birds—either those migrating to southern Sweden or those pausing their journey there while en route to warmer latitudes.

The number of confirmed bird flu cases among wild birds is considered low compared to last year. However, outbreaks have occurred in Denmark and the Netherlands, prompting the agency to release an updated assessment of the spread of the infection.

Over the past two months, the virus has been detected in three wild birds in Sweden.