Icelandic Officials Urge Vigilance After Bird Flu Strain Detected in Capital Region

2026-02-04 - 12:08

A case of avian influenza has been confirmed in wild birds in the capital region, according to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). As reported by mbl.is, the virus was identified after samples were collected from dead birds discovered at Tjörnin Pond in Reykjavík and the water body, Ögurhvarf, in Kópavogur. What's the Story? H5N1 avian influenza detected in wild birds in the capital area Samples taken from dead birds at Tjörnin in Reykjavík and Ögurhvarf in Kópavogur Infection confirmed by the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority after laboratory testing at Keldur, University of Iceland No evidence of increased wild bird mortality reported in southwest Iceland Poultry farmers advised to strengthen biosecurity; bird owners urged to monitor flocks Public asked to report sick or dead birds to authorities Birds take flight during winter. Photo: Golli Monitoring Measures Strengthened Laboratory analysis at the University of Iceland’s Keldur research station confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain. The same variant was last recorded in Iceland in July 2023; since then, only H5N5 has been detected. “At this stage of the case, little is known about the origin of the infection, but it can be assumed that it recently arrived in the country with migratory birds or that it arrived last fall and remained undetected until now. Genetic studies of the virus will be carried out and may shed light on whether it is of European origin or from North America,” MAST said in a statement. Authorities report no signs of unusual bird mortality in the southwest or elsewhere. Poultry farmers are being urged to reinforce biosecurity, while bird owners should watch for symptoms and report concerns promptly. “Other bird owners are also encouraged to ensure strong infection control measures when handling their bird flocks and to be vigilant for signs of illness in birds or abnormal deaths in them and to report such cases to the agency without delay,” the statement added. MAST also advises the public to notify the agency of sick or dead birds. “Individual infections have occurred abroad, but in individuals who have been in close contact with sick birds without taking precautions. The chances of infection from birds to people are therefore very small, but infection can never be ruled out and people must always take precautions when handling sick and dead birds.”