Bird flu detected in walruses and polar bears on Svalbard

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in polar bears and walruses in Svalbard.

The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N5) in a polar bear and a walrus in Svalbard, in Raudfjorden in northern Spitsbergen. Read more on the website of the Governor of Svalbard (link below).

Consequences for humans
Most avian influenza viruses are best adapted for transmission between birds. Avian influenza very rarely spreads to humans, and the risk of human infection is considered very low. As a precautionary measure, we recommend avoiding direct contact with sick or dead animals.

Members of the public who discover dead animals or birds on Svalbard can report this to the Governor using the form “Report of Dead Animals and Birds External link..”

Read more:

On the Governor of Svalbard’s website: Avian influenza detected in walruses and polar bears on Svalbard | Governor of Svalbard External link.

Press release from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority: Avian influenza detected in polar bears on Svalbard | Norwegian Food Safety Authority External link.

Press release from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute: First detection of avian influenza in a polar bear on Svalbard - Norwegian Veterinary Institute External link.