3rd February 2026
3rd February 2026
H5N1 avian influenza detected in wild birds
The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority has published a news item about the detection of H5N1 influenza viruses in wild birds in the capital area.
- Automatic translation
The H5N1 strain was last detected in a wild bird in Iceland in 2023, and since then only H5N5 strains have been identified, in both wild birds and mammals.
The Chief Epidemiologist wishes to draw special attention to The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority’s guidelines on appropriate responses if carcasses are found in public areas, as described in the news item.
A considerable number of influenza cases are still being detected in people, but there have been no signs of H5-type strains in humans in Iceland.
Further information about avian influenza can be found on the website of the Directorate of Health.
The Chief Epidemiologist publishes weekly updates on respiratory infections, and epidemiological data on various respiratory infections can be viewed on the Directorate of Health’s regularly updated dashboard.
Chief Epidemiologist