The particularly dangerous strain of avian influenza virus H5N8 has been detected in a mute swan found on the Kopli peninsula in Tallinn.
Olev Kalda, head of the department for animal health and animal welfare at the Estonian Agriculture and Food Board, said that this is the first such find in Estonia. The authority inspects both poultry and wild and waterfowl every year, and so far no bird flu had been detected, Kalda said.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is one of the most dangerous animal diseases and causes mass morbidity and mortality in birds. The strain of the virus does not pose a threat to humans but causes economic damage. The Agriculture and Food Board is asking for the help of all citizens.