[url]https://www.wur.nl/en/news-wur/Show/Highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-H5N8-found-in-wild-mute-swans.htm[/url] or https://www.wur.nl/en/news-wur/Show/Highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-H5N8-found-in-wild-mute-swans.htm - https://www.wur.nl/en/news-wur/Show/Highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-H5N8-found-in-wild-mute-swans.htm  

H5N8 virus and bird migration

H5N8 virus was detected in dead mute swans in Western Russia in August and was later found in a tufted duck and mallard as well. The virus was then detected in dead wild birds in Kazakhstan in September. H5N8 was found in swans at a zoo in Jerusalem (Israel) in October. Wild migratory birds can bring the virus from these areas to Europe during their autumn migration. However, H5N8 viruses have yet to be reported along the migration routes towards the Netherlands from countries to the east.

It is particularly striking that the H5N8 virus was detected in dead swans in Russia, Israel, and now the Netherlands. Swans may be very sensitive to this specific virus, but this will have to be investigated further. The wild mute swan populations in Russia are known not to migrate to Europe for hibernation. The virus was probably introduced to the Netherlands through other bird species, after which local bird populations became infected. This suggests that the virus is circulating locally among wild birds in the Netherlands. No dead birds from other areas in the Netherlands have been tested as of yet, so it is unclear whether the virus has spread further.

Risk of introduction to poultry

The H5N8 virus can spread from the wild bird population to poultry farms, in particular through faeces from wild birds infected with the virus. The current risk of introducing highly pathogenic avian influenza into the poultry sector is therefore high, especially in areas with many wild waterfowl. Biosecurity and vigilance with regard to clinical signs of avian flu in poultry farms are of great importance at the moment for preventing avian influenza outbreaks.

Yes let's not forget.....

Covid could be the least of our problems many nasties out there 

My nemesis is still.....

H5N1the "slate  wiper"......