Avian influenza in mammals

PROJECT PLAN

• Examine marine mammals as well as red foxes and mustelids from coastal areas and from geographical areas where avian influenza has been detected in wild birds, both with PCR (to detect virus) and with serology (to detect antibodies against the virus)

• Examine tissues from wild animals that have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza using histology (microscopic examination) and immunohistochemistry (detection of virus in tissue) to increase knowledge of the disease-causing properties of the virus

• Continue the mapping of the ongoing bird flu outbreak during 2023 in terms of affected species, virus types and pathological changes in order to disseminate information and recommendations to other authorities, ornithological associations, wild bird rehabilitators and the public.