Bird flu is present in the South Häme region

In Janakkala, two whooper swans were found to be infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in November 2025. Poultry keepers in Janakkala and the surrounding areas are asked to take note of the matter. The Finnish Food Authority recommends keeping poultry indoors in areas where avian influenza is present. It is recommended to keep poultry water and feed indoors to prevent them from being contaminated by the feces of infected wild birds. Poultry keepers are also advised to monitor the condition and mortality of their own poultry.

Bird flu can easily spread from wild birds to poultry, both through direct contact and through secretions. The virus can also be spread by people or equipment contaminated with the virus. If you are a poultry or pet bird keeper, avoid handling sick or dead wild birds due to the risk of infection.

Contact your local veterinarian if you notice any symptoms of avian influenza in your poultry, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge or coughing, increased mortality, or changes in egg production. Decreased water and feed consumption may also be a sign of viral infection.

Some bird flu viruses can also infect humans, but infections are very rare. You can find more information on the Finnish Food Authority's website on Avian Influenza..

Notify the municipal veterinarian if you notice a mass death of birds. In the South Häme area, contact the veterinary inspectors, tel. 040 330 5777 or 040 6300077. A mass death indicating avian influenza is considered to be the finding of more than five dead waterfowl or more than ten dead other birds. Individual large dead birds of prey or more than one dead swan in the same location may also indicate avian influenza. The birds will be examined by the Finnish Food Authority if necessary.

Disposal of dead birds

A single dead bird is left in the wild. In the event of a mass bird death, the decision to remove the birds from the wild is made by an authority.

If a dead bird is on your property or in your yard, it should be disposed of for hygiene reasons. It can be disposed of with mixed waste in a double-lined garbage bag. Use disposable gloves when handling the bird and wash your hands with soap and water after handling, and then disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant. If you are outside of a built-up area, you can also bury the bird in the ground, at least 40 cm deep. More detailed instructions for destroying an individual bird can be found on the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health's website Protection against avian influenza.

The task of the South Häme Environmental Health Service is to ensure a healthy living environment and safe food for its residents. The area of ​​operation of the South Häme Environmental Health Service includes Forssa, Hausjärvi, Humppila, Janakkala, Jokioinen, Loppi, Riihimäki, Tammela and Ypäjä.

The city of Riihimäki is the responsible municipality for environmental health care in South Häme.