Infectious Diseases 2023

Infectious Diseases 2023

Denmark: Foxes positive to H5N1

9 January, 2023

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in Danish foxes for the first time.Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in samples from 4 wild Danish foxes (Three fox puppies around 4-5 weeks old and an adult male fox). The foxes have presumably died as a result of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza. The foxes have been autopsied by the Pathology Service at the University of Copenhagen and influenza has been detected by analyzes carried out at the Statens Serum Institut. 
The investigations for influenza were carried out in connection with the Danish Food and Veterinary Authority's monitoring of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and mammals. Since autumn 2020, there have been widespread outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds, poultry and other birds in captivity in Europe, including in Denmark.