Spain: Avian influenza H5N1 in a mink farm
On 18 October 2022, the regional health authorities of Galicia in Spain reported an outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) in a mink farm in the province of A Coruña. Mink in the farm were tested following regular surveillance procedures after the occurrence of sick mink in the farm with respiratory symptoms and an unusual increase in deaths of the animals. Mink were tested for several diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Two samples tested positive for avian influenza A(H5N1). Avian influenza A(H5N1) has recently been detected in Spain in domestic and wild birds. Strict measures were immediately implemented on the farm by the official veterinary services. Following a public health risk assessment by Spanish authorities, mink were culled in the farm that kept 8,369 breeding females and 43,617 weaned offspring, and the farm premises were cleaned and disinfected. As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Rural Affairs initiated surveillance of poultry and mink farms located around the affected farm. Among other measures, it will be prohibited to keep concentrations of birds and the release of hunting birds for repopulation.
