This year's first case of bird flu detected in Latvia's wild bird population

RIGA - This year's first case of highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in Latvia's wild bird population, in a dead swan found in a pond in Jaungulbene, the Food and Veterinary Service informed LETA.

The Food and Veterinary Service emphasizes that highly pathogenic avian influenza is an extremely contagious infectious disease in birds, characterized by high mortality. In nature, the virus is spread by wild birds, especially waterfowl, in which the disease may progress without obvious symptoms.

Poultry can become infected through contact with infected wild birds, their secretions and feces. Birds can also become infected via contaminated water, feed, or objects, including footwear, clothing, and equipment that have come into contact with the virus.

Therefore the Food and Veterinary Service reminds that biosecurity requirements are mandatory on all poultry farms. To protect poultry from infection, they must be housed, fed, and watered only in enclosed spaces or areas with a covered, waterproof roof and fenced sides, preventing access by wild birds and waterfowl. Poultry may only be released into outdoor enclosures that are fenced off to prevent contact with wild birds and waterfowl.

So far this year, 54 samples from dead wild birds have been tested in laboratories for bird flu. Until now, all tests had been negative.

At the end of May 2025, the first case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed in a poultry farm with 190 poultry in Birzgale parish of Ogre municipality.