Finland culls 500,000 fur animals to curb deadly bird flu

Finland’s fur‑farm sector has been hit by a highly lethal strain of avian influenza that has spread from birds to mammals. The outbreak has affected 27 mink, fox and ferret farms, housing tens of thousands of animals. In response, Finnish authorities ordered the culling and incineration of roughly 500,000 fur animals to stop the virus’s spread.

Scientists warn that the virus could jump to humans, citing past Asian outbreaks with mortality rates of up to 50 %. Professor Gautam Menon of Ashoka University in India said a new study shows the pathogen could spread rapidly among people, heightening pandemic concerns.

The drastic cull aims to prevent a wider zoonotic epidemic, but experts say the risk remains global as the virus continues to evolve.