According to the City of Helsinki, health authorities have confirmed avian influenza infections in four waterbirds in the city this month.

The infections were confirmed in a swan and three geese in the Kallio district, according to a press release.

Local authorities decided to take the swan, which was found in poor condition at Tokoinranta park, for euthanisation at Korkeasaari Zoo's Wildlife Hospital.

The remains of three geese were found in the adjacent Eläintarhanlahti harbour area, according to the city.

Tests confirmed type-H5N1 avian influenza in all four of the birds, a type of infection that causes high mortality in wild birds and poultry livestock.

However, the potential risk that bird flu poses to humans is minimal, according to the City. The virus type confirmed in the examined birds has not been found to cause infections in humans in Finland, it said.

Low human risk

Avian flu is not transmitted through food, for example in eggs or poultry meat — as long as they are properly prepared and cooked to appropriate temperatures.

The City also noted that it is also rare for avian flu to infect pets. But it suggested that pet owners should keep their cats and dogs away from dead or sick birds in areas where avian influenza has been detected.

Additionally, it advised dog owners to avoid taking their pups to areas that are contaminated with bird droppings.

The City encouraged people to report observations of mass bird deaths — which in terms of waterfowl means at least five dead birds, or more than 10 other types of birds.

The City of Helsinki said it is continuing to feed the waterbirds around Tokoinranta park over the winter. According to the City, the birds need the nourishment and feeding the birds there helps to keep them from spreading to other areas.