On Aug. 1, 2023, the Finnish Food Authority specified the euthanasia criteria for fur animals infected with avian influenza. The decision stated that all minks be put down at fur farms with diagnosed avian influenza infections.

With regard to decisions on putting down foxes and raccoon dogs, the Finnish Food Authority may order all or some of the foxes and raccoon dogs at a fur farm to be put down. This decision is impacted by the extent and intensity of the symptoms of avian influenza at the farm.

So far, the Finnish Food Authority has issued euthanasia orders for the animals of three fur farms. Preparations for new euthanasia orders are continuing this week. The Finnish Food Authority is not publishing information on the fur farms that have been issued euthanasia orders.

Animal owners have the right to claim compensation from state funds for animals put down by an order issued by the Finnish Food Authority. The amount of compensation is still undetermined.

Avian influenza had been diagnosed at twenty fur farms by the end of July. Samples from four farms are currently being analysed.