According to USDA GAIN Report CH2020-0159, dated December 6th, authorities in China have notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of an outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza among wild swans in a wildlife reserve in Shanxi Province.

In recent weeks EGG-NEWS reported on avian influenza in wild swans in Holland and the UK.  Among waterfowl, swans appear to be highly susceptible to avian influenza showing clinical signs and mortality.  It is understood that the Shanxi Province reserve has a population of 4,000 swans. During migration a proportion of these swans will shed H5N8 virus.

Swans cohabiting with gulls and

other waterfowl in nature reserve