Nearly 48,000 chickens are being culled at a farm in Torsås, Sweden, after a confirmed outbreak of avian influenza, authorities announced Friday. The cull began immediately upon confirmation of the virus on Thursday, according to the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket).
The outbreak affects parent birds – chickens bred to produce eggs for the production of broiler chickens – housed in one of three sheds on the farm. “All birds in the three sheds will be culled. It is a necessary measure to combat the infection,” stated Katharina Gielen, Head of Infection Control at Jordbruksverket.
Jordbruksverket is establishing protective zones around the affected property to limit the spread of the virus to neighboring farms. Officials are visiting facilities within the designated risk zones, though Gielen indicated that, based on past experience, the infection is unlikely to have spread beyond the initial site. However, she cautioned that other farms could be affected through separate transmission routes.
The State Veterinary Agency (SVA) confirmed the first case of avian influenza in domestic poultry this season in late January, identifying an outbreak at a hobby chicken farm in Skaraborg. This latest outbreak in Torsås represents a significant escalation of the situation. According to the SVA, the virus has been detected in wild birds across large parts of southern Sweden, indicating a heightened risk of transmission to domestic poultry.
Despite the outbreak, Jordbruksverket maintains that there is no risk of contaminated chicken reaching consumers. “There is no risk that chicken in the store is infected,” Gielen affirmed.
A nearby farm operator, contacted by Swedish broadcaster SVT, stated they were continuing with existing safety protocols but expressed a relatively low level of concern. “You always understand that the infection can be present, but we are not overly worried,” the operator said.
As of February 26, 2026, outbreaks have likewise been confirmed in Kronoberg and Skåne counties, with restrictions in place around affected properties. The SVA publishes maps detailing the restricted zones, which include both protection zones (3km radius) and surveillance zones (10km radius) around infected farms. The agency urges all poultry keepers to strengthen hygiene routines and adhere to regulations in high-risk areas. Djurägare, regardless of the size of their operation, are advised to enhance biosecurity measures and prevent contact between domestic fowl and wild birds.
Jordbruksverket has advised animal owners to immediately contact a veterinarian if their birds suddenly die or exhibit signs of illness. The agency has not yet responded to requests for comment from the owners of the affected farm in Torsås.
