Avian flu detected in polar bear for first time in Europe

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been found in a male polar bear in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, marking the first confirmed case in Europe, according to Norway’s Veterinary Institute.

Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reports that the virus was detected in a brain sample taken from the bear, which was found dead in Raudfjorden alongside a walrus carcass in mid-May. Tests ruled out rabies but confirmed the presence of avian flu, a strain previously identified in wild birds and other predators like foxes and otters.

Tour guides first noticed unusual behavior in two polar bears, including limping—a potential neurological symptom linked to avian flu in carnivores. A helicopter search later located the carcasses, which were tested for both diseases.

While avian flu in polar bears is rare, a case was reported in Alaska in 2023. Little is known about the virus’s impact on individual bears or populations. In Norway, previous infections in predators like foxes, otters, and wolverines have been traced to wild birds.

The discovery follows earlier outbreaks in the region, including avian flu deaths among seabirds and endangered walrus pups in 2024 and 2025.