Information on Avian influenza
Public Avian influenza service number to be closed
The public Avian influenza service number has closed on 30 June 2006. The number of telephone calls to the service decreased considerably during the summer. The service will be provided again as necessary.
Citizen services
Questions related to Avian influenza can be directed to theFinnish Food Safety Authority Evira: lintuinfluenssa@evira.fi.
Links to information
The websites of various authorities have plenty of information on the Avian influenza. Several authorities have jointly produced a regularly updated document on frequently asked questions and answers to them.
Questions and answers related to Avian influenza
As of 1 May 2006, functions related to the prevention of Avian influenza were transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira. Evira is now responsible for functions related to the prevention of the disease, research and food safety.
Evira's Avian influenza pages (in Finnish)
Website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Website of the National Public Health Institute (KTL)
Website of Finland's environmental administration
Travel information on the website of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (in Finnish and Swedish)
Avian influenza on text TV
The YLE text TV has a permanent page on Avian influenza, page 865.
Preparedness system for Avian influenza
A national Avian influenza preparedness plan covering various administrative sectors was prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and it was published on 16 February 2006.
Preparedness system for Avian influenza in Finland 
(in Finnish)
National preparedness plan for an influenza pandemic
The Working Group on National Pandemic Preparedness has compiled a preparedness plan that describes the development of a pandemic and its effects on health, society and economy in circumstances similar to Finland. The plan was published on 15 March 2006.
Press release
The action plan, the short version
Press releases and press conferences by the Government
The Government discussed influenza pandemic preparedness and was informed of the preparedness rehearsal on 20 April 2006
In its negotiation on Thursday, 20 April, the Government received information on the ministries’ plans and key measures in case of an outbreak of an influenza pandemic. The Government was also informed of the influenza pandemic rehearsal that ended on Thursday. A press conference headed by Prime Minister Vanhanen was held after the rehearsal.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen on the Avian influenza situation on 9 March 2006
“Citizens can feel safe even though the Avian influenza, in all probability, will arrive in Finland together with migratory birds in a few weeks time. The Avian influenza, or bird flu, is even today a rare animal disease carried mainly by wild birds,” said Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen at the press conference reporting on the preparedness rehearsal that ended on Thursday.
Negotiations and press conference by the Government on 19 January 2006
In its negotiations on Thursday, 19 January 2006, the Government received reports on how to prepare for the Avian influenza and influenza pandemic.
