Risk of avian flu spread to European poultry set to rise again

Over the coming months, migration of wild birds infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus raises the risk of a further surge of outbreaks in European poultry.

In a recent review, European health authorities conclude that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) situation continues to evolve — not only in Europe but globally. New cases continue to be reported in birds, both wild and domestic, as well as in mammals. This is according to the latest update is from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU reference laboratory. 

In poultry, the peak for infections in the current season was in November of last year. For the study period of December 2022 to March of 2023, the number of new outbreaks in poultry has declined, according to EFSA and the other agencies. 

However, the report’s authors warn that a resurgence in outbreaks affecting poultry might be seen in the coming months. This is because of the spring migrations of wild birds — and especially of gulls, which have been particularly affected by the circulating HPAI virus. These birds could carry the infection as they move to inland areas where poultry production is more concentrated. Read more