Although the situation in poultry eased during the summer, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus continues to affect seabirds in Europe, particularly in coastal areas. As the fall migration season begins, there should be a focus on protecting poultry and other livestock from wild birds. Biosecurity on fur farms must be enhanced.
According to the latest avian influenza report from the European Safety Agency (EFSA), between June 24 and September 1, 2023, 21 European countries reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry (25 birds) and wild birds (482 birds) . European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL).
Wild and domestic carnivores remain the most affected mammalian species. Finland has reported 26 outbreaks at fur farms raising American mink, red foxes, arctic foxes and common raccoons. The most likely source of introduction is contact with wild gulls, but transmission between farms cannot be completely ruled out. On-farm transmission occurred in some animals that were exposed but did not show any clinical signs of infection. The ECDC assesses that the risk of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in the general population in Europe remains low and is high for people with occupational or other exposure to infected birds or mammals (wild or domestic). The risk from pathogenic avian influenza viruses is low to moderate. To further reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend avoiding contact with dead or sick seabirds or mammals.
Improved bird flu radar now available
An improved version of EFSA’s avian influenza radar has been available to everyone since 28 September last year https://app.bto.org/mmt/avian_influenza_map/avian_influenza_map.jsp . The new feature allows users to explore weekly predictions of the likelihood of introducing highly pathogenic avian influenza into wild birds. Users can subscribe to receive weekly reminder emails about their areas of interest. Avian Influenza Radar is closely integrated with the EFSA migration mapping tool, which shows the movement and abundance of 50 wild bird species, mainly waterfowl, for which avian influenza has been reported.