Avian flu: Testing ramped up, delays expected, greater risk expected to remain in coming months

These are the conclusions of the latest quarterly report on avian influenza prepared by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Reference Laboratory (EURL).
Between September 2 and December 1, 2023, 23 European countries reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry (88 birds) and wild birds (175 birds).The results are in line with trends predicted by EFSA’s Avian Influenza Radar, a tool that provides weekly probabilistic forecasts The probability that a specific event will occur or that a measurement will fall within a specific range.

Introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds.
The report points out that 7 of the 11 HPAI virus variants (genotypes) discovered in Europe are new and affect different species of wild birds, especially common cranes. Highly pathogenic avian influenza was first discovered in wild birds and mammals in the Antarctic region.
The ECDC assesses that the risk of infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses remains low for the general public in Europe and is high for people with occupational or other exposure to infected birds or mammals (wild or domestic). The risk of infectious avian influenza viruses is low to moderate.To further reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend avoiding contact The concentration or amount of a specific substance absorbed by an individual, group, or ecosystem over a specific period of time and at a specific frequency. Dead or sick seabirds or mammals.
Today, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its annual report on avian influenza surveillance in poultry and wild birds, which summarizes the results of surveillance activities carried out in Europe in 2022. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also called for the establishment of an active surveillance network for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across Europe.
EFSA also today published the Annual Report on Avian Influenza Surveillance in Poultry and Wild Birds, which summarizes the results of surveillance activities carried out in Europe in 2022. EFSA also calls for the establishment of a proactive HPAI surveillance network across Europe.