Assessment of recent changes in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses has led two of the region’s agencies to set out five broad recommendations to prepare for a possible increase in transmission to non-avian species.
Influenza viruses pose an increasing threat, and their frequent mutations raise the likelihood of adaptation to non-avian species, including humans.
These are among the conclusions of a new study on recent virus mutations and their possible consequences by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Bernhard Url, EFSA Acting Executive Director, said that avian flu viruses expanded their reach in 2024, infecting species that had not been affected previously.
“Our work identifies key mutations linked to a potential spread to humans, requiring rapid detection and response,” he said. “Collaboration and data sharing along the chain of actors involved remain essential in tackling emerging situations.”
From study of recent virus genetic mutations, experts from the agencies identified 34 that could increase the infection potential to people and other mammals.
Furthermore, the report warns that certain factors could increase the risk of the viruses spilling over from animals to humans. Such factors include high-density farming, poor biosecurity, deforestation, urbanization, and global trade, according to the agencies.
Poultry vaccination among the recommendations
Recommendations emerging from the EFSA/ECDC study covered five broad areas.
Under the overall umbrella of prevention, the agencies recommend robust farm biosecurity, staff training, preparation of outbreak response plans, and vaccination of poultry. Furthermore, poultry workers and others at higher risk of infection should be vaccinated against influenza, and follow guidelines on antiviral treatment.
For the veterinary sector, animal surveillance will be a key area, particularly during periods of high risk and in areas with confirmed outbreaks. The agencies say this requires continuous monitoring of sick and dead mammals that may have been infected by wild birds, poultry, or other mammals.
Early detection of mutations and virus adaptations to mammals will rely on genetic sequencing. EFSA/ECDC urge investment in systems that identify changes that could allow viruses to spread more easily from animals to humans.
The other two recommendation cover public health aspects. The agencies recommend that surveillance of people with a high risk of exposure should include typing of the virus, and hospitals should enhance vigilance and surveillance during peak periods for outbreaks. Linked to these points, they are calling for greater awareness of the possibility of infection in high-risk groups, as well as among healthcare professionals. Furthermore, an effective response plan needs to be developed and communicated ahead of a future human pandemic.
In addition to the published scientific opinion, EFSA and ECDC have developed guidance on the investigation and control of outbreaks of avian flu. Using a coordinated One Health approach, this covers both medical and veterinary aspects, and aims to support national plans to be drawn up by individual European Union (EU) member states.
8 European states register new HPAI outbreaks on poultry farms
In the period January 22-29, five countries in the region together registered a total of 12 new outbreaks in commercial poultry. This is according to the Animal Disease Information System by the European Commission (EC; as of January 29). Through this portal, the EC monitors listed animal diseases in EU member states and some adjacent countries.
Recording the most new outbreaks in this category during that week was Poland (with seven). Two more farms were found to be infected in Italy, and one in each of Germany, Hungary, and Lithuania.
Overall for the year to date, a total of 43 outbreaks on commercial premises have been confirmed to the EC by eight states. Of these, 20 were recorded in Italy, and 10 in Poland. The first outbreak of 2025 has been reported by Lithuania.
All of these outbreaks involved the H5N1 HPAI virus serotype.
Furthermore, veterinary agencies of three European states notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about confirmed outbreaks linked to the same virus family on poultry farms.
Based on these reports, there have been four further outbreaks in Great Britain, and one in each of Bulgaria and the Netherlands.
Fearing massive losses from future outbreaks of HPAI, poultry farmers and farming organizations are calling for the United Kingdom government to allow the vaccination of poultry flocks against HPAI.
Currently, vaccination against the virus is not permitted in the country, reports the BBC, and disease control relies on strict biosecurity, and culling of infected flocks.
More outbreaks in captive birds, wild animals
Further HPAI outbreaks involving captive birds were registered with the EC in four countries during the week to January 29. This category includes backyard poultry flocks, zoos, and similar premises.
With a total of seven additional outbreaks, three occurred in Germany, two in Portugal, and one in each of France and Poland.
Furthermore, WOAH was notified about new cases in this category in Belgium, Great Britain, and Hungary.
In their respective wild bird populations, first H5N1 HPAI cases of 2025 have occurred in Belgium, Lithuania, Moldova, and Slovakia, according to the latest EC System update. Meanwhile seven countries in Western Europe have recorded further cases.
Additionally, first wild bird cases of the year have been logged with WOAH in Finland and the west Ukrainian province of Lviv, while agencies in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland have confirmed further cases in wild birds.
Meanwhile, eight more wild birds have tested positive for the H5N5 HPAI virus variant in Iceland. To WOAH the authorities there have also reported that the same virus has been detected for the first time in a wild Arctic fox.
View our continuing coverage of the global avian influenza situation in poultry, and on disease developments in the U.S. dairy sector.
