Avian influenza in Europe: update

11 and 12 March 2020, the Bulgarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed two outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The first was a primary outbreak, which involved a commercial farm of laying hens located in Pereperek village, Kurdzhali region that housed 16,800 birds. The disease was suspected following the report of clinical symptoms and an abnormal increase in mortality rate on the 6^th of March.
The second outbreak was confirmed in a laying hens farm located in Trilistnik village, region of Plovdiv, that housed 39,120 birds. The network of at-risk contacts reconstructed through the epidemiological inquiry revealed a potential connection with the outbreak confirmed in the same region on the 5^th of March. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

5 March 2020, the Bulgarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed two outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The outbreak involved a commercial poultry farm in the territory of Trilistnik village, Plovdiv region, which housed 31,322 animals. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

2 March 2020, the Bulgarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed two outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry, as a result of the enhanced active surveillance carried out in the 10 km surveillance zone established around the first outbreak of H5N8 confirmed in Bulgaria in 2020, in the region of Plovdiv.
The first outbreak involved a commercial farm of fattening ducks in Bolyarino village, which housed 3,620 Mulard ducks in a closed production system (i.e. from 1-day old ducklings to the force-feeding phase). The second outbreak involved a commercial farm of fattening ducks in the Stryama village, housing 5,000 Mulard ducks in the feeding phase. The rearing and breeding phases were carried out in two different farms located in neighboring municipalities (Saedinenie and Brezovo municipalities), 20 km apart from each other. Official samplings in those farms gave negative results for AI virus. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

24 February 2020, the Bulgarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed two new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned two commercial farms located in the city of Plovdiv, in the Plovdiv Region, that housed 55,437 birds and 11.600 ducks, respectively. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

17 February 2020, the Bulgarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Rakovski, Plovdiv district. The holding housed 15,729 ducks. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

16 February 2020, the Czech Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Slepotice, Pardubicky Region. The holding housed 7,500 fattening turkeys and approximately 130,000 broilers. From 14 February, it was reported an increased mortality in the breeding, as well as clinical symptoms referable to avian flu. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures are in progress.

17 January 2020, the Czech Veterinary Authorities confirmed the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The case involved a rural poultry holding housing 15 birds, in Vysočina Region. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. Killing of poultry and disposal of carcasses was completed on 18th January.

26 March 2020, the German Veterinary Authorities confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in captive birds. The holding involved (a zoo), located in Zwickau, Saxony, housed 286 birds: 89 ducks (one found dead) and 197 other birds.

11 and 12 March 2020, the German Veterinary Authorities confirmed two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry and wild birds, respectively. The first outbreak involved a commercial farm of turkey breeder located in the Aurich district that housed 10,579 birds. Epidemiological inquiry is still ongoing, while control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation. The second positivity was confirmed in a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead in the Leipzig district.

13 March 2020, the German Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in a captive birds holding. The outbreak involved a farm in the Leipzig district, which housed 44 birds (6 ducks and 38 chickens). The origin of the disease is still unknown as the epidemiological inquiry is still ongoing. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

7 February 2020, the German Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a rural farm located in the district of Hohenlohekreis. The holding housed 49 laying hens, 6 ducks and 2 geese. In addition, 9 canaries and 3 pheasants were kept as non-poultry. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures are in progress.

19 January 2020, the German Veterinary Authorities confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in a common coot (Fulica atra), found dead in the Spree-Neiße district.

26 March 2020, the Hungarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.

All the holdings involved were located in Kecskemét district, northern part of the Bács-Kiskun County, where, on March 25^th, several farms were reported positive to the same serotype. The farms involved are considered secondary outbreaks and have the following characteristics:

In all the farms, control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

25 March 2020, the Hungarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed five new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.

All the holdings involved were fattening ducks farms located in Csólyospálos locality, Bács-Kiskun County, with the following characteristics:

In all the farms control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation. The affected area is a densely populated poultry area and therefore, all the farms in the 3 km protection zone established for the primary outbreak, are considered at higher risk of virus introduction. For those farms, preventive culling has been ordered and is ongoing (approx. 200,000 birds).

17 January 2020, the Hungarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed the fourth outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 34000 fattening turkeys, located in the city of Tatabánya, Komárom-Esztergom province. The affected holding is within 1 km of the first outbreak, confirmed on January 12th in Hungary. Preventive culling activities were already started based on suspicion. All the control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

14 January 2020, the Hungarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 20000 fattening turkeys, located in the city of Tatabánya, Komárom-Esztergom province. The affected holding is within 1 km of the first outbreak, confirmed on January 12th in Hungary, and depopulation activities have already been started based on suspicion. All the control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

14 January 2020, the Hungarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 115548 young ducks, located in the city of Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar province.
Following a report of an anomalous increase in mortality rate observed in all of the 11 pens of the holding (with 10449 animals dead), and suspicious pathological lesions, official investigation were started on 13 January. All the control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

12 January 2020, the Hungarian Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a fattening turkey farm located in the town of Tatabánya, Komárom-Esztergom County. At the time of confirmation, the farm housed 53,500 birds distributed over 12 sheds. The virus was detected through official diagnostic tests, following reports of a sudden increase in mortality rate and the onset of respiratory symptoms in a shed housing 4,500 13 weeks-old birds. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

24 March 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The outbreak involved a commercial farm of 13-weeks meat turkey located in the Sulęcin city, Lubusz Voivodeship, that housed 94,206 birds. Control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

6 March 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. A backyard holding in Wrocław city, housing 74 laying hens was found positive. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

4 March 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
A commercial farm of fattening ducks in Łódź Voivodeship, housing 10,338 animals was found positive. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

2 March 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm in the municipality of Gliwice, Silesian Voivodeship that housed 4,372 birds (ducks, geese, laying hens, broiler). The farm was located in the protection zone established for the outbreak confirmed on the 22nd of February in a farm of breeder ducks in the same municipality. Epidemiological investigation revealed at risk contacts between the two farms (movements of owners). The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

1 March 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the municipality of Konin, Great Poland Voivodeship that housed 30,183 fattening ducks. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

27 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the municipality of Zgierz, Łódź Voivodeship that housed 15,220 fattening ducks. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

25 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farms located in the municipality of Wartkowice, in Poddębice County, Łódź Voivodeship, that housed 4,895 8-days old fattening ducks. Information collected via the epidemiological inquiry identified the vehicle transporting live birds (ducklings) as potential source for virus introduction. The same vehicle had visited the farms where outbreaks were confirmed on 21st-23rd February. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

23 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Łódź, Łódź Voivodeship, that housed 12,700 fattening ducks. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

23 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Koło, Great Poland Voivodeship, that housed 9,046 1-week old fattening ducks. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

 22 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Łowicz, Łódź Voivodeship, that housed 56,503 5,5-weeks old fattening ducks. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

22 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Gliwice, Silesian Voivodeship, that housed 49.321 breeding ducks. The virus was suspected on the 20^th February. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

21 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Opole Voivodeship, that housed 6,960 2-weeks old ducks. The virus was suspected on the 20^th February, following reports of a sudden increase in mortality rate, anorexia and neurological symptoms including body tremors and head shaking. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

8 February 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Ostróda, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The holding housed 3,895 11-weeks old fattening turkeys. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

29 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a rural farm located in the village of Racibórz, Silesian Voivodeship. The holding housed 63 laying hens. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.
The Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the village of Wolsztyn, Greater Poland Voivodeship. The holding housed 36,183 13-weeks old fattening turkeys. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

26 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 23,351 14-weeks old fattening turkey, located in the district of Iława. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

23 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed three new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
Two backyard holdings situated in the village of Ostrów Wielkopolski, Greater Poland Voivodeship were involved. The holdings housed 165 and 161 birds of mixed species.
The third positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 37,563 12-weeks old fattening turkey, located in the town of Szamotuły, Greater Poland Voivodeship. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

18 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a backyard holding, situated in the village of Ziemnice, Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The holding housed 549 birds of different species: 91 laying hens, 41 chicken broiler, 17 geese, 70 ducks, 326 pigeons and 4 parrots. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

16 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 6,621 fattening ducks, located in the village of Ostrów Wielkopolski, voivodeship Greater Poland.
The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. Killing of poultry and disposal of carcasses was completed on 17th January.

15 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 19,594 geese breeders, located in the village of Słaborowice, Ostrów Wielkopolski district, voivodeship Greater Poland.
All the poultry products (eggs) already sent to hatcheries within the country were traced and destroyed. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

13 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm located in the city of Koło, Greater Poland Voivodeship. The holding housed 5,595 reproductive geese and 20 laying hens for own consumption. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. To date, killing of poultry, disposal of carcasses and preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

10 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a fattening turkey farm located in the town of Myślibórz, West Pomeranian voivodeship. At the time of confirmation, the farm housed 22,629 14 weeks-old birds. The virus was detected through official diagnostic tests, following reports of a sudden increase in mortality rate. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. According to the information provided by the local veterinary authorities, in the 3 km radius established around the outbreak (protection zone) there are no commercial farms.

7 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new case of H5N8 HPAI in a hawk found dead in the restriction zones established in the Lubartowski district.

4 and 5 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed two new outbreaks of H5N8 HPAI in fattening turkey farms, located in the Lublin voivodeship. The first farm housed 13,186 9 weeks-old birds and was located in the Stary Uscimow village. The second farm housed 24,000 13 weeks-old birds and was located in the Drozdówka village. Both are considered secondary outbreaks and are located in the restriction zones established in the Lubartowski district. Measures in accordance with Council Directive 2005/94/EC have been implemented in all outbreaks.

3 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed three new outbreaks of H5N8 HPAI.
The first case involved a commercial laying hen farm, which housed 36,069 birds and was located in Topola Osiedle village, Greater Poland voivodeship. The second case involved a backyard holding, where 36 birds (13 laying hens, 7 ducks and 16 pigeons) were housed. The farm was located in the Wolka Orlowska village, Lublin voivodeship. The owner of this farm owns a farm where fur animals (foxes) were bred. Epidemiological inquiry revealed that, on the 27th December 2019, the owner had purchased animal by-products from the farm where the first outbreak in the Stary Uscimow village was confirmed on 31 December 2019, in order to feed the foxes. The third case was registered in another backyard holding, located in the Olchowiec Kolonia village, Lublin voivodeship, close to a pond. At the time of confirmation, the farm housed 43 birds (19 laying hens, 22 ducks and 3 geese). This is considered a primary outbreak in this area.

2 January 2020, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of H5N8 HPAI in a guinea fowl farm housing 12,960 birds and located in the Stary Uscimow village, Lublin voivodeship. The positivity was confirmed during official controls implemented as a result of the epidemiological inquiry carried out in the first infected farm detected in the same village at the end of December 2019.

31 December 2019, the Polish Veterinary Authorities confirmed three outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The first positivity concerned a fattening turkey farm located in the Stary Uscimow village, Lublin voivodeship. At the time of confirmation, the farm housed 12,089 14 weeks-old birds. The virus was detected through official diagnostic tests, following reports of a sudden increase in mortality rate and clinical signs. On the same day, during outbreak investigation, two secondary outbreaks were confirmed in fattening turkey farms, located in the same village, which had contacts with the first positive farm. At the time of confirmation those farms housed respectively 9,500 9.5 weeks-old and 20,600 14 weeks-old birds. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

21 February 2020, the outbreaks confirmed on 14^th and 17^th of January 2020 in two commercial farms housing laying hens have been officially closed.

17 January 2020, the Romanian Veterinary Authorities confirmed the second outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 22,762 laying hens, located in the locality of Seini, Maramureş district. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. Culling procedures are ongoing.

14 January 2020, the Romanian Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 18699 laying hens, located in the locality of Seini, Maramureş district. The virus was detected through official diagnostic tests, following a report of an anomalous increase in mortality rate observed on 13 January (11190 animals dead). The culling activities on the remaining 7509 birds are still ongoing. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

27 January 2020, the Slovak Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a backyard holding, situated in the city of Čadca. The holding housed 10 birds. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

24 January 2020, the Slovak Veterinary Authorities confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in captive birds, in the National zoo Bojnice, in the district of Prievidza. Official investigations started on 22 January after mortality registered in one Silver teal (Spatula versicolor) and two Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia). Nine other ducks died in the next days: 3 Silver teals (Spatula versicolor), 4 Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia), 1 Carolina duck (Aix sponsa) and 1 Berniers teal (Anas bernieri). The epidemiological investigation is ongoing. The introduction of the virus into the holding is probably due to contacts between wild birds and captive birds living in the zoo. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. Killing activities and disposal of carcasses of 41 birds belonging to the symptomatic group, as well as preliminary cleansing and disinfection procedures have been concluded.

17 January 2020, the Slovakian Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a backyard holding housing 19 laying hens, situated in the locality of Trnava, in the homonymous Region. The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation. Preliminary cleansing and disinfection on the infected holding were completed on the 20^th of January.

9 January 2020, the Slovakian Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry.
The positivity concerned a rural farm housing 22 laying hens, located in the village of Zbhey, Nitra district. The virus was detected through official diagnostic tests, following a report of a sudden increase in mortality rate observed on 3 January. Epidemiological investigation are ongoing, but the inquiry revealed that most probably the source of introduction was contacts with wild birds. The farm, opened in April 2018, has never commercialized poultry products (eggs). The control and eradication measures have been implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

19 January 2020, the Ukrainian Veterinary Authorities confirmed the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in domestic poultry. The positivity concerned a commercial farm housing 116,544 laying hens, located in the town of Nemyriv, Vinnycja Province. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented and were lifted on the 04th of March.

5 April 2019, the Bulgarian authorities confirmed two cases of HPAI H5N8 in the Plovdiv region. The first case was found in a commercial laying hen farm which housed about 35,000 birds. The second outbreak was registered in a small family farm (37 laying hens). Both positive results were confirmed by the increase in mortality observed on April 3^rd. On April 8^th another outbreak was identified in a laying hen farm through the surveillance activities implemented after confirmation of the last two cases. This latter farm is located in the same area as the one where the April 3^rd outbreak was identified and at the time of the outbreak it housed about 168,752 birds. Both farms had the same owner. The control and eradication measures were implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

2 April 2019, the Bulgarian authorities confirmed a new case of HPAI of the H5 subtype in a duck meat farm for foie gras production located in Yoglav, in the Lovech region. The control and eradication measures were implemented in compliance with the European legislation. The killing of 1,400 birds that were housed in the farm at the time of confirmation is still in progress. In the restriction zones (of 3 and 10 km) around the outbreak area there are six other commercial poultry farms. At the moment the source of infection is still unknown. No wild birds were found dead in the nearby area and no abnormal mortality rates were recorded in other poultry farms.

13 March 2019, the Bulgarian authorities confirmed a new case of HPAI of the H5 subtype in a duck farm located in Lisets, in the Lovech region. The control and eradication measures were implemented in compliance with the European legislation. In the restriction zones (of 3 and 10 km) around the outbreak area there are three other commercial poultry farms. The killing of 3,200 birds that were housed in the farm at the time of confirmation is still in progress. This is the first case of HPAI identified in the Bulgarian territory after almost 3 months. The source of infection is unknown.

December 2018. In this last month Bulgaria has notified two new cases of HPAI H5N8 in the rural sector, the first positive case was confirmed in Straldzha (Jambol), the second in Bregovo (Vidin). Following these two outbreaks, 453 birds have been killed.

17 November 2018, Bulgaria notified four new cases of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. Positive results were confirmed in three commercial and one rural farm in the districts of Haskovo, Plovdiv and Stara Zagora and involved a total of 44,300 animals.

6 November 2018, Bulgaria notified a new case of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. The positive result was confirmed in a duck farm located in the municipality of Dimitrovgrad (Haskovo) and involved about 4,000 animals. Given the rapidly deteriorating situation, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency implemented a programme to increase control measures for poultry farms, paying particular attention to biosafety and laboratory testing.

5 November 2018. In these last days, the Bulgarian authorities have confirmed five new cases of HPAI H5N8 in poultry. The first positive result was observed a rural farm with 85 birds located in the municipality of Krumovo, in the district of Plovdiv. Other positive results were soon after confirmed in two duck farms in the south of the country (in the villages of Malevo and Garvanovo respectively), involving a total of 13,797 birds. The fourth outbreak was registered in a farm housing 39,000 laying hens in the municipality of Sadovo, in the district of Plovdiv. The last case was detected during surveillance activities in a small rural farm in Voivodovo, a municipality recently affected by AI cases.

18 October 2018, the Bulgarian authorities notified two new cases of HPAI of theH5 subtype in two commercial farms, in the municipality of Voivodovo, in the district of Haskovo, in the south of the Country. Overall a total of 146,000 birds were involved and confirmation was ascertained after observing increase in mortality..

8 October 2018, the Bulgarian authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N8 in a rural farm, in the municipality of Marica, in the district of Plovdiv, which had recently been involved in AI cases. Positivity was confirmed in 406 birds after observing an increase in mortality.

30 September 2018, the Bulgarian authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N8 in a laying hen farm, in the municipality of Trilistnik (Plovdiv). A total of 44,063 birds were involved and positivity was confirmed after an increased mortality. Killing of birds and appropriate disinfection activities have been implemented.

17 August 2018, the Bulgarian authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N8 in a rural farm in the district of Dobrič, in the north-east of the country. Positivity was confirmed in a farm with 62 birds (laying hens, broilers and pigeons) after increase in mortality was observed. Killing of birds and appropriate disinfection activities have been implemented.

09 May 2018, the Finnish authorities confirmed a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a grey eagle white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead in Turku, on the southwest coast of Finland.

25 April 2018, the Finnish authorities notified a new outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The positive result was found in a white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead in Sauvo, in the southwest of the country.

29 March 2018, the Finnish authorities notified the first case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The positive result was detected in a white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found in Pargas. The bird was unable to fly and subsequently admitted to a recovery centre, where it was tested for avian influenza. After testing positive, the eagle and the other five birds in the recovery centre were euthanized.

4 September 2018, German authorities informed the OIE of a new outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in poultry. Positivity was found in a rural farm located near Wilmar, on the Baltic Sea coast. At the time of confirmation, 113 ducks, 17 broilers and 3 geese were in the farm and culling has already been carried out. This was the fifth German outbreak of HPAI H5N6, the first to be registered after the notification in May 2018.

7 May 2018, the German authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a wild animal. The positive result was found in a sample from a buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead in the city of Vlotho, in North Rhine-Westphalia.

30 April 2018, the German authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a wild animal. Positivity was detected in a dead white stork (Ciconia ciconia) found in the town of Damme, in the district of Vechta, in Lower Saxony, north-western Germany. This is the second case of HPAI H5N6 recorded in wild birds in Germany.

22 March 2018, the German authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in poultry. The positive result was confirmed in a rural farm located on the island of Süderoog, off the north-western German coast. At the time of confirmation, there were 44 meat chickens, 19 ducks, 7 geese and 3 turkeys. Restriction measures were put in place and the epidemiological investigation started. Culling was carried out. This is the first German positive result for HPAI H5N6 confirmed in poultry.

8 January 2018, the German authorities notified the OIE of a new outbreak of AI in wild animals. This is the first German outbreak of HPAI H5N6. Positivity was detected in a sample from a dead wild ducks found in Dachau.

16 March 2018, the Irish authorities communicated to the OIE a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The positive result was found in a white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead in the lake of Lough Derg, in the same county where the previous HPAI H5N6 outbreaks in wild animals had been confirmed.

12 March 2018, the Irish authorities communicated a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. Positivity was detected in a dead buzzard (Buteo buteo) found in the county of Tipperary, where an HPAI H5N6 outbreak had been confirmed in wild animals the month before.

9 February 2018, the Irish authorities informed the OIE of a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The positive result was confirmed on February 8^th, 2018 in the county of Tipperary, in Lehinch, after finding one dead white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) on January 31^st. This is the first positive result of H5N6 registered in Ireland and to date the only reported case for this subtype.

3 September 2018, the Dutch authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. Positivity was detected in a dead mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) found in Blaricum, in the north of the country. The last time the virus had been isolated in the Netherlands was in March 2018.

23 March 2018, the Dutch authorities notified two new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The first positive result refers to a buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead in Stavenisse, in the province of Zeeland. The second case was confirmed in Westernieland (Groningen) and detected in a peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).

13 March 2018, the Dutch authorities confirmed a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a duck meat farm in Kamperveen, in the province of Overijssel. The killing of about 29,000 animals was carried out. Protection and surveillance zones (3 and 10 km, respectively) were established. In the protection zone there are four farms, one of which located at 1 km from the outbreak that will be subjected to the preventive killing of animals. The other three structures tested negative for HPAI.

27 February 2018, the Dutch authorities communicated to the OIE one outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in poultry and one in wild animals. The first positive result referred to a commercial poultry farm in the province of Groningen. About 36,000 animals were in the farm at the time of confirmation, on February 25^th, 2018, all of which were culled. Protection and surveillance zones, of 3 and 10 km respectively, were established. Movement control measures within one kilometre from the outbreak, where there are no commercial farms, were implemented. All farms located in the protection zone were tested for AI, with negative results. The second positive case was found in a dead greater scaup (Aythya marila) found near the IJsselmeer lake (Noord-Holland). To the present, the Netherlands have notified a total of 10 HPAI H5N6 outbreaks (4 in poultry and 6 in wild birds).

24 January 2018, the Dutch authorities notified the OIE of three new outbreaks of HPAI H5N6: two in wild animals and one in poultry. The first positive results were confirmed in four dead wild mute swans (Cygnus olor) found in the province of Gelderland, where positivity had already been observed in wild animals the month before. The second positive results were identified in two wild gulls (Larus marinus and Larus ridibundus) in the province of Noord-Holland. The third outbreak affected 32 birds of different species, bred in captivity in the province of Zuid-Holland.

22 December 2017, the Dutch authorities informed the OIE of one outbreak of AI in wild birds and one in poultry, both of the H5N6 subtype. The first positive result referred to a mute swan (Cygnus olor) found dead in the province of Gelderland. The second outbreak was registered in the province of Flevoland, in the same place where the duck meat farm had tested positive for HPAI H5N6 on December 8^th, 2017. The 58 animals involved had all been bred in captivity.

10 December 2017, the Dutch authorities communicated to the OIE an outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in a duck meat farm in the province of Flevoland. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the new isolated virus was generated by a reassortment event between European HPAI H5N8 viruses (clade 2.3.4.4) and Eurasian LPAI viruses. Its introduction seems to have occurred during the migration of wild birds in autumn 2017. Following confirmation on December 8th, the protection and surveillance zones, of 3 and 10 km respectively, were established. Animals were culled. On December 15^th, the Dutch authorities communicated two new HPAI H5N6 outbreaks to the OIE. Positive results were obtained from samples of dead wild swans (Cygnus olor) found in the wetlands near Elburg and Hulshorst (Gelderland).

29 March 2018, the Slovak authorities notified a new outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. The positive result was found in a dead gull (Larus ridibundus) found near Trnava, in the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. This is the first case of HPAI H5N6 in Slovakia and to date the only one caused by this subtype.

5 June 2018, the Swedish authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a wild white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead near the municipality of Nyköping, in the south of the country.

25 May 2018, the Swedish authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a dead wild white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found near the municipality of Mönsterås, in the south of the country.

9 May 2018, the Swedish authorities notified two new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. The positive results were observed in 5 white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead in the south of the country.

26 April 2018, the Swedish authorities communicated to the OIE three new outbreaks of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The first positive result was identified in the county of Scania, in the town of Bromolla. On March 29^th, clinical signs were observed in a buzzard (Buteo buteo), which died before arriving at the recovery centre. The second positive result was confirmed in a white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead on April 9^th, near the town of Bromolla, in the county of Scania. The third positive result was found in a dead northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) found on April 9^th in the town of Mörrum, in the county of Blekinge.

6 April 2018, the Swedish authorities notified a new outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. The positive result was found in a white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead in Sölvesborg, in the south of the country.

16 March 2018, the Swedish authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in poultry. The positive case was confirmed in a rural farm in Östhammer, in the county of Uppsala. At the time of confirmation, there were 105 birds (28 hens, 11 turkeys, 22 pheasants, 40 pigeons, 3 quails and 1 goose) housed in the farm. Protection and surveillance zones were defined, in an area with no other commercial poultry farms. This is the first Swedish positive result for HPAI H5N6 confirmed in poultry.

14 March 2018, the Swedish authorities communicated to the OIE a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The positive results were confirmed in a buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead in the county of Blekinge, in the south of the country, in the same area where an HPAI outbreak in wild animals had been confirmed the month before.

20 February 2018, the Swedish authorities notified a new case of avian influenza in wild animals to the OIE. This is the first Swedish outbreak of HPAI H5N6. The positive result was confirmed in a white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) showing clinical signs on January 28^th, which was found in the town of Eriksberg, Karlshamn, in the county of Blekinge Län. The bird died on February 1^st and was transported to the laboratory for analyses on February 13^th. On February 19^th the HPAI H5N6 positive result was confirmed.

29 December 2017, the Swiss authorities notified the OIE the first outbreak of HPAI H5N6. The positive result was confirmed in a wild mute swan (Cygnus olor) found dead in Erlach, on Lake Biel.

15 June 2018, the English authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a wild goose (Anser anser) found dead in a natural park near the municipality of Armagh, in Northern Ireland. The genomic analysis revealed a high homology with the virus isolated in the buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead in Northern Ireland in late March.

3 April 2018 the United Kingdom notified a new outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. The positive results were confirmed in two buzzards (Buteo buteo) found dead in Suffolk County, where another outbreak of AI had been confirmed the previous month.

23 March 2018, the United Kingdom confirmed a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead in Antrim, Northern Ireland. The positive birds was found in the framework of surveillance activities in wild birds.

1 March 2018, the United Kingdom communicated to the OIE 6 new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. Positive results were confirmed on subjects found dead in six different counties in the south of the country. Ten birds were involved: three buzzards (Buteo buteo), two mute swans (Cygnus olor), a goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), two pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and two wild geese (Anser anser). To this day, the United Kingdom has notified a total of 18 HPAI H5N6 outbreaks, all in wild birds.

14 February 2018, the English authorities notified the OIE of a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. This result was confirmed in a sample from a mute swan (Cygnus olor) found dead in a natural park in the county of Oxfordshire.

5 February 2018, the English authorities communicated to the OIE five new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. Positive results were identified in the counties of Surrey, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and Warwickshire. Ten birds were involved (7 Cygnus olor, 1 Aythya fuligula and 2 unidentified birds). To this day, the United Kingdom has notified a total of 11 outbreaks of the new HPAI H5N6.

29 January 2018, the English authorities communicated to the OIE three new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds. These results were confirmed on birds found dead in natural parks. The first outbreak was identified in the county of Greater London and involved two mute swans (Cygnus olor). The second case affected a tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) found in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The third epidemic wave was confirmed in Rutland county and involved 8 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and 1 waterhen (Gallinula chloropus).

22 January 2018, another case of HPAI H5N6 was reported in wild birds. Positive results were identified in 19 birds (Anatidae and Laridae) found dead in a natural reserve in Hertfordshire.

17 January 2018, the English authorities communicated to the OIE a new outbreak of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. Sixty-eight (68) birds were found dead in a natural park in Warwickshire county. Among the species involved, 5 tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula), 1 great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), 1 herring gull (Larus argentatus) and 6 great black-backed gulls (Larus marinus).

10 January 2018, the English authorities notified the OIE of a new outbreak of HPAI in wild birds. The birds involved were 3 mute swans (Cygnus olor), found dead in Dorset county, in the south of England. This is the first case of H5N6 confirmed in the United Kingdom.

31/01/2020 – On 30 January 2020, the Danish Veterinary Authorities notified an LPAI H5N1 outbreak in poultry. The positivity has been confirmed in a commercial farm in the city of Aalborg, housing approximately 48,000 organic laying hens. The virus was detected on 29 January on tested animals, in accordance of the Danish surveillance programme for avian influenza in poultry. Mandatory control measures have been applied. The egg layers at the infected holding will be culled, and the carcasses will be disposed by rendering.

14/10/2019 – On 9 October, the French Veterinary Authorities notified an LPAI H5 outbreak in poultry. The positivity regards a free-range farm in Marolle-en-Sologne, housing about 2,600 mallards at the time of confirmation. The hosted birds were intended for hunting in a natural environment. The virus was detected on 3 October, as part of the official planned surveillance, without any clinical signs. Mandatory control measures have been already applied. Culling procedures are ongoing. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

17/12/2019 – On 11 December, the English Veterinary Authorities notified an LPAI H5 outbreak in poultry. Further PCR testing performed on 12 December has revealed N3. The complete virus identification is therefore LPAI H5N3. The positivity concerns a domestic farm in Mid Suffolk, housing about 27,000 broiler breeder chickens at the time of confirmation. The virus was detected on 10 December through official tests, following reports of a drop in egg production. No other sign has been reported. Mandatory control measures have been already applied. Culling procedures are ongoing. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.