Avian influenza in Europe: update

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.

21 January 2019, the Danish authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 from a buzzard (Buteo buteo) found dead near Odsherred, in the east of the country.

14 January 2019, the Danish authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The sample was taken from a white-tailed (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead near Naestved, in the region of Zeeland. This is the first positive result for HPAI since last September.

September 2018, the Danish authorities notified two new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals. The birds were a wild goose (Anser anser) and a pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) found in the municipalities of Bandholm and Slagelse, respectively.

21 August 2018, the Danish authorities have notified two new cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild birds in the west of the country. The positive results refer to a mute swan (Cygnus olor) and an eider duck (Somateria mollissima). The latter was found dead with other specimens, mainly of the same species; however, their poor conditions made sampling impossible.

22 June 2018, the Danish authorities notified a new case of HPAI H5N6 in a white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found with evident clinical signs in Herlufmagle, in the east of the country. The bird was euthanized few days later.

15 May 2018, the Danish authorities notified 19 cases of HPAI H5N6 in wild animals, which had occurred in the last two months in different parts of the country. The positive results involved a total of 23 birds found dead (11 Buteo buteo, 5 Haliaeetus albicilla, 2 Corvus cornix, 2 Cygnus olor, 1 Larus argentatus, 1 Larus ridibundusand 1 Phalacrocorax carbo).

2 March 2018, the Danish authorities notified the OIE of a new case of avian influenza (AI) in wild birds. This was the first registered Danish outbreak of HPAI H5N6. The positive result was from a white tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) found dead near the municipality of Slagelse, in the east of the country.

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.

Detailed information on the epidemiological situation and the provisions adopted by the competent authorities in Italy is available on the page: Avian influenza in Italy: update

31/12/2020 – 17 December 2020, the Belgian Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of the subtype H5 in a poultry farm. The outbreak involved a poultry (Gallus gallus) premises in West Flanders, which hosted approximately 78,000 birds. According to Article 43 of the Council directive 2005/94/EC the authority established a restriction zone of 1 kilometer radius around the holding, where control and eradication measures have been applied.

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.

05/10/2020 – On 14 September 2020, the German Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of the subtype H5N8 in captive birds. The outbreak involved a zoo in the city of Muenster in North Rhine-Westphalia land, which housed 19 birds. The positivity has been confirmed in a guinea fowl. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

Detailed information on the epidemiological situation and the provisions adopted by the competent authorities in Italy is available on the page: Avian influenza in Italy: update

31/12/2020 – 9 December 2020, the Dutch Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of the subtype H5 in a poultry farm. The outbreak involved a broiler breeder poultry premises in Den Bommel, South Holland, which hosted approximately 38,000 birds. On 18 December, the National Reference Laboratory has characterized the AI virus as subtype H5N2. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

04/11/2020 – On 2 November 2020, the British Veterinary Authorities confirmed an outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) of the subtype H5N2 in a poultry farm. The outbreak involved a small-scale mixed poultry premises near Deal in Kent, which hosted a total of 80 ducks, 220 chickens, 30 geese, 2 swans, 60 pigeons, 2 rhea and 4 guinea fowl. The holding was not involved in international trade of live poultry or poultry products. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing, but the origin of the infection is hypothesized to be the indirect contact with infected wild birds, considering the migration from mainland Europe during the winter season. The control and eradication measures have been promptly implemented in compliance with the European legislation.

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.