Europe has recorded the lowest number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases in poultry and wild birds since 2019/2020, and the risk to the general public remains low. These are the main findings of the latest report on avian influenza by EFSA, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU Reference Laboratory (EURL), based on reported data between April and June 2024.

The improvement in Europe is likely linked to several factors which include: immunity developed by wild birds following previous infection; reduction of certain wild bird populations; decreased environmental contamination; and changes in the composition of viral genotypes.

Experts noted the continuous circulation of the HPAI virus in wild birds in Europe throughout the year, albeit at low numbers. The recommendation going forward is to enhance surveillance in view of the next influenza season.

Read more here