As 2025 begins, Europe faces a renewed threat from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with Italy reporting 16 outbreaks in poultry flocks within teh first two weeks of the year. This alarming trend has spread across multiple countries, raising concerns about the virus’s persistence and potential impact on both commercial and backyard poultry operations.
Between December 7,2024,and January 7,2025,Italy documented 26 outbreaks,affecting over 600,000 birds. The majority of these cases occurred in commercial farms, with laying hens, meat turkeys, broiler chickens, and ducks being the most affected.Regions like Lombardy and Veneto were especially hard-hit, accounting for the majority of the outbreaks.
Since October 2024, Italy has recorded 36 HPAI outbreaks, all linked to the H5N1 strain. The virus has continued to spread, with 16 additional cases detected in January alone, highlighting the ongoing challenge for poultry farmers and health authorities.
HPAI Resurfaces in Germany
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After nearly two years without a reported case, HPAI has reemerged in Germany, specifically in the Baden-wurttemberg region. A flock of 11,000 meat turkeys tested positive in a district bordering Bavaria. The Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, Germany’s national veterinary reference lab, also confirmed an infection in a turkey from Lower Saxony, underscoring the virus’s rapid spread.
Hungary has also seen a rise in cases, with two new outbreaks reported in Hajdu-Bihar. These outbreaks involved duck flocks raised for meat and foie gras production, bringing the county’s total to 11 outbreaks. Poland has recorded two H5N1-linked outbreaks this year, affecting 4,500 poultry in Lodz and 28,300 in Masovia, according to the chief veterinary office.
Europe-Wide Impact
As of January 15, seven European countries have confirmed HPAI in commercial poultry flocks, according to the European Commission’s Animal Disease Data system. Italy remains the most affected, with 16 outbreaks—10 linked to the H5N1 serotype and six to the broader H5 group.Hungary has reported three outbreaks, while albania, Germany, and Poland each have two. France and Portugal have each recorded one outbreak, all involving the H5N1 variant.
Captive Birds Affected
Captive birds have not been spared from the HPAI outbreak. In addition to commercial poultry, several cases have been reported in captive bird populations, further complicating containment efforts. Authorities are urging bird owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.
Wild Birds and cross-species Transmission
Wild birds continue to play a important role in the spread of HPAI, with migratory patterns contributing to the virus’s dissemination across regions.There is also growing concern about cross-species transmission, as the virus has shown the ability to infect mammals, including humans, in rare cases. Vigilance and proactive measures are essential to mitigate these risks.
What is the Current State of the HPAI Virus in Europe, and What Strains are Being Observed?
The HPAI virus remains a significant threat in Europe, with the H5N1 strain being the most prevalent. Though, other strains within the H5 group have also been detected.Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for robust surveillance and rapid response to prevent further outbreaks.
The Growing Threat of Avian Influenza in Europe
Over the past two weeks, Europe has witnessed a concerning rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, particularly among captive birds in Albania, Germany, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. The Czech Republic has also joined the list, confirming its first case of the year. While captive birds typically include zoo species, recent outbreaks have primarily affected backyard poultry flocks, raising alarms for both farmers and public health officials.
Wild birds and the Risk of Cross-Species Transmission
In October 2023, Greenland reported its first case of H5N5 HPAI in a wild bird, marking a significant advancement in the spread of the virus. Iceland followed suit, identifying the same variant in six deceased wild birds. Alarmingly, a domestic cat in Iceland also tested positive for the virus and was euthanized due to its deteriorating health. Authorities believe the cat contracted the virus from infected wild birds,as it lived far from the site of a previous outbreak in December 2022.
Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom have all reported new cases of wild birds testing positive for the H5N1 virus. These findings highlight the virus’s ability to cross species barriers and its widespread presence across the continent.
An Exclusive Interview with Dr. elena Moretti
Archyde News Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Moretti. Thank you for joining us today. As a leading epidemiologist specializing in zoonotic diseases, your insights are invaluable, especially given the recent surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks across Europe. Let’s dive right in.
dr. Elena Moretti: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment for public health and agriculture, and I’m glad to share what I know.
Archyde News editor: Italy has reported 16 outbreaks of HPAI in just the first two weeks of 2025, with a total of 26 outbreaks affecting over 600,000 birds since December 2024. What does this tell us about the current state of the virus?
Dr. Moretti: This is deeply concerning. The rapid spread of HPAI, notably the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain,highlights its high transmissibility and adaptability. The fact that Italy is leading the tally suggests that local conditions—such as high-density poultry farming and migratory bird patterns—are playing a significant role. This strain has been circulating globally since 2021,and its persistence into 2025 underscores the challenges we face in controlling it.
Archyde News Editor: The outbreaks have primarily affected commercial poultry operations, with laying hens being the most impacted. why is this demographic particularly vulnerable?
Dr. Moretti: Laying hens are often housed in large, confined spaces, which makes it easier for the virus to spread rapidly once it enters a facility.Additionally,the stress of high egg production can weaken their immune systems,making them more susceptible to infection.
What Can Be Done?
The continued spread of avian influenza across europe underscores the need for robust biosecurity measures, increased surveillance, and public awareness.Farmers are urged to implement stringent hygiene practices, while authorities must monitor wild bird populations closely to prevent further cross-species transmission.
For ongoing updates on the global avian influenza situation, including developments in the U.S. dairy sector, stay tuned to our complete coverage.
Combating avian Influenza: Expert Insights on Mitigating HPAI Spread in Europe
As avian influenza, particularly the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, continues to pose a significant threat to poultry and wildlife across Europe, experts are calling for urgent action to curb its spread. Dr. Moretti, a leading authority on infectious diseases, recently shared critical insights on the challenges and solutions surrounding this growing crisis.
The Growing Threat of HPAI
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has become a pressing concern, with outbreaks reported in both commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks. The virus,primarily carried by wild birds,has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and spread,raising alarms among health officials and farmers alike.
“The sheer scale of these outbreaks increases the likelihood of exposure,” Dr. Moretti emphasized. “It’s crucial for poultry workers and anyone in close contact with infected birds to take precautions,such as wearing protective gear and practicing good hygiene.”
Why Backyard Flocks Are at Risk
While commercial farms often implement strict biosecurity measures, smaller backyard flocks are particularly vulnerable. “Backyard flocks may seem less at risk due to their smaller size, but they often have less stringent biosecurity measures in place,” Dr. Moretti explained. “This makes them susceptible to infection, especially if they’re located near commercial operations or in areas frequented by wild birds.”
These smaller flocks can also act as a bridge,spreading the virus to larger farms or even to humans,further complicating containment efforts.
Human Health Concerns
The risk of HPAI spilling over into human populations remains a significant concern.”The risk of spillover is always present with HPAI, particularly with H5N1, which has a history of infecting mammals, including humans,” Dr.Moretti noted. While human cases are rare, the increasing scale of outbreaks heightens the potential for exposure, making protective measures essential.
Strategies to Mitigate the Spread
dr. Moretti outlined several key steps to combat the spread of HPAI in Europe:
- Enhance Biosecurity Measures: “We need to enhance biosecurity across all poultry operations, from large commercial farms to backyard flocks. This includes restricting access to farms, disinfecting equipment, and closely monitoring bird health.”
- improve Wild Bird Surveillance: “Wild birds are frequently the primary carriers of the virus. Improved surveillance of these populations is critical to early detection and response.”
- International Collaboration: “HPAI doesn’t respect borders.Sharing data and resources across nations is essential to controlling its spread.”
Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2025
Dr. moretti anticipates more outbreaks in the coming months, particularly during the migratory bird season. “Unluckily, I expect we’ll see more outbreaks in the coming months,” he said. “Though, with coordinated efforts, we can limit the impact.”
Vaccination programs for poultry are also being explored,though they come with challenges. “Ensuring vaccine efficacy against evolving strains is a significant hurdle,” Dr. Moretti acknowledged.
A Collective Effort
Addressing the HPAI crisis requires a united approach. “It’s a collective effort,” Dr.Moretti concluded. “I hope this interview helps raise awareness about the importance of addressing HPAI proactively.”
As the situation evolves, staying informed and vigilant will be key to mitigating the impact of avian influenza on both animal and human health.
