As avian flu makes a concerning comeback across Europe, farmers and veterinary officials are on high alert. In recent weeks, numerous European countries have reported new outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in both wild and domestic birds. This resurgence has particularly affected poultry farms in Albania, the United Kingdom, Romania, Germany, and Ukraine. Of notable concern is the detection of the H5N5 virus variant in a poultry farm in Northern England—marking its first appearance at a European poultry farm.
The recent developments have sparked renewed calls for stringent biosecurity measures and have prompted European governments to reassess their disease control strategies. Here’s a closer look at the evolving situation and the impact on the poultry industry.
1. Current Avian Flu Landscape in Europe
Throughout 2024, Europe has been grappling with repeated outbreaks of avian flu, particularly the H5N1 strain, which has been the primary virus affecting poultry and wild birds across the continent. According to reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), avian flu cases have surged in recent months, with 278 recorded outbreaks in poultry as of November 6. Hungary, Moldova, and Poland have been among the most affected, with a substantial number of cases also reported in Bulgaria and Germany.
The reemergence of avian flu poses significant risks, not only to commercial poultry but also to public health and the economy. Since avian flu viruses can spread rapidly among bird populations, they can lead to mass culling, economic losses, and trade restrictions on poultry products from affected regions. The new H5N5 variant’s detection in a commercial farm in the UK has heightened concerns, signaling that the virus is evolving and may spread further if not contained effectively.
2. H5N5: A New Variant Raises Concerns
While H5N1 has been the dominant strain in Europe this year, the recent detection of H5N5 at a poultry farm in Northern England is unprecedented. This outbreak occurred in early November, when 200 out of 23,227 free-range laying hens on a farm in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, were found dead due to the virus. Although the precise source of the infection remains unclear, it’s believed that wild birds, which carry various avian flu strains, may have transmitted the virus.
The emergence of H5N5 is particularly worrying because it suggests a mutation of the virus, potentially complicating containment efforts. Since H5N5 had only been previously identified in wild birds within the UK, its detection in a commercial poultry setting has prompted health officials to warn farmers to follow strict biosecurity measures.
3. Impact of the Outbreak in the United Kingdom
With the confirmation of the H5N5 strain, the UK has lost its HPAI-free status. This designation is significant because it impacts the country’s poultry trade agreements and restricts exports. However, the HPAI status for Northern Ireland remains unaffected by this outbreak.
In response to the Hornsea farm outbreak, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) swiftly implemented a series of containment measures. These included a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the infected site to prevent further spread. All infected birds were culled to reduce the risk of additional infections.
Furthermore, the UK Food Standards Agency reassured the public that properly cooked poultry meat and eggs remain safe to eat, despite the outbreak. Nonetheless, the economic impact on poultry farmers, especially those operating near infected zones, is considerable, as they face movement restrictions on birds, poultry products, and associated materials.
4. New Cases in Albania, Romania, Germany, and Ukraine
Alongside the UK, other European countries have also reported their first HPAI cases for the fall season:
Albania: In a backyard flock near the capital, Tirana, Albania confirmed its first-ever HPAI case in late October.
Romania: After a hiatus since May, Romania recorded H5N1 cases in a backyard flock in Tulcea, a southeastern county.
Germany: Two small poultry flocks in Bavaria tested positive for H5N1 in late October, marking the virus’s return after several months.
Ukraine: The Mykolaiv region in southern Ukraine confirmed H5N1 in a small village flock, marking the virus’s reappearance after a brief absence.
These cases underscore that avian flu continues to pose a threat across Europe, affecting both commercial and backyard flocks alike.
5. European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System
The European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System has been actively monitoring avian flu outbreaks in EU member states and neighboring countries. Data shows that HPAI outbreaks have affected 18 European countries, with Hungary, Moldova, and Poland experiencing the highest number of cases.
To date, 278 outbreaks have been recorded, compared to 521 during the entirety of 2023. Although 2024 has seen fewer cases overall, the emergence of the H5N5 variant introduces new complexities. The majority of cases have involved the H5N1 strain, with only a small portion attributed to other serotypes like H5N5.
6. Case Study: HPAI in Hungary’s Foie Gras Industry
In Hungary, the majority of HPAI outbreaks have occurred in large commercial flocks, particularly those involved in the foie gras industry. The high concentration of ducks and geese for foie gras production makes this sector especially vulnerable to avian flu. Once HPAI is detected, these farms must implement stringent control measures, including culling infected flocks, resulting in substantial economic losses for producers.
In recent weeks, outbreaks in Hungary have impacted six counties, affecting both duck and goose populations. These cases have highlighted the need for proactive disease management in the foie gras sector, where high-density flocks are at greater risk of infection.
7. HPAI in Captive Birds and Wildlife
In addition to poultry, HPAI has affected captive birds across Europe, including those in zoos, aviaries, and backyard flocks. As of early November, 95 outbreaks have been reported in 13 countries in this category. This represents an increase from 2023, which saw 93 confirmed outbreaks in captive bird populations.
Similarly, wild bird populations have not been spared. With nearly 600 confirmed cases of avian flu in wild birds across 30 European countries, the virus remains highly active in wildlife, which acts as a reservoir for the disease and can introduce it into farmed bird populations.
8. France’s Vaccination Campaign Against Avian Flu
In an effort to combat avian flu, France has resumed its vaccination program for commercial ducks. This state-funded initiative, which began in October, aims to vaccinate millions of ducks across the country. In the campaign’s first month, over four million ducks received the vaccine. The French government recently raised the avian flu risk level to high, citing an increase in wild and domestic bird cases, particularly among commercial duck flocks.
The vaccination campaign marks a proactive step in managing avian flu and demonstrates the French government’s commitment to disease prevention. Vaccination could offer a viable long-term solution for controlling HPAI, especially in high-density commercial poultry settings.
9. Future Outlook for the Poultry Industry
The recent surge in avian flu cases underscores the ongoing threat to European poultry farms. With both the H5N1 and H5N5 variants circulating, farmers and health officials must remain vigilant and continue to implement robust biosecurity measures.
As winter approaches, the risk of further outbreaks increases due to migratory birds, which often carry avian flu viruses. A coordinated approach that includes strict biosecurity, targeted vaccination programs, and early detection will be essential in preventing future outbreaks and protecting the livelihoods of poultry farmers across Europe.
Conclusion: The evolving situation of avian flu in Europe, including the first detection of the H5N5 variant at a commercial farm, underscores the importance of biosecurity and proactive disease management in the poultry industry. With avian flu posing significant risks to both public health and the economy, the need for effective containment strategies and ongoing research into vaccination and disease prevention is paramount.
