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Updated: Dec 16, 2025
08:46
Rapid Diagnosis of Avian Influenza Virus in Wild Birds: Use of a Portable rRT-PCR and Freeze-dried Reagents in the Field
Published on: August 2, 2011
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Avian influenza overview October 2016-August 2017
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|July 7, 2020
Summary
The 2016/2017 avian influenza (AI) epidemic, primarily A(H5N8), was the largest in EU history, affecting poultry and wild birds across 29 countries. No human transmission occurred despite widespread exposure, highlighting the need for enhanced global AI monitoring and preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
- One Health
Background:
- The 2016/2017 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epidemic, predominantly A(H5N8), was the most extensive recorded in the EU.
- It impacted 29 European countries, affecting poultry, captive birds, and wild birds, with significant geographical spread and numerous wild bird deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a descriptive epidemiological overview of the HPAI A(H5N8) epidemic in the EU.
- To analyze the spread patterns, identify contributing factors (e.g., waterfowl role), and report control measures.
- To inform future risk management strategies and preparedness by highlighting data needs and collaborative efforts.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive epidemiological analysis of HPAI cases in poultry, captive birds, and wild birds across EU Member States.
- Review of control measures implemented at the national level.
- Monitoring of AI situations in other continents for potential long-distance spread assessment.
Main Results:
- The epidemic was the largest in EU history by poultry outbreaks, geographical extent, and wild bird mortality.
- Multiple primary incursions affected various poultry sectors, with secondary spread often linked to domestic waterfowl.
- No human transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) was detected in the EU despite numerous exposures.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced collaboration at national, EU, and global levels is crucial for effective AI monitoring and preparedness.
- Standardizing definitions and reporting of control activities across Member States is recommended.
- Improving the collection and reporting of human exposure events to AI is essential for risk assessment.
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