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Avian influenza overview August - November 2018
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|July 7, 2020
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) and A(H5N6) outbreaks occurred in the EU. While human risk is low, increased vigilance and surveillance are crucial, especially with wild bird migration.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) in Bulgaria and A(H5N6) in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands were reported in the European Union (EU).
- No human infections with these HPAI strains have been reported in Europe, though seroconversion was noted in individuals exposed during Russian outbreaks.
- The risk of zoonotic transmission to the general public in Europe is considered very low, but personal protective measures are advised for exposed individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze the occurrence of HPAI A(H5N8) and A(H5N6) outbreaks in the EU between August and November 2018.
- To assess the potential risk of zoonotic transmission and the effectiveness of surveillance methods.
- To highlight the role of wild bird migration in the introduction and spread of HPAI viruses into the EU.
Main Methods:
- Surveillance and reporting of HPAI outbreaks in poultry, captive, and wild birds within the EU.
- Genetic analysis of HPAI viruses to understand introduction pathways and transmission dynamics.
- Monitoring of human exposure and seroconversion data related to HPAI outbreaks.
Main Results:
- 14 HPAI A(H5N8) outbreaks in Bulgarian poultry and 7 HPAI A(H5N6) outbreaks in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands were documented.
- Genetic data suggests multiple introductions of HPAI A(H5N8) into Bulgaria with ongoing circulation in domestic ducks.
- Passive surveillance for HPAI A(H5N8) in domestic ducks may be compromised, necessitating increased vigilance, particularly during winter wild bird migration.
Conclusions:
- Continued circulation of HPAI viruses within the EU, with potential for introduction via wild bird migration from Russia.
- The sensitivity of passive surveillance in domestic ducks requires improvement.
- Enhanced vigilance is necessary, especially during periods favoring wild bird aggregation and movement, to mitigate HPAI risks.
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