Avian Influenza annual report 2024

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Epidemiology
• One Health

Background:

• Avian influenza (AI) poses a significant zoonotic threat, necessitating robust surveillance.
• Coordinated efforts under the Avian Influenza Data Collection (AIDC), One Health (OH) initiatives, and the SENTINEL project are crucial for monitoring AI.
• Previous surveillance data informs risk-based strategies for early detection and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize AI surveillance outcomes in 2024 across poultry, captive birds, wild birds, and mammals.
• To assess the effectiveness of surveillance programs in detecting highly pathogenic (HPAIV) and low pathogenic influenza A viruses (LPAIV).
• To enhance early warning capacities and understand the zoonotic potential of circulating influenza A viruses.

Main Methods:

• Risk-based surveillance encompassing poultry, captive birds, wild birds, and mammals in EU and non-EU countries.
• Data collection through Avian Influenza Data Collection (AIDC), One Health (OH) initiatives, and the SENTINEL project.
• Reporting of outbreaks via the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS).

Main Results:

• Over 276,621 records submitted across surveillance programs, with significant poultry population data also provided.
• HPAIV (mainly H5N1) detected in 107 poultry establishments and LPAIV in 53; highest HPAIV activity in Q1.
• Total outbreaks reported: 394 in EU poultry, 66 non-EU poultry, 90 in EU captive birds, 53 non-EU captive birds, and 910 in wild birds (EU and non-EU).
• 1317 HPAIV detections in wild birds, primarily waterfowl; four HPAIV detections in mammals via AIDC, with additional positives in OH programme.

Conclusions:

• Surveillance activities in 2024 successfully detected HPAIV and LPAIV across various bird populations and mammals.
• The data underscores the persistent circulation of HPAIV, particularly H5N1, and its presence in wild bird reservoirs.
• Continued integrated surveillance is essential for early detection, risk assessment, and mitigation of avian influenza and its zoonotic implications.