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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
03:53
Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
Published on: November 10, 2023
Avian influenza overview March-May 2026
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety Authority
|July 9, 2026
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) detections decreased in Europe but spread to South America. New A(H9N2) strains emerged, with rare human cases linked to poultry exposure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
- One Health Surveillance
Background:
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses pose a significant threat to avian populations and can have zoonotic implications.
- Continued global circulation necessitates ongoing surveillance and reporting of HPAI outbreaks in birds and potential spillover events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the epidemiological situation of HPAI A(H5) virus detections in birds and human cases globally between February 28 and June 4, 2026.
- To highlight new viral strains and geographical shifts in HPAI virus distribution.
- To assess the current risk to public health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reported HPAI A(H5) virus detections in domestic and wild birds across 30 European countries.
- Monitoring of HPAI outbreaks in wild birds in South America.
- Compilation and review of publicly reported human avian influenza virus infections and their epidemiological links.
Main Results:
- 949 HPAI A(H5) detections in European birds, with a declining trend observed.
- First detection of A(H9N2) virus of clade G5.5 in European poultry.
- Sporadic detections in mammals, including A(H5N5) in wild carnivores.
- Shift in HPAI detections to South America with significant outbreaks in swans.
- 19 human avian influenza virus infections reported globally, including fatal cases of A(H5N1) and A(H5N6).
- Most human cases linked to poultry exposure.
Conclusions:
- The downward trend of HPAI A(H5) in Europe is expected to continue, though new strains like A(H9N2) are emerging.
- Avian influenza viruses continue to circulate globally, with notable spread to South America and occasional mammalian infections.
- Human infections remain rare, with no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public in the EU/EEA is low.
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