Avian influenza in Europe: enhanced surveillance and strict biosecurity needed as detections surge

Between 6 September and 14 November 2025, 1,443 detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses were reported in wild birds across 26 European countries – four times higher than the same period in 2024 and the highest since at least 2016. 

Waterfowl in various parts of Europe were heavily affected by HPAI during this period, including detections in apparently healthy wild birds, resulting in widespread environmental contamination. There were also high-mortality outbreaks in common cranes in Germany, France and Spain.

The vast majority of HPAI virus detections (99%) were reported as A(H5N1), and most were of a new variant of a previously circulating strain that was introduced into Europe from the east before rapidly spreading westward. 

Among other measures, enhanced surveillance for early detection and robust biosecurity on farms are urgently required to prevent the introduction of HPAI in domestic birds and onward spread among poultry establishments.