Europe is experiencing a significant rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases as 2025 draws to a close, with new outbreaks expected to continue until the end of winter. While the virus continues to circulate widely in wild birds, poultry, and some mammalian species, experts emphasise that the risk to the general public remains low.
These findings come from the latest quarterly assessment published jointly by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU reference laboratory (EURL).
Thousands of Cases Reported Across Europe
Between 6 September and 28 November 2025, European authorities recorded:
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442 HPAI outbreaks in domestic birds, and
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2,454 detections in wild birds,
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across 29 European countries.
This marks one of the most intense early-winter waves since systematic monitoring began.
Wild Birds: Record Numbers and a Dominant Variant
EFSA reports that the number of wild birds affected during this period is the highest recorded since 2016 for the same season. Waterfowl—ducks, geese, and swans—were particularly impacted, along with severe mortality events in common cranes.
Nearly all detections are associated with a newly introduced variant of an HPAI A(H5N1) genotype, previously known to circulate in Europe.
Possible explanations for the surge include:
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Lack of pre-existing immunity in wild bird populations
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Increased transmissibility of the circulating strain
Scientists expect virus activity in wild birds to remain high in the coming weeks, with a likely decline only toward the end of winter.
Poultry Sector: Farms Impacted by Wild Bird Introductions
The majority of poultry outbreaks have been linked to indirect contact with infected wild birds. Key observations include:
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Turkeys have been among the most affected species.
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An increase in detections among vaccinated ducks has been reported.
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Environmental factors—such as high contamination levels around farms and humid weather conditions—have further contributed to virus spread.
Experts recommend:
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Housing measures for domestic birds in high-risk areas
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Strict biosecurity protocols
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Enhanced surveillance, to ensure early detection and rapid containment
Mammals: Slight Increase in Fox Cases and Reappearance in Cats
During this reporting period, detections in wild carnivores—primarily foxes—increased slightly. These cases are believed to result from scavenging infected wild birds.
The virus was also detected again in domestic cats in two countries, following a long period without reported cases.
EFSA notes:
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Infections were likely due to contact with infected wild birds.
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There is no evidence of transmission via contaminated raw pet food.
Pet owners in affected areas are advised to:
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Avoid feeding pets raw meat or raw animal products
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Keep pets indoors or on a leash in areas with known HPAI circulation
No new mammal species were affected in Europe during this period.
Outlook
With widespread circulation in wild birds and multiple spillovers to poultry farms and mammals, EFSA warns that further outbreaks are expected until winter ends. Maintaining high biosecurity standards, implementing housing measures where necessary, and continuing rigorous surveillance remain essential tools to protect animal health across Europe.
Source: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Avian influenza: new outbreaks expected in Europe until winter ends
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/avian-influenza-new-outbreaks-expected-europe-until-winter-ends
