Between 3 December 2022 and 1 March 2023 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus, clade 2.3.4.4b, was reported in Europe in domestic (522) and wild (1,138) birds over 24 countries. An unexpected number of HPAI virus detections in sea birds were observed, mainly in gull species and particularly in black-headed gulls (large mortality events were observed in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy).
What is avian influenza (bird flu)? Why are we concerned about bird flu outbreaks? What are the control measures in birds and animals? How do outbreaks of avian influenza spread? etc.
Seasonal influenza activity is still widespread in the EU/EEA, with a slight increase in positivity in sentinel primary care starting from week 5/2023 related to increased type B virus circulation.
This scientific report provides an overview of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus detections in poultry, captive and wild birds as well as noteworthy outbreaks of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus in poultry and captive birds, and human cases due to avian influenza virus that occurred in and outside Europe between 10 September and 2 December 2022.