Avian influenza declines across Europe after winter peak
Wild bird detections were 3 times higher than last year, and nearly 5 times higher than 2 years ago.
The drop follows an exceptionally intense autumn-winter season – the worst in 5 years for waterfowl circulation. Despite the recent decline, total outbreaks this season remain higher than in previous years for the same period. The risk to the general public remains low, according to EFSA and ECDC.
Wild birds and poultry: what the data shows
Between 29 November 2025 and 27 February 2026, authorities recorded:
- 406 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic birds
- 2,108 in wild birds across 32 European countries.
Wild bird detections were 3 times higher than last year, and nearly 5 times higher than 2 years ago, which is a direct result of the unusually strong seasonal peak. Since December, detections have shifted onto a downward trajectory, consistent with typical spring patterns. On poultry farms, most infections originated from indirect contact with wild birds, while farm to farm spread remained rare.
The findings reinforce the need for strict biosecurity measures, especially:
- Preventing contact between poultry and wild birds
- Strengthening hygiene and farm level controls
- Monitoring for early signs of infection
Detection in mammals
Although bird cases are declining, detections in mammals have increased slightly. For the first time in the European Union, serological testing in an apparently healthy dairy cattle herd indicated past exposure to highly pathogenic avian influenza. This suggests a possible spillover from wild birds. Follow up investigations are ongoing.
Source: Poultry World – March 2026
