Fears of bird flu spreading across EU with migration

This year, 62 outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) in poultry have been recorded across the EU from August to the end of October, compared with only seven cases for the same period in 2023. 

This increased spread of the disease still only represents half the cases recorded in 2022, but has renewed fears of a repeat of the bird flu crisis and raised concerns that the disease could still make the leap to humans. 

AI has not yet been detected in humans nor in cattle in the EU, unlike the US, where the virus has spread to nearly 400 dairy herds in 14 states, and has been detected in 36 people since April. In mid-October the UK raised its AI risk level from low to medium. 

Tim Weston, director of environment, policy and politics for the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, told ST: “Avian influenza normally spreads at this time of year following the migratory routes of waterfowl. The increased risk level in the UK is a concern, but not unusual in the autumn and winter. However, it does highlight the need for anyone who keeps birds or visits sites where numerous birds are present to keep on top of biosecurity protocols.”