In 2025, Europe has witnessed an alarming surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, with over 300 confirmed cases affecting commercial poultry farms across the continent. The H5N1 strain, known for its virulence and rapid spread, has been the predominant subtype, triggering widespread concern among farmers, veterinarians, and public health officials.
- According to data compiled by European health agencies, the number of outbreaks this season has far exceeded previous years.
- By early November, 688 outbreaks had been recorded, compared to just 189 during the same period in 2024.
- Germany has been the hardest hit, reporting 58 farm-level outbreaks between August and October, resulting in the culling of nearly one million poultry.
The resurgence of bird flu has been attributed to several factors, including earlier-than-usual migratory bird movements and increased interaction between wild and domestic birds. Migratory cranes, newly identified as carriers of H5N1, have played a significant role in spreading the virus across farmland in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
- In response, multiple European countries have imposed strict biosecurity measures.
- Ireland, France, the UK, and Belgium have issued nationwide or regional housing orders, requiring poultry to be kept indoors to minimize exposure to infected wild birds.
- These measures aim to curb transmission and protect commercial flocks, though they come with economic and logistical challenges for producers.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and international cooperation. Between March and June 2025 alone, 365 HPAI detections were reported across 24 European countries, affecting both wild and domestic birds.
While human infections remain rare, isolated cases have been reported globally, often linked to direct contact with infected animals. No human-to-human transmission has been documented, but experts warn that the virus’s adaptability across species—including recent detections in mammals like foxes and otters—warrants close monitoring.
As Europe braces for the winter migration season, authorities are urging poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity protocols and remain vigilant. The persistent nature of HPAI and its expanding geographic footprint underscore the urgency of a coordinated, long-term strategy to safeguard both animal and public health.
Sources: Available upon request