Avian Influenza and Wild Birds
This website aims to provide ornithological information relevant
to Avian Influenza and the Wild Birds
Directive. This is in response to the risk of the spread
of avian influenza by migratory wild birds.
Whilst the Environment Directorate-General (DG Environment)
is the lead service in relation to ornithological and wild
bird conservation matters, the main European Commission source
of information on avian influenza is the web site of the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General,
which is the lead service on avian influenza and other animal
health issues.
In autumn 2005 – prior to any outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza (HPAI) type H5N1 within the EU – DG Environment
launched a first assessment of wild birds considered to present
a higher risk in relation to the spread of avian influenza
to the European Union.
This first urgent preliminary assessment of ornithological
data was undertaken between December 2005 and May 2006 by
Wetlands International and the European Union of Bird Ringing
(EURING).
The results of this study provided the most complete scientific
overview on the movements and use of important sites by 17
waterbird species, considered to present a higher risk of
spreading HPAI H5N1 to the European Union.
Disclaimer: This was an independent study for DG Environment
and therefore the views expressed in it cannot be taken as
representing a formal position of the Commission services.
Meanwhile, between February and May 2006, there were very
significant developments in relation to the spread of Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) type H5N1 to the European
Union, with more than 700 cases among wild birds in many Member
States. This involved at least 25 species, most of which are
categorised as waterfowl.
An Information note on “Avian influenza and migratory birds”
(pdf 47KB) has
been prepared by the Nature and Biodiversity Unit of DG Environment
in consultation with the ORNIS Scientific Working Group. This
has particular regard to avian influenza and the Birds Directive.
An effective response to avian influenza requires a multi-disciplinary
approach, including ornithological expertise to ensure that
an ornithological dimension is incorporated into surveillance
and bio-security measures. DG Environment has therefore worked
closely with DG SANCO and other Commission Services to ensure
an integrated response to this problem. In December 2006,
the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health
(SCOFCAH) Animal Health and Welfare and the ORNIS Committee
/ Scientific Working Group held a joint meeting to review
current information and approaches to the problem. The report (pdf 49KB)
of this meeting is supported by presentations and provides
an overview of each topic.
In light of the identified outbreaks among waterbirds throughout
the European Union DG Environment launched another study for
further analysis of relevant information. The key objective
was to update and expand the assessment of available ornithological
data on European wild bird species considered to be at higher
risk from the HPAI H5N1 strain of avian influenza, especially
as regards their migrations, as well as concentration and
high risk areas. This second assessment was carried out with
a view to enabling the European Commission to provide reliable
and credible information on the ornithological dimension of
risks of further spread of HPAI H5N1 within the EU and to
inform appropriate preparedness and response strategies for
such eventualities.
The work was carried out by Wetlands International and EURING
with financial support from DG Environment and comprised of
desk and field studies. It resulted in the identification
of 82 higher risk species for the introduction and spread
of HPAI H5N1 in Europe, 29 of which were selected as bridge
species that might act as a link between wild birds and poultry.
These so-called bridge species comprise both migratory and
non-migratory bird species that are more widespread and less
dependent of wetland habitats, including species that come
into more regular contact with poultry and humans. They are
seen as having the potential to bridge the gap between sources
of avian influenza outbreaks among waterbirds in wetlands
and among poultry.
Disclaimer: This was an independent study for DG Environment
and therefore the views expressed in it cannot be taken as
representing a formal position of the Commission services.
Within the framework of this study the British Trust for
Ornithology (BTO) has developed, on behalf of EURING, a Migration
Mapping Tool, which can be accessed through the BTO’s portal. This provides a detailed overview
of the movements of 21 higher risk species of wild birds to
and from selected areas, based on recoveries of ringed birds.
Moreover, a review of mortality information focussing on
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
can also be accessed through the BTO’s
portal. It takes into account the added value that certain
bird species may have when used as sentinels and exposed to
direct contact with wild birds. Sentinel species may be relevant
in continuous surveillance studies of wild birds for the detection
and early warning of avian influenza outbreaks in poultry.
Apart from that, these studies can also offer new information
on the ecology and evolution of viruses in wild birds.
This new data will assist surveillance of wild bird species
considered to present a higher risk of spreading avian influenza
within Europe. It should also support the relevant authorities
in their preparedness for and responses to any outbreaks of
avian influenza involving these species. The Migration Mapping
Tool should help contribute to ensuring a scientifically based
debate in relation to avian influenza and wild birds. |
