Francisco: Avian influenza is still spreading in the EU. How do you explain this?  

The occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds that we have seen this winter was expected as an ongoing concern linked to the recent unprecedented epidemic in 2021 and 2022, with the virus identified in new areas, in more species of wild birds, as well as in other animals such as foxes, thus posing a growing threat to animal and public health.  

These viruses arrive into Europe by migratory wild birds through several flyways to reach warmer climates. These birds may carry avian influenza viruses across their long journey along their migration paths and shed those viruses in the faeces and respiratory secretions that then contaminate the environment including in the surroundings of poultry farms where they can then be passed onto poultry such as geese, chickens, and turkeys.  

During winter, the movements of wild birds increase, while the cold temperatures make it easier for these viruses to survive in the environment for longer. This also increases the probability that poultry on farms will get infected.      

Francisco: Two vaccines are now available for avian influenza. Will Member States ramp up their use?  

There are indeed at least 2 vaccines commercially available: one for poultry (Nobilis Influenza H5N2) and the other for turkeys (PA-OLVAC+I+E HPAI). These may become important tools in our armoury to add to the prevention and control measures for HPAI. 

It is now up to the Member States to decide whether to use these two available vaccines. Vaccination can only be authorised following the decision and under the control of the competent authorities of the EU Member States and in accordance with the EU rules.  

In light of increasing cases in birds and the recent detection of mammals infected with avian influenza virus, the EU is also ramping up efforts on preparedness in this front.  

To further enable vaccination European Commission has recently tasked the European Food Safety Authority to assess the current availability of vaccines against HPAI for poultry and to help the design of potential vaccination strategies. The first outcome of this work will be available in the second half of 2023.   

Ingrid: Should we worry that avian influenza spills over to humans? What is the scientific knowledge on this? 

We rely on the risk assessment of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s (ECDC), which states that the risk for humans remain low for the general population, while it is low to medium for those who work in jobs in close contact with birds -such as farmers.  

To date, there have been no reports in the EU of avian influenza in humans and human to  human transmission has not been observed so far making the risk for spread of the disease low. In other words, contrary to what some may write at present, the risk that this will evolve into the next epidemic and or pandemic remains small.   

Nonetheless, we are taking precautionary measures and working on preparedness with Member States in the EU Health Security Committee. 

Ingrid: Isn’t this crisis another example that we need a One-health approach? 

The spread of avian influenza is yet another reminder to us all that to combat viruses that can be found and cause disease in many different animal species including humans, it is important to tackle such health threats through a One Health approach.    

The One Health approach allows us to better prevent and predict future potential epidemics and pandemics but also to better respond to them, whether they concern public health, food safety or animal health. We are already using this key approach in areas such as the control and prevention of zoonoses; in pandemic preparedness; and in combatting antimicrobial resistance.   

Thus, specifically now for avian influenza, we are determined to pursue action under a One Health approach, as is already the case, for example, with the joint session of the EU Health Security Committee together with EU Chief Veterinary Officers that took place on 22 March.  

For more information, please visit:
https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-diseases/diseases-and-control-measures/avian-influenza_en