Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, poses a growing threat to global public health due to its potential to mutate and infect humans, potentially triggering a future pandemic. European health agencies are urging heightened preparedness and enhanced information sharing as new mutations are identified that could facilitate the virus’s spread to humans. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have jointly released a report detailing the evolving threat, highlighting 34 key mutations in avian influenza viruses that raise concerns about human infection. These mutations can enhance the virus’s ability to adapt to mammals, facilitate transmission between mammals, and lead to occasional human infections, underscoring the potential for a global pandemic. The escalating number of cases globally, particularly in the US, amplifies these concerns.
The current global situation demands vigilance and proactive measures to ensure Europe’s preparedness in responding to the avian influenza threat. Strong preparedness plans are crucial for protecting public health across the continent. The report emphasizes the necessity of rapid detection and response to these mutations to mitigate the risk of widespread human infection. In 2024, avian influenza viruses exhibited an expanded reach, infecting species previously unaffected, a worrying development that further underscores the need for proactive measures. Health experts express growing apprehension due to the rising cases of bird flu among wild bird populations worldwide, especially in the US. This outbreak has also impacted poultry and dairy cows, resulting in 67 confirmed human cases and one fatality.
While the H5N1 clade, responsible for these cases, primarily spreads among birds and some mammals, human infection remains uncommon, and no human-to-human transmission has been reported thus far. Almost all human cases are linked to direct or indirect contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Since its initial detection in 1997, this clade has accounted for 954 human cases or detections across 24 countries. Although no human cases have been detected in Europe, the situation among animals is significantly more concerning. Between September and December 2024, 657 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus detections were reported in both domestic and wild birds across 27 European countries.
The detection of the H5N1 clade in domestic farm animals, including an outbreak affecting cats in Poland, elevates the risk of human infections. This clade has also affected dogs in Canada, Italy, and Poland, farmed fur animals in Spain and Finland, and is notably prevalent among dairy cattle in the US. Several countries have implemented national measures to address these outbreaks. Spain, for instance, declared a high-risk status for avian influenza and implemented restrictions on poultry keeping practices to minimize the spread of the virus.
The European Commission is actively supporting member states in their efforts to prevent and respond to potential outbreaks by ensuring the availability of medical countermeasures. This includes pre-pandemic avian influenza vaccines, with existing joint procurement contracts for pandemic influenza vaccines already in place. In June 2024, the EU procured 665,000 doses of pre-pandemic avian influenza vaccine and secured an option for an additional 40 million doses over the subsequent four years. However, European agencies emphasize that if zoonotic influenza vaccination is implemented, it should be integrated within a broader, comprehensive outbreak management strategy.
To effectively reduce the risk of spillover events, where the virus jumps from animals to humans, careful planning of livestock breeding practices is essential. This includes reducing the density of commercial farms housing highly susceptible species, such as poultry and farmed mammals, as recommended by the joint ECDC and EFSA study. These combined efforts represent a crucial step towards mitigating the threat posed by avian influenza and protecting both animal and human populations.
