The viruses that cause it circulate in wild birds in the EU and are sometimes transmitted to domestic birds or mammals.
The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) pointed out that the viruses that cause bird flu are still circulating on the European continent and should not be underestimated, giving recommendations for increased vigilance against bird flu.
However, he stresses that the risk to the general population remains low for now. For workers who are potentially exposed to the disease (e.g. in poultry), the risk is low to moderate.
As ECDC mentions in its announcement, monitoring the progress of the disease at both European and global levels. In European Union and in the European Economic Area (EU/EEA), avian influenza viruses circulate at low levels among wild bird populations.
Horse USA, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) continues to spread among dairy cows. The A(H5N1) virus was transmitted to four workers who came into contact with them.
According to the latest information Data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)., infected cows were found in 140 farms in 12 states of the USA. This data covers the period from the end of March, when the first cases were reported, to July 3, 2024.
Increased awareness
“Transmission from infected animals to humans remains a rare event,” the ECDC notes. However, bird flu can easily spread to wild, farmed and domestic birds and animals, causing infections and outbreaks in birds and sometimes mammals.
«As we closely monitor the current bird flu situation, both in the EU and globally, there is reason for increased awareness, but not for increased concern.“, he said Dr. Pamela Randy-Wagner, ECDC director. “ECDC supports actions taken by national authorities of EU member states. It is important that we are vigilant and proactive in our joint cooperation“.
What does it recommend?
The European organization emphasizes that there are currently no human cases of bird flu A(H5N1) in the EU/EEA. However, it is important to continue to inform Healthcare professionals about the possibility of such events.
For the summer period, ECDC recommends that all hospitalized patients with symptoms consistent with avian influenza be tested for influenza. It also recommends further testing of patients who are positive for influenza A but negative for the viruses that cause seasonal influenza.
He adds that people who are likely to have been exposed to bird flu should get tested right away, even if they are asymptomatic.
It also emphasizes the importance of continuing personal protection measures in professional and recreational areas where the risk of avian influenza in animals is increased.
In addition, ECDC is strengthening its support to EU Member States for laboratory research of the disease.