The number of avian influenza outbreaks in Europe rose sharply in November. In total, more than 1.6 million birds (turkeys, chickens, waterfowl) were affected by outbreaks across Europe last month. Given the current favourable weather conditions and movements of wild birds for the spread of the virus, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute considers the risk of further spread to wild waterfowl, introduction into poultry flocks and poultry holdings, spread between holdings, through the sale of live poultry in the travel trade and at poultry shows, and undetected circulation of avian influenza viruses in waterfowl holdings to be high.
Last month, the assessment for the risk of secondary outbreaks (spread between holdings) and undetected virus circulation was still moderate, while the risk of introduction via live poultry in the travelling trade or at poultry shows was low.
Detailed information can be found in the latest FLI risk assessment.
