The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut still sees no easing of the avian influenza situation. In 2023, there were a total of 65 outbreaks in poultry farms, 9 in wildlife enclosures and zoos, and 1104 cases in wild birds. Until October 2023, a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus genotype adapted to gulls dominated. This has been replaced by new variants. For the new year, the National Reference Laboratory for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has already confirmed six outbreaks in poultry and 14 cases in wild birds. Accordingly, the FLI considers the risk of further outbreaks and cases to be high. Fortunately, there have been no cases of infection in mammals in Germany in recent months, although cases continue to be reported internationally.
