Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds across Europe have begun to decline after an unusually intense autumn–winter period. A new monitoring report shows wild bird infections reached their highest level in five years, although the risk to the general public remains low.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza circulation in Europe is easing after a sharp seasonal peak, according to the latest joint monitoring report from European Food Safety Authority, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the EU Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza.

Between 29 November 2025 and 27 February 2026, authorities recorded 406 outbreaks of HPAI in domestic birds and 2,108 detections in wild birds across 32 European countries. While outbreaks in poultry farms were broadly comparable to the same period in the past two years, detections in wild birds were three times higher than last year and nearly five times higher than two years ago.

Since December, however, the number of cases has followed a downward trajectory, consistent with the seasonal decline typically observed as spring approaches. Investigations indicate that most poultry farm infections resulted from indirect contact with infected wild birds, while direct farm-to-farm transmission remained rare.

Authorities stress that strong biosecurity measures remain critical to prevent virus introduction from wildlife into poultry operations.

The report also notes a small rise in detections in mammals. For the first time in the EU, serological testing in an apparently healthy dairy cattle herd suggested previous exposure to HPAI, potentially linked to spillover from wild birds. Follow-up investigations are ongoing.