Edastuskiri

To: National Focal Points for Viral Respiratory Diseases, Operational Contact Points for ERVI-Net

CC: National Coordinators 

Dear colleagues,

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is raising awareness of an unprecedented sharp increase in detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in wild birds this autumn, with many recent outbreaks in domestic poultry in the EU/EEA in affected areas. Further information can be found via the following link: Unprecedented high level of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe during the 2025 autumn migration | EFSA.

The high circulation of avian influenza virus in bird populations also raises the risk of human exposure to infected animals. With this email, we would like to bring your attention to the documents published by ECDC related to zoonotic avian influenza surveillance, investigation and response measures, including enhanced surveillance and targeted testing in humans.

The ECDC guidance for surveillance and targeted testing for the early detection of zoonotic influenza in humans during the winter period can be found here. During the influenza season, a risk-based approach is suggested for the surveillance of zoonotic avian influenza based on the knowledge of avian influenza outbreaks in the specific geographical areas. Healthcare workers, including primary care workers, should be made aware of the epidemiological situation in animal populations in the region. In areas with ongoing avian influenza outbreaks in animals, healthcare workers should ask about history of exposure to animals, particularly in patients with symptoms compatible with zoonotic influenza infection.

Individuals exposed to animals infected with zoonotic avian influenza virus should be monitored for 10-14 days after last exposure and, if they develop symptoms, self-isolate and be tested immediately.

More on testing and detection of zoonotic influenza virus in humans can be found in the investigation protocol of human cases of avian influenza virus infections in EU/EEA. Together with EFSA, ECDC has also published a guidance for coordinated investigation and management of zoonotic avian influenza viruses according to a One Health approach, which can be found here.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would have any questions or require further information.

Kind regards,

ECDC Respiratory Viruses team