Avian influenza crisis deepens across EU
Avian influenza is once again sweeping across Europe, with cases mounting in multiple countries and confinement orders being reintroduced. While the Netherlands has reported 8 outbreaks in just 1 month, the situation beyond its borders is even more alarming.
Germany is facing the sharpest rise, reporting 66 outbreaks this autumn – nearly doubling within a single week in late October. Belgium has confirmed 3 outbreaks since late October, including 2 at commercial farms.
Confinement measures in place
In Ireland, authorities imposed a confinement order after detecting the virus at a turkey farm. The United Kingdom is also seeing rapid escalation, with 12 outbreaks at commercial farms in the last week of October. France followed suit with confinement measures after several farm outbreaks and mass mortality among wild cranes.
Biosecurity measures are not enough
October traditionally marks a high-risk period for avian influenza due to migratory bird movements, which can spread the virus over vast distances. This year’s surge has raised serious concerns across Europe. Last month, Germany sounded the alarm at a European level, warning that biosecurity alone may not be enough to contain the spread.
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