Cases of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, are the highest they\u2019ve been in almost a decade. <\/p>\n
Between September 6 and November 14, 1,443 avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses were detected in wild birds across 26 European countries.<\/p>\n
Rates are four times higher than they were in the same period last year. In fact, they are higher than they have been since at least 2016. <\/p>\n
The particular strain that has spread affects waterfowl species, such as ducks, swans and geese, the most. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt is too early to understand the reasons behind the increase; this will become clearer after a few months, or even after the whole season,\u201d explains a spokesperson for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). <\/p>\n
How industry should respond<\/p>\n
EFSA recommends anyone keeping poultry to enhance surveillance and maintain high biosecurity on these birds. <\/p>\n
They should also keep poultry indoors in areas with high wild bird infections. <\/p>\n
Wild bird infections should be continuously monitored, particularly in wetland areas and migratory stopover sites. <\/p>\n
Artificial feeding of wild birds, particularly swans or cranes, should be avoided during periods of high risk. <\/p>\n