Poland reports surge in poultry bird flu outbreaks as Europe logs new H5N1 cases

POLAND – Poland has continued to record a sharp rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry farms, with veterinary authorities confirming 26 new H5N1-linked cases during the first half of May.

Data released by the country’s chief veterinary inspectorate showed that the latest infections pushed Poland’s total number of poultry farm outbreaks this year to 140, affecting nearly 9.65 million commercial birds across infected sites.

The newest cases were identified on farms housing between 4,300 and 65,000 birds, while the affected premises included meat turkey operations, mixed-purpose chicken farms, and facilities rearing ducks and geese for breeding or meat production.

Half of the latest outbreaks were detected in the central province of Greater Poland, while additional infected farms were located in Lublin, Masovia and Warmia-Masuria in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country.

France and Netherlands confirm additional outbreaks

Figures from the European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System showed that 16 European countries have reported a combined 303 outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks so far this year.

The latest reporting period covering May 7 to May 20 recorded 13 new outbreaks across Europe, with Poland accounting for 11 cases and France and the Netherlands each confirming one additional outbreak.

Poland continues to hold the highest number of poultry outbreaks in Europe this year, followed by Germany with 39 cases, while France and Italy have each recorded 19 and the Netherlands has confirmed 17.

French veterinary authorities reported that the country’s latest outbreak involved approximately 12,000 ducks in the Haute Garonne department in southwestern France, while officials said the flock had already received vaccination against avian influenza under the country’s mandatory duck vaccination programme.

The French agriculture ministry stated that 124 commercial poultry flocks have been infected with the H5N1 virus variant since August last year, even as vaccination measures remain in place for duck farms nationwide.

Meanwhile, Dutch authorities confirmed an outbreak involving around 51,600 laying hens in Flevoland province during May, marking the country’s first major poultry case since March.

European governments expand vaccination efforts

The Dutch government said it is moving closer to introducing mandatory avian influenza vaccination for laying hens following field trials that showed vaccines reduced outbreak risks when combined with surveillance and disease control measures.

Dutch officials also said eggs from vaccinated laying hens were sold domestically last year without triggering trade restrictions from international buyers.

Elsewhere, authorities in Northern Ireland lifted poultry restrictions and revoked a region-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone on May 15 after international animal health officials approved the area’s recovery from previous H5N1 outbreaks.

Across Europe, infections in wild birds continue to rise, with the European Commission system recording 2,508 outbreaks in wild bird populations across 31 countries so far this year, including 223 cases in Poland and 1,456 in Germany.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.