Avian Influenza: EFSA analyses the situation in the USA and monitors possible routes of spread
A new report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) identifies seasonal migration of wild birds and imports of certain US products, such as those containing raw milk, as potential routes for the introduction into Europe of the highly pathogenic highly pathogenic hepatitis swine influenza (HPAI) genotype that has been affecting dairy cows in the US recently. This type of virus has not been reported in any country other than the USA to date.
EFSA scientists recommend monitoring important staging areas for birds in Europe – Iceland, the UK, Ireland, western Scandinavia, and large wetlands (marshy, wet land areas where water accumulates) such as the Wadden Sea on the coasts of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany – as an early detection point for the virus.
The report also notes that while the introduction of the virus through imported raw dairy products and animal meat cannot be completely ruled out, imports into the EU are strictly regulated and the virus is rarely found in meat.
The EFSA report also provides an overview of the situation in the USA, indicating that 981 dairy herds in 16 states were affected between March 2024 and May 2025. The report, which has been reviewed by the US authorities, highlights that the spread of the virus has been driven by cattle movements, low biosecurity requirements and the shared use of agricultural machinery.
By the end of the year, EFSA will assess the potential impact of the introduction of this HPAI genotype into Europe and recommend measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
