Experts meet to discuss avian influenza and wild birds

The role of wild birds in the spread of avian influenza during the outbreaks in the EU earlier this year is being discussed at a special meeting of Member State veterinary and ornithology experts, hosted by the European Commission in Brussels. The aim of the meeting is to review the knowledge on this issue and the progress made in dealing with this threat and to ensure closer cooperation between the veterinary and ornithological sectors in addressing any future incidences of the disease.

In 2006, 14 Member States reported cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in wild birds, mainly in species dependant on wetlands. According to the figures available, 748 cases of the disease have occurred in wild birds in the EU this year. Member States' surveillance has been particularly extensive and more than 150 000 wild birds were tested in the period July 2005 to June 2006. Based on the very wide set of data gathered in the EU, it is evident that wild birds have played a significant role in the spread of the virus in Europe.

However, the strict monitoring and control measures, drawn up by the Commission and implemented by national authorities, have proven to be effective. The disease has not had any significant impact on wild bird populations or other wildlife, while the risk of its spreading from wild birds to poultry was minimised thanks to the surveillance and biosecurity measures put in place in the Member States. Only a limited number of outbreaks of avian influenza have occurred in poultry farms, and these were swiftly eradicated, thus preventing possible re-contamination of wild birds. Moreover, largely due to the EU prevention and control measures and effective handling of the situation by authorities, the public health risk of avian influenza was minimised in Europe. No human cases of the H5N1 virus have been reported in the EU to date.

Since early August, there have been no reported cases of H5N1 avian influenza in the EU. However, Member States will continue to apply the heightened monitoring and surveillance measures for avian influenza in 2007, in an effort to reduce, to the greatest possible degree, the impact of this disease should it re-occur in Europe. Romania and Bulgaria have also had their surveillance and contingency plans approved by the Commission, in line with EU requirements (see IP/06/1641). The experts meeting today will also discuss how to improve and coordinate communication on avian influenza in the future if outbreaks occur in wild birds or poultry.

For more information, see:
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/health_consumer/dyna/influenza/index.cfm

| Top |

• Avian Influenza: international conference to discuss vaccination  (20/3/2007)
• Avian Influenza: UK measures endorsed; EU Member States urged to tighten protection measures  (6/2/2007)
• Avian Influenza: H5N1 virus confirmed in UK (3/2/2007)
• Avian Influenza : Hungarian measures endorsed (26/1/2007)
• Avian and pandemic influenza: EU announces €28.3 million for new research (17/10/2006)
• Avian flu: EU Commission gives green light for veterinary vaccines (11/9/2006)
• Avian Influenza: Protection measures and import bans prolonged and amended  (4/7/2006)
• Speech by EU Commissioner Kyprianou - Total amount pledged by International Community to tackle Avian Influenza (18/1/2006)
• Beijing Conference on Avian Influenza - Pledging Speech by EU Commissioner Kyprianou (18/1/2006)