EFSA: Risks of avian influenza spread into Europe via trade

The seasonal migration of wild birds and the importation of certain US products – such as those containing raw milk – could be potential routes for introducing the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) genotype currently affecting US dairy cows into Europe, according to a new report released by EFSA. This virus type has not yet been reported in any country other than the US.

EFSA’s scientists highlight that key European stopovers with high-density bird congregations, such as Iceland, Britain, Ireland, western Scandinavia, and large wetlands like the Wadden Sea on the Dutch, Danish, and German coasts, would be useful places for early detection of the virus during the seasonal migration of wild birds.

The report also considers the potential introduction of the virus into Europe through trade, concluding that the importation of products containing raw milk from affected areas in the US cannot be completely excluded and could therefore represent a possible pathway. The importation of dairy cows and bovine meat may also pose a potential route for virus introduction. However, the virus has rarely been detected in meat, animal imports are very limited, and strict trade regulations are in place for meat and live animals entering the EU.

Tags: US, wild birds, Virus, highly pathogenic avian influenza, raw milk