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² European Commission, Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General, Rue Froissart 101, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
³ Community Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
⁴ Corresponding author (email: maria.pittman{at}ec.europa.eu)

ABSTRACT:   European Union Member States, cofinanced by the European Commission, began implementing avian influenza (AI) surveys in domestic poultry and wild birds in 2002. Surveys aim at detecting low pathogenic avian influenzas (LPAI) of H5 and H7 subtypes in the wild bird reservoir and their circulation in poultry. These subtypes potentially mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Different poultry production systems, particularly those at increased risk for AI virus introduction (e.g., free range), are tested serologically. Positive findings are followed by clinical, epidemiological, and virological investigations. Wild bird surveys focus on virological testing of migratory waterfowl targeted toward H5 and H7 subtypes. Following the westward spread of Asian HPAI H5N1 to Europe, wild bird surveillance was intensified by increased active surveillance of living and hunted bird species migrating from HPAI H5N1 affected areas, and passive surveillance of birds found dead. To date, more than 700 findings of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds (mainly Anatidae [swans, ducks, and geese] and birds of prey) were identified in 13 Member States. Four single outbreaks in poultry in four Member States also occurred. During early 2006, dead wild birds provided an early warning system for HPAI H5N1 introduction. Once the disease was identified in wild birds, disease prevention measures were strengthened. Surveillance in poultry and wild birds allows veterinary authorities to modulate prevention and control measures, and identify the most risky areas. Measures to prevent, detect, and contain HPAI H5N1 in the European Union have successfully kept the disease impact on animal and human health to a minimum. It remains difficult to foresee further disease evolution, so the European Commission and Member States maintain surveillance and control measures under continuous review.
  Key words:  European Union, H5N1, highly pathogenic avian influenza, legislation, surveillance, wild birds.

¹ Presentation at the FAO and OIE International Scientific Conference on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds, FAO, Rome, 30 and 31 May 2006