The seasonal migration of wild birds and the importation of certain US products, such as those containing raw milk, could be possible routes of introduction into Europe of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) genotype currently affecting dairy cattle in the USA, according to a new report published by EFSA on 3 July 2025. This type of virus has not been reported to date in any country other than the USA.
EFSA scientists highlight that key European stopover sites with high-density bird congregations, such as Iceland, Great Britain, Ireland, western Scandinavia and major wetlands such as the Wadden Sea along the Dutch, Danish and German coasts, would be valuable locations for early detection of the virus during the seasonal migration of wild birds.
The report also addresses the possibility of the virus being introduced into Europe through trade, concluding that the importation of raw milk products from affected areas of the USA cannot be entirely ruled out and could therefore represent a possible route. The importation of dairy cattle and beef could also be a potential route of virus introduction. However, the virus has rarely been found in meat, animal imports are very limited, and very strict trade rules exist for meat and live animals entering the EU.
The EFSA report also provides an overview of the situation in the USA, where 981 dairy herds across 16 states were affected between March 2024 and May 2025. The report, which was reviewed by US authorities, highlights that livestock movement, low biosecurity standards and the sharing of farm equipment contributed to the spread of the virus.
In late 2025, EFSA will reassess the potential impact of the entry of this HPAI genotype into Europe, recommending measures to prevent its spread.
For further information:
-. Risk posed by the HPAI virus H5N1, Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b. genotype B3.13, currently circulating in the US (published 3th july 2025 by EFSA)
-. Quarterly update on Avian Influenza from March to June 2025. News item on NeXusAvicultura.com
-. Avian Influenza on NeXusAvicultura.com