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Record Bird Flu Outbreak Sweeps Across Europe, raising conservation Concerns
Brussels, Belgium – November 27, 2025 – A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is causing an unprecedented wave of infections and deaths among wild bird populations across Europe, prompting alarm among conservationists and public health officials. This autumn has witnessed a dramatic surge in cases, exceeding all previous records and impacting a wider range of species than ever before.
The outbreak, primarily driven by the H5N1 strain, is currently affecting birds across 27 European countries, with notably severe impacts reported in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Experts warn the scale of the current epidemic poses a significant threat to vulnerable bird populations and raises concerns about potential spillover to poultry and, though considered low, to humans. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts.
This year’s outbreak differs considerably from previous avian flu events. While HPAI has circulated in Europe for years, the current wave is characterized by its exceptional geographic spread, the sheer number of affected birds, and the diversity of species impacted – including swans, geese, ducks, gulls, raptors, and even seabirds. The virus is believed to be spreading rapidly due to the migratory patterns of wild birds, coupled with unusually mild autumn whether conditions that have allowed the virus to persist for longer periods.
“We’ve never seen anything like this before,” stated Dr. Marion Dubois, a leading avian influenza researcher at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Lyon, France.”The scale of mortality is deeply concerning, and the fact that it’s affecting so many different species suggests the virus has become more adaptable and is spreading more efficiently.”
The outbreak is already having a devastating impact on several iconic bird species. Populations of Bewick’s swans, a species already facing conservation challenges, have experienced significant declines in key wintering grounds.Similar losses have been reported among various goose and duck populations. The long-term consequences for these species remain uncertain, but experts fear that the outbreak could lead to significant population declines and disrupt delicate ecosystem balances.
European authorities are implementing a range of measures to contain the outbreak, including increased surveillance of wild bird populations, restrictions on poultry movements, and culling of infected flocks. Though, controlling the virus in wild bird populations is proving extremely challenging, given their wide-ranging movements and the vastness of affected areas.
Background: Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring in wild birds, and typically cause mild or no symptoms. However, HPAI strains, like the current H5N1 variant, can be highly virulent, causing severe illness and death in birds. The virus can also mutate and perhaps jump to other species, including mammals and humans. While human infections are rare, they can be severe and even fatal.
