New Avian Flu Strain,H5N5,Confirmed in Human Cases Following H5N1 Surge
Rome,Italy – June 19,2025 – Health officials are on high alert across Europe following confirmation of human infections with a new avian influenza strain,H5N5,just as the continent grapples with “unprecedented” outbreaks of the H5N1 virus in both wild birds and poultry. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued guidance to member states,emphasizing intensive surveillance,genomic sequencing,personal protective equipment for at-risk workers,and obvious public communication.
Between september 6th and November 14th, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recorded 1,443 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) in wild birds across 26 European countries – a fourfold increase compared to 2024 and the highest number recorded as at least 2016.
Italy has recently approved a new national plan to combat avian flu, focusing on biosecurity measures, livestock management, and vaccination. Key components include strengthened farm access control, improved wildlife barriers, and targeted monitoring in high-risk areas like Veneto, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna, where bird density is particularly high. Financial support will be available to farmers to compensate for income loss related to reduced animal numbers in exposed areas.
A landmark component of the Italian strategy is the planned introduction of systematic vaccination against highly pathogenic avian influenza in turkeys and laying hens, slated to begin by the end of spring 2026. This initiative follows technical studies to determine the most effective vaccines, optimal governance timing, and post-vaccination monitoring protocols – utilizing a DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) test – to distinguish between infected and immunized animals. The dual objective of vaccination is to protect animal populations by reducing mortality and symptoms,and to lower the environmental viral load,thereby decreasing the risk of spillover to humans.
