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Red alert: Bird flu is spreading across Europe!
Avian flu H5N1: Current outbreaks in Germany and Denmark require animal disease control and surveillance measures.
Red alert: Bird flu is spreading across Europe!
In the last few weeks, bird flu has once again caused excitement in Germany and beyond. At the beginning of October 2025, an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the H5N1 subtype was reported on a commercial farm in Schleswig-Holstein, affecting almost 26,000 slaughter geese. This worrying report was made by Friedrich Loeffler Institute confirmed on October 8, 2025.
But not only in Germany, Denmark is also affected: An H5N1 outbreak was discovered in a farm near Fredericia, which led to the culling of around 150,000 animals. These events resulted in Denmark losing its HPAI-free status and exclusion and monitoring zones had to be set up around the affected companies. Extended restrictions now apply to commercial and hobby poultry farmers in Denmark.
European spreads and their consequences
The outbreak in Denmark marks the first of the 2025/26 bird flu season and follows the last case in April 2025. An outbreak was also detected in the Dutch province of Drenthe, where around 71,000 animals were culled. Six other poultry farms within the 3 kilometer zone are affected, while 25 farms within a 10 kilometer zone are being investigated. In contrast, in the Netherlands there is currently no nationwide requirement for confinement, as this is the first infection since March 2025.
Poland also recorded worrying developments: the 91st HPAI outbreak in poultry was recorded in Greater Poland Voivodeship, including an incident involving over 52,000 fattening ducks. This all happens against the backdrop of a stable situation in Europe, where a total of 54 HPAI reports were registered in September 2025, almost unchanged compared to the previous month with 57 reports.
Measures and recommendations
The fight against avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is harmonized throughout the EU. In Germany in particular, it is subject to strict regulations imposed by the Avian influenza regulations be determined. Hygiene and protective measures are crucial when handling poultry and wild birds to minimize the spread of the virus.
The European Food Safety Authority therefore recommends increased surveillance, particularly in view of the upcoming influenza season. The previous declines in HPAI cases in Europe could potentially have been influenced by improved wild bird immunity, reduced wild bird populations and reduced environmental pollution. Nevertheless, the constant circulation of the HPAI virus among wild birds in Europe remains a real threat.
An exchange between the relevant institutions, such as BMEL, the FLI and other health authorities, are constantly active to closely assess and monitor the situation.
The coming weeks will show how the situation will develop. There is something to be done – both for animal owners and for the responsible authorities to get the spread of bird flu under control.