Avian influenza outbreaks in Europe

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused significant disruptions in Denmark and Germany. In Denmark, the first outbreak of the season was confirmed in a turkey flock in Slagelse Municipality, leading to the culling of 40,000 birds. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration established protection and monitoring zones, prohibiting the movement of poultry products and banning poultry-related events in the affected areas.

In Germany, the situation has escalated into a severe outbreak, with over 4 million animals culled since October 2025. Economic damages in Lower Saxony alone are estimated at 41 million euros, contributing to a total national cost of approximately 82 million euros. In Schleswig-Holstein, an outbreak in Bark necessitated the culling of an entire flock and the establishment of surveillance zones affecting over 500 farms and 211,106 animals. Experts have called for the implementation of vaccination as a primary control tool, arguing that current measures are insufficient as the virus becomes a permanent presence in the country.