Bird Flu Spreading Across Europe: An Emerging Crisis
In recent months, the situation with avian influenza across the European continent has significantly worsened.
Since August, the number of recorded cases among wild and domestic birds has surged, sparking serious concern among health and veterinary experts.
Reports indicate that over fifty outbreaks have been registered in ten European Union countries and the United Kingdom, marking one of the highest figures in the past decade at the start of the season.
France, a leading poultry producer in the region, has taken stringent measures, including mandatory controls such as quarantine and vaccination of waterfowl.
Belgium has mandated the confinement of all poultry indoors to prevent further virus spread.
Poland, Spain, and Germany—major poultry producers—also report new infections.
The World Health Organization reassures the public, noting that the risk to humans remains low, but emphasizes the importance of increased control owing to rising infections among wild and domestic fauna.
Experts warn that the virus is increasingly detected not only among birds but also in wild animals, complicating containment efforts.
It is crucial to remember that human infection is extremely rare and usually linked to direct contact with sick birds or their secretions.
For ordinary citizens, the risk remains minimal, but any symptoms after contact with poultry should prompt immediate medical consultation.
Recently, a case of bird flu was recorded in Kyiv region, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread.