Avian influenza risk summary
- H5N1 detected in US dairy cows prompts growing global concern
- CDC reports widespread virus circulation in wild birds and poultry
- EFSA warns arrival in Europe unlikely but potentially highly impactful
- Mitigation measures include trade restrictions and strict on farm biosecurity
- Primary human exposure risk involves consuming raw milk or colostrum
H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) found in US dairy cows continues to cause concern for farmers across the globe, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning the viral disease is “widespread in wild birds and causing outbreaks in poultry and US dairy cows”.
Furthermore, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is urging “vigilance”, saying that should the virus arrive in Europe, the impact “could be significant”.
Having said that, EFSA has said the likelihood of the strain reaching Europe is “very low”.
Mitigation measures
EFSA has laid out a raft of potential “mitigation measures”, in the hopes of catching the virus early, should it spread to Europe. These include trade restrictions from affected regions and thoroughly cleaning milking equipment.
Experts also recommend restricting cattle movement in affected areas, avoiding the exchange of workers, vehicles and equipment between farms, and enforcing strict biosecurity.
These will also help contain other HPAI strains already present in Europe.
Transmission to humans
The European governing body also assessed the potential for the virus to be transmitted through food.
The primary route of consumer exposure to the virus, it says, would be through drinking raw milk, raw colostrum, or raw milk cream, and emphasises that thermal treatment such as pasteurisation is highly effective at reducing the virus in milk and milk products.
Looking ahead
For now, experts stress that the risk to the Europe remains low. But with the situation in the US evolving, regulators are keen to avoid complacency.
While the prospect of H5N1 entering the European cattle sector is far from certain, the events unfolding across the Atlantic underline how quickly animal‑health threats can shift.
Continued monitoring, investment in biosecurity, and clear communication with farmers and the public will be crucial in ensuring that, should the virus appear, Europe is prepared to act swiftly.
For now, vigilance remains the watchword.
