The risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – commonly known as bird flu – remains high for poultry populations across Europe, according to the latest assessments. The situation is particularly concerning due to the ongoing circulation of H5 viruses among wild birds, and the potential for transmission to both commercial and captive poultry.
Germany’s veterinary reference laboratory, the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute (FLI), has maintained a high-risk level for H5 viruses within the country. This risk encompasses transmission between wild birds, and from wild birds to poultry and other captive birds. FLI also highlights the unrecognized circulation of these viruses within water bird populations as a significant factor in the continued spread of infection.
The risk isn’t limited to wild bird-to-poultry transmission. Authorities are also concerned about the spread of the virus between farms, and its introduction through the sale of live birds at markets and shows. This highlights the importance of biosecurity measures and careful monitoring of bird movements.
As of February 11, 2026, a total of 123 confirmed HPAI outbreaks have been reported in commercial poultry across 11 European countries this year, according to data from the European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System. The H5N1 virus variant has been detected at all affected premises.
Poland currently reports the highest number of outbreaks, with 35 cases confirmed. Germany follows with 26 outbreaks, then Italy with 16, France with 11, and both Belgium and Hungary reporting 10 outbreaks each.
Recent data, covering the period from February 5-11, 2026, shows continued outbreaks. Poland recorded nine additional outbreaks in commercial flocks during this period, while Germany and Italy each reported three new cases. France and Slovakia each saw two new outbreaks, and Denmark, Hungary, and the Netherlands each reported one additional case.
Beyond commercial farms, the virus is also affecting captive bird populations. Germany currently has the highest number of outbreaks in this category, with 14 confirmed cases so far this year. France and the Netherlands have each reported two additional outbreaks in captive birds, while the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, and Sweden each confirmed their first outbreaks in this category in 2026.
The spread isn’t limited to poultry and captive birds. A significant number of wild birds have also been affected. As of February 11, 2026, 670 outbreaks involving wild birds have been reported across 19 European states. France, Iceland, and Slovakia have all reported their first cases of the year involving the H5N1 HPAI virus variant in wild bird populations.
The situation in Great Britain, which is not covered by the European Commission’s system, also shows ongoing activity. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed 14 outbreaks involving poultry (both commercial and hobby flocks) in Great Britain so far this year. 24 more wild birds have tested positive for the H5N1 virus serotype, according to the latest report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
In Slovakia, a second outbreak was recently reported after turkeys at a slaughterhouse tested positive for the H5N1 virus. This case was linked to a previous outbreak at a farm approximately 200 kilometers away.
The ongoing spread of HPAI poses a significant challenge to poultry farmers and public health officials. Continued vigilance, strict biosecurity measures, and ongoing monitoring of both wild bird and poultry populations are crucial to mitigating the risk of further outbreaks. The situation is dynamic, and ongoing surveillance is essential to understand the evolution of the virus and adapt control strategies accordingly.
