Since the beginning of January, outbreaks of high pathogenic A(H5N8) and low pathogenic A(H5N1) avian influenza viruses have been reported in the central eastern part of Europe. To minimise risk, people that are exposed to potentially infected birds should avoid direct unprotected contact to birds or their droppings and take appropriate personal protection measures.

EU states are being urged to step up surveillance and biosecurity measures to guard against possible new outbreaks of avian influenza this year.