No highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in wild carnivores in Luxembourg in 2024

• Clinical and Applied Virology
• OH4Surveillance

In collaboration with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), the Centre de Soins pour la Faune Sauvage in Dudelange and the Nature and Forest Agency (ANF), researchers in the Clinical and Applied Virology team from LIH have screened 142 dead wild mammals (red foxes, raccoons, beech martens and badgers) in 2024. No highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses have been repeatedly detected in wild birds in Europe for the past decade and are regularly transmitted to poultry upon direct or indirect contact. Recently, highly pathogenic avian influenza strains have also been more frequently detected in wild mammals in Europe, especially in carnivores preying on sick or dead birds, and mammals kept for fur production. Avian influenza virus circulation in mammals provides more opportunities to the virus to acquire mutations potentially increasing its ability to spread to humans.

Therefore, enhanced surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in wild carnivores has been implemented in the country in the context of the EU co-funded OneHealth4Surveillance project (2024-2026).

In collaboration with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), the Centre de Soins pour la Faune Sauvage in Dudelange and the Nature and Forest Agency (ANF), researchers in the Clinical and Applied Virology team from LIH have screened 142 dead wild mammals (red foxes, raccoons, beech martens and badgers) in 2024. No highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected.

The absence of detection in wild mammals aligns with the situation in birds in the country: no avian influenza virus was detected in wild and domestic birds in 2024. The last cases date back to May 2023. However, the situation is highly dynamic, requires continuous monitoring and general biosecurity measures to prevent contact between wild and domestic birds remain essential.

Disclaimer

This activity is supported by co-funding from the European Union’s EU4Health programme under Grant Agreement Nr 101132473 OH4Surveillance.

Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.