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Abstract
Circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses poses a continuous
threat to animal and public health. After the 2005-2006 H5N1 and the 2014-2015 H5N8
epidemics, another H5N8 is currently affecting Europe. Up to August 2017, 1,112 outbreaks
in domestic and 955 in wild birds in 30 European countries have been reported, the
largest epidemic by a HPAI virus in the continent. Here, the main epidemiological
findings are described. While some similarities with previous HPAI virus epidemics
were observed, for example in the pattern of emergence, significant differences were
also patent, in particular the size and extent of the epidemic. Even though no human
infections have been reported to date, the fact that A/H5N8 has affected so far 1,112
domestic holdings, increases the risk of exposure of humans and therefore represents
a concern. Understanding the epidemiology of HPAI viruses is essential for the planning
future surveillance and control activities.