Outbreaks in poultry were less frequent in March and April compared to the previous reporting period (3 December 2022 to 1 March 2023) and compared to spring 2022. Fall detection in wild birds decreased in March and April compared to the previous reporting period, but in contrast increased compared to spring 2022. The virus showed signs of adapting to wild birds, severely affecting black-headed gulls and increasing mortality in threatened wildlife such as the peregrine falcon.
HPAI has continued its expansion into the Americas and is expected to reach Antarctica in the near future. For the first time, infections were also found in six new mammal species, including marine mammals and mustelid species. Two cases have also been reported in cats in the United States and one case in a dog in Canada. As a precautionary measure, EFSA recommends avoiding contact of pets with dead or sick animals in HPAI-affected areas.
Low risk for Population generally
The risk to the general population in Europe remains low and low to moderate to workers and others who come into contact with potentially infected sick or dead birds and mammals.
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