Making worst case scenarios real: The introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza of subtype H5N8 led to the largest fowl plague outbreak ever recorded in Germany

Between 8th November 2016 and 31th May 2017, more than 1,150 cases of HPAI H5N8 in wild birds and 107 out-breaks in birds kept in captivity (92 poultry holdings and 15 zoos/animal parks) were reported in Germany. This HPAI epidemic is the most severe recorded in Germany so far. In total, 29 European states have been affected. In addition to H5N8, two other HPAI subtypes have been detected in Europe, i.e. HPAI H5N5 (in seven states) and H5N6 (in Greece). The viruses were probably introduced by migratory birds, sparking an epidemic among wild birds with occasional incursions into poultry holdings, zoos and animal parks, which were usually rapidly controlled. In many cases, substantial gaps in farm biosecurity may have eased the path for virus entry. Only in the late phase of the epidemic, there was also epidemiological and molecular evidence for transmission of the infections between commercial holdings, which caused approximately 20-25 percent of the total number of outbreaks. Biosecurity measures should be checked and maintained at a high level. This includes, inter alia, wearing of stable specific protective clothing and footwear, cleaning and disinfection of equipment that has been in contact with birds and the best possible prevention of contacts between poultry and wild birds.