HPAI: Global spread and mammal infections

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a major global threat to both poultry and wildlife. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) continues to monitor HPAI’s evolution globally, providing updates on risks identified by experts. Between January 2024 and 25 May 2025, 59 countries/territories reported new outbreaks of HPAI in poultry, while 69 countries/territories reported new outbreaks in non-poultry, wild birds or mammals. A total of 1,692 outbreaks were reported in poultry, alongside 1,360 outbreaks in non-poultry birds, 2,120 outbreaks in wild birds and 1,174 outbreaks in mammals. The reported figures included 16.24 million poultry cases and 148.68 million poultry losses.

As of 25 May 2025, 25 countries had self-declared freedom from HPAI in poultry, with 2 countries reporting HPAI-free zones and 3 countries declaring HPAI-free compartments. A notable development in 2024 was the increase in HPAI outbreaks in mammals. Following the first report of HPAI in dairy cattle in the USA in March 2024, the number of outbreaks in mammals significantly increased. In total, 1,022 outbreaks in mammals were recorded, compared to 459 outbreaks in 2023. Among these, 926 outbreaks occurred in cattle in the USA.

HPAI’s global spread has been unprecedented, affecting areas previously unaffected by the disease, including Latin America and Antarctica. In March 2024, a case of HPAI was reported in South Polar Skua in mainland Antarctica, highlighting the severe risk the virus poses to Antarctic wildlife and biodiversity. This spread marks a serious concern for experts, and WOAH urges countries to maintain vigilance in their surveillance, enforce biosecurity measures and adopt preventive strategies at the farm level. The WOAH also emphasizes safeguarding people in close contact with infected animals and advises against unjustified trade restrictions.

Source: The Poultry Site