Infectious Diseases 2026

Sweden is globally recognized for its industry-leading standards in minimizing Campylobacter prevalence throughout the production chain. This achievement reflects more than three decades of systematic intervention. The effort began in 1993 as a research initiative led by Svensk Fågel (the Swedish Poultry Trade Association) to reduce bacterial incidence in domestic flocks. In 2001, the program was expanded into a comprehensive national surveillance initiative. For four years, it operated as a joint EU-funded project involving the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and the Institute for Communicable Disease Control. Since 2005, following the conclusion of EU funding, the program has been led by Svensk Fågel. It remains a model of collaboration between industry, academia, and government authorities.

A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals the emergence and rapid expansion of a new highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) reassortant, designated as genotype D1.1, which became the predominant strain in North American wild birds during the autumn 2024 migratory season. First detected in September 2024, the D1.1 genotype spread with remarkable speed across multiple migratory flyways, nearly replacing previously circulating H5 genotypes by December 2024. This rapid genotypic sweep coincided with several significant spillover events, including detections in dairy cattle and 17 reported human cases, four of which were severe and two fatal.

Spanish veterinary authorities have confirmed a series of Newcastle Disease (ND) outbreaks affecting poultry farms in the Valencia province throughout the winter season of 2025-26. The epidemiological surge began on December 29, 2025, when the virus was first detected in a broiler flock of 15,000 birds in the municipality of Llutxent. Subsequent laboratory analysis conducted by the National Reference Laboratory in Algete identified the pathogen as a highly virulent velogenic strain, specifically categorized as Genotype VII (sub-genotype VII.1.1).

A new diagnostic study has identified the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus RNA in the semen of an asymptomatic dairy bull, marking a potential shift in how researchers understand the virus's spread within the cattle industry. Since March 2024, the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus has been circulating among dairy cattle in the United States. In October 2024, an outbreak occurred at a 4,500-head Holstein dairy farm in California, where infection was initially confirmed through bulk tank milk samples. While lactating cows on the farm exhibited symptoms such as decreased milk production, mastitis, and fever, the bulls remained asymptomatic.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) viruses, particularly those belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b, represent a persistent and evolving pandemic threat as they continue to spread globally among birds and spill over into mammalian populations. A critical question for pandemic preparedness is whether human populations possess any degree of pre-existing immunity to these viruses. A new observational study conducted in the Netherlands and published in The Lancet Microbe provides a comprehensive map of baseline immunity, suggesting that previous exposure to seasonal influenza has equipped many humans with a significant, albeit partial, immune defense against these avian strains.

In a new perspective published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases , infectious disease expert Dr. Gregory Gray highlights the vaccination of dairy herds as one of the most vital steps the United States can take to curb the H5N1 epizootic. Gray contends that because dairy cattle have become an evolutionary "training ground" for mammalian adaptation, proactive vaccination is essential to reduce pandemic risk. Gray and his colleagues argue that after four years of "failed aggressive livestock biosecurity interventions," the H5N1 epizootic continues to rage across the United States. Since 2024, the virus has spread to more than 1,086 dairy herds across 19 states. This ongoing outbreak has resulted in the culling of over 190 million poultry and has imposed a massive economic burden, estimated at $14.3 billion, or 0.06% of the U.S. real GDP.

A recent report published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence details a foodborne outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis associated with a restaurant in Australia's Hunter New England district in July 2025. The investigation was launched following reports of illness in a two-year-old child and their grandmother, both of whom had attended a family event at the establishment. Out of 26 attendees at the family event, seven cases were identified, including five laboratory-confirmed and two probable cases. Epidemiological analysis identified the pâté de canard (duck liver pâté) as the most likely source of infection. The pâté showed the strongest association with the illness, with an attack rate of 46.7% among those who consumed it.

Sialic acid is a collective term for a family of sugar molecules characterized by a nine-carbon backbone. In biological systems, these molecules are located at the terminal ends of complex carbohydrate chains, known as glycans, which are attached to proteins or lipids on the cell surface. These glycans function as the cell’s “external address”; positioned at the outermost interface, they are the primary structures encountered by viruses, bacteria, and other cells. Most Influenza A viruses use sialic acid as a primary receptor, serving as the main docking site for host cell entry. The specific and dynamic presentation of sialic acids varies among species and plays a central role in determining host range and viral tropism.

Argentina’s poultry sector is at a critical juncture as the 2026 wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to challenge existing containment strategies. Following the loss of its “HPAI-free” status earlier this year, the country is now grappling with a marked increase in commercial outbreaks, prompting a nationwide debate over the adoption of emergency vaccination protocols. As of April 2026, the National Health and Food Quality Service (SENASA) has confirmed 21 outbreaks nationwide. The most affected regions include the provinces of Buenos Aires (particularly near Ranchos and Lobos), Córdoba, and Río Negro. The virus was reintroduced into commercial production systems in February 2026, leading to the immediate suspension of fresh poultry exports in compliance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards.

Japan’s poultry sector remains on high alert as the 2025–2026 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) season continues to unfold. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the country has verified 23 distinct outbreaks in commercial poultry operations as of the conclusion of March 2026. The geographical distribution of the virus has recently shifted toward the northern prefectures, aligning with the "second wave" of migratory bird movements typical for the Japanese spring.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on April 2, 2026, the detection of the nation’s first indigenous human case of H7 subtype avian influenza. The patient, a male in his 70s residing in central Taiwan, is a poultry farmer with a history of chronic medical conditions. According to official reports, the patient began experiencing respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, and myalgia, on March 20. Following the onset of a fever on March 22, he was hospitalized and diagnosed with pneumonia. Subsequent genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of an H7 influenza A virus belonging to the Eurasian lineage. Notably, this strain is distinct from the H7N9 virus that caused significant outbreaks in mainland China between 2013 and 2019; instead, it closely matches low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses previously monitored in Taiwan’s wild bird populations.

The frozen isolation of the sub-Antarctic and Antarctica has been breached by a formidable adversary. A comprehensive study of the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus reveals that the pathogen has not only established a foothold in these remote ecosystems but is actively evolving and persisting across vast distances. Researchers analyzed 104 novel viral genomic sequences collected across an 8,000-kilometer range, including the Antarctic Peninsula and several sub-Antarctic archipelagos.

The Chilean Ministry of Agriculture has announced an immediate suspension of all poultry product exports following the detection of the first commercial case of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (H5N1) in 2026. On March 25, 2026, the virus was identified at a large-scale table-egg layer farm located in El Monte, near the capital city of Santiago. This detection follows a series of outbreaks reported in wild birds and backyard flocks since early March.

Public health authorities in Italy have reported the first-ever human infection of avian influenza A(H9N2) within the European Union. The case, identified in the Lombardy region, involves a traveler returning from a non-European country where the virus is known to circulate in avian populations.

A comprehensive genomic study commissioned by the Food Standards Agency has highlighted a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Campylobacter, the leading cause of bacterial food poisoning in the UK. Analyzing over 4,000 isolates from human clinical cases and agri-food sources between 2019 and 2024, researchers utilized whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and machine learning to map transmission routes and resistance trends. Using advanced AI modeling, the study estimated that more than 80% of human Campylobacter infections in the UK are derived from poultry. Ruminants (cattle and sheep) were identified as the second-largest source.

European veterinary authorities are mobilizing to contain a significant wave of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) outbreaks, with the current epicenter identified in Poland. Since the beginning of the year, Polish officials have confirmed 28 distinct outbreak sites. The scale of recent events is particularly severe; following the detection of the virus at two major commercial broiler farms, authorities were compelled to cull over 500,000 birds. A critical concern emerging from diagnostic reports is the manifestation of the disease in flocks that had reportedly undergone full vaccination protocols. Serological testing conducted on broiler farms in Poland revealed antibody titers significantly below the threshold required for clinical protection.

A team of researchers has finally cracked a decades-old mystery in virology: how low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses transform into highly pathogenic strains. The study, published in Science, identifies a mechanical "trap" within the virus's own replication machinery as the culprit. For years, we know that the hallmark of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a specific change in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene. This change involves the insertion of a multibasic cleavage site (MBCS), which allows the virus to spread systemically throughout a bird's body rather than remaining confined to the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. But how the virus physically gains these extra genetic "links"?

The ongoing H5N1 outbreak continues to impact a wide range of wild bird species, prompting heightened surveillance and biosafety measures across North America. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) reports that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 remains a significant threat to wildlife, with detections confirmed in all four major U.S. flyways. Since its emergence in late 2021, this particular strain has exhibited unusual persistence, affecting not only waterfowl but also raptors, colonial nesting seabirds, and several mammalian species.

According to a joint scientific report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU Reference Laboratory (EURL), there has been a steady decline in the number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections across Europe following a sharp peak at the beginning of the December 2025 to February 2026 reporting period. During this timeframe, a total of 2,514 HPAI A(H5) virus detections were reported in 32 countries, with the majority occurring in wild birds (2,108) and 406 detections in domestic poultry and captive birds. Notably, over 90% of the outbreaks in poultry were attributed to primary introductions from wild birds rather than farm-to-farm spread, suggesting that current biosecurity and vaccination strategies in certain regions, such as France, have been effective in limiting secondary transmission.

A large-scale, prolonged outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) in the Netherlands has highlighted a critical vulnerability in the food production chain: the use of inadequately processed eggshells in animal feed. Between June 2023 and September 2025, health authorities identified 227 outbreak cases through national genomic surveillance. The investigation, utilizing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and a case-control study, revealed that the outbreak consisted of two genetically related but distinct subclusters with different epidemiological profiles.

A recent study published in the journal Poultry highlights the significant impact of drinking water quality on the stability and effectiveness of live attenuated Salmonella vaccines used in the poultry industry. Because zoonotic Salmonella remains a leading cause of global foodborne disease, the industry relies heavily on live vaccines to reduce pathogen colonization in flocks. Researchers found that several chemical and physicochemical parameters in farm water can substantially compromise vaccine stability. The study examined a range of dissolved ions and metals commonly present in agricultural water sources.

In a significant move to combat the devastating impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the commencement of targeted vaccine trials. Starting Thursday, March 5, these trials represent a critical step in evaluating the efficacy of modern vaccines within a field setting. The current research focuses exclusively on turkeys in England. This species was prioritized due to its extreme susceptibility to the virus; HPAI outbreaks in turkeys typically result in severe clinical symptoms and rapid, high mortality rates. Beyond the ecological toll on wild and captive birds, the disease carries a heavy economic burden, costing the UK government and the poultry industry up to £174 million annually.

A comprehensive study published in Poultry Science has shed new light on the prevalence and environmental drivers of Salmonella infections within Israel's egg-laying sector. Analyzing data from over 24,500 sampling events between 2018 and 2023, researchers identified critical management and environmental factors that significantly influence the risk of contamination. The study revealed a substantial presence of Salmonella in the Israeli poultry industry (commercial layers), with rates notably higher than those reported in the US and European Union.

Salmonella Infantis has emerged as a significant public health threat, ranking among the top serovars linked to foodborne outbreaks in the United States. Recently designated as a "recurring, emerging, and persistent" (REP) strain by the CDC, this pathogen is notorious for its rapid global spread and increasing resistance to critical antibiotics. A new study published in BMC Genomics analyzed nine S. Infantis strains isolated from the U.S. poultry production line in 2022, including chicken carcass and comminuted meat samples. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phenotypic testing, they uncovered several alarming trends: Most isolates were phenotypically resistant to five or more antibiotics, with some strains showing resistance to as many as 16 different antimicrobials.

In an effort to strengthen public health protection and modernize poultry production standards, the French Ministry of Agriculture has introduced a revised protocol for the management of Salmonella in laying hen flocks. The updated framework, developed in collaboration with scientific authorities (Anses) and industry representatives (CNPO), places greater emphasis on preventive vaccination rather than strict regulatory enforcement. Although vaccination remains voluntary, the Ministry is implementing a differentiated testing regime designed to encourage uptake. Producers who fully vaccinate their laying hen flocks against S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium will benefit from a simplified monitoring scheme based exclusively on faecal sampling, thereby eliminating the requirement for more complex environmental swabbing. By contrast, non-vaccinated flocks will continue to be subject to enhanced surveillance, including both faecal and environmental sampling.

A comprehensive international report has documented the ongoing and expanding panzootic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b affecting a wide range of wild bird and mammal species across multiple continents between October 2020 and September 2024. The virus, a member of the Goose/Guangdong lineage, has demonstrated unprecedented geographic expansion and an increasingly broad host range since acquiring enhanced transmission efficiency among wild birds during 2020–2021. Outbreaks have frequently been associated with high mortality rates, posing additional conservation threats to vulnerable wildlife populations already facing numerous environmental pressures. During the reporting period, the virus was detected across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

In a concerning development for marine conservation, California State Parks and researchers from the University of California, Davis, and UC Santa Cruz have confirmed the state’s first known cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in marine mammals. Seven weaned northern elephant seal pups (Mirounga angustirostris) at Año Nuevo State Park have tested positive for the virus, marking a significant milestone in the pathogen's trans-species spread along the Pacific Coast. Researchers at the UC Santa Cruz northern elephant seal research program first observed abnormal clinical signs, including tremors, respiratory distress, and physical weakness among the colony on February 19 and 20. At least 30 elephant seals have died during this event so far. This count primarily includes weaned pups, but also at least one adult male.

A new study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases highlights the critical role of retail milk monitoring in tracking the unprecedented outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) in US dairy cattle. The research suggests that while the virus spread extensively and silently in early 2024, subsequent federal interventions have significantly improved detection and control. When H5N1 was first reported in dairy cows in March 2024, initial identification was delayed because cows were not considered typical hosts for the virus. Early surveillance relied on "passive" reporting, testing only clinically ill animals, which led to a massive underestimation of the virus's reach.

Argentina’s National Health and Agrifood Quality Service (SENASA) confirmed a new outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5 in a commercial poultry facility on February 23, 2026. The detection has triggered an immediate, voluntary suspension of poultry product exports to international markets. The outbreak was identified in a heavy breeder flock located in Ranchos, Buenos Aires Province, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of the capital. All birds in the infected flock are being culled.

German veterinary authorities have confirmed an outbreak of Newcastle Disease (ND) in a turkey flock, marking the country’s first occurrence in a commercial farming operation in nearly two decades. The case was officially confirmed on February 20, 2026, at a facility in Neißemünde, located in the state of Brandenburg. The affected flock comprised approximately 18,000 turkeys, with officials reporting an initial mortality rate of 1,000 birds.

The European Commission is signaling a historic strategic pivot in its management of livestock health crises. Moving away from decades of "stamping out" policies, which relied on the mass culling of infected and at-risk herds/flocks, the Commission is now prioritizing preventative vaccination and trade diplomacy to safeguard the future of Europe’s farming sector. The shift is being spearheaded by the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, who recently issued a stark warning regarding the sustainability of current protocols. Várhelyi argued that the systematic slaughter of millions of animals, many of which are healthy but within a designated risk zone, is no longer economically, socially, or ethically viable.

The spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 to mammalian hosts has raised significant concerns regarding its pandemic potential. Domestic cats are frequently affected by these spillovers, often succumbing to severe systemic and neurological diseases. A new study provides critical insights into how the virus attacks the feline nervous system and highlights alarming differences in transmissibility between recent viral strains. The research outlines the aggressive progression of the H5N1 virus within the cat host. The virus initially replicates in the upper respiratory tract before entering the bloodstream to establish severe viremia. From the blood, it rapidly disseminates to multiple organ systems, including the lungs, liver, and lymphoid tissues, causing widespread cellular damage.

A recent study published in the journal Virulence has investigated the zoonotic potential of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses following fatal cluster infections in felines in South Korea during July 2023. The research aimed to determine if these viruses had acquired the ability to infect humans more efficiently after jumping from birds to mammals. The research team compared two feline-derived H5N1 strains (Feline/GA/2023 and Feline/YS/2023) with a genetically related avian strain (Duck/YC/2022) and a human pandemic H1N1 (pdm09) reference control.

The Israeli Veterinary Services (IVS) have officially reported the second outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in 2026. The outbreak was detected in northern Israel, in Nahalal, and involves a flock of 8,000 19-week-old turkeys. This farm has experienced recurrent infections, with previous outbreaks documented in 2017, 2024, and 2025. Its heightened vulnerability is attributed to its proximity to multiple water reservoirs.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has recently introduced several new strategies and regulatory updates, extending into 2025 and 2026, aimed at strengthening egg traceability and preventing contamination. The MFDS has announced a strategic shift toward managing egg safety further upstream. Rather than relying primarily on post-production grading and retail-level testing, the government is redirecting its safety protocols, inspections, and contamination control measures to laying hen farms in order to detect and mitigate risks at the source.

Global health authorities are monitoring a newly reported human infection with avian influenza A(H10N3), following an update issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 20, 2026. The case involves a 34-year-old man from Guangdong Province, China. According to medical reports, symptom onset occurred on December 29, 2025, and the patient was subsequently hospitalized. The latest WHO update indicates that he is currently in stable condition. Preliminary investigations suggest prior exposure to live poultry before the onset of illness.

Since the beginning of 2026, the state of Pennsylvania has been confronting one of the most severe waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in its history. The first two months of the year have been marked by a dramatic increase in morbidity and associated depopulation. From January through mid-February, more than 7.1 million birds have been culled statewide.

A recent assessment by the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) concludes that the scientific basis for the EU’s 28-day shelf-life limit does not apply to Norway, primarily due to the near-absence of Salmonella Enteritidis and strict cold chain requirements. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) currently mandates a maximum shelf life of 28 days for table eggs across the EU/EEA. This limit is heavily based on risk models focused on Salmonella Enteritidis, assuming significant vertical transmission (from infected hens to the egg interior). However, a comprehensive study by VKM, requested by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA), finds that these assumptions do not align with Norwegian production conditions.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports provides the first unequivocal diagnosis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 as a major cause of mortality in Antarctic wildlife. While the virus's presence in the region had been suspected, the HPAI Australis Expedition in March 2024 confirmed that the panzootic has firmly reached the frozen continent, with devastating effects on specific bird populations.

Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IB) remains one of the most significant challenges for the global poultry industry, leading to substantial economic losses through respiratory disease, kidney damage, and decreased egg production. Because the Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) exhibits high genetic diversity and a tendency for mutation, traditional monovalent vaccines often fail to provide adequate cross-protection against emerging variants. A recent study published in the journal Vaccines evaluates a novel solution: A multi-valent inactivated vaccine designed to provide broad-spectrum protection. Researchers investigated the efficacy of a new vaccine, which contains two globally prevalent IBV strains, M41 (genotype GI-1) and 4-91 (genotype GI-13), alongside antigens for seven other poultry pathogens. The study examined the vaccine's performance in both specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens and commercial layers and breeders under field conditions.

According to official data released by Polish authorities, the country has been grappling with significant outbreaks of both Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease (ND) since the onset of 2026. Since the beginning of the year, 26 outbreaks of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in broiler and breeding flocks across Poland. The impact has been felt across a broad spectrum of the poultry sector, with confirmed cases in chicken breeding farms, as well as duck and turkey fattening operations.

A newly published study covering the period 2012–2023 indicates that Czechia maintains the highest notification rate of human salmonellosis in Europe, consistently exceeding the EU average by approximately fivefold. Although the overall trend shows a decline in reported cases, the analysis underscores the central role of the poultry supply chain, particularly eggs and chicken meat, as the primary vehicles of infection.

Authorities in the Netherlands have confirmed the presence of avian influenza (H5N1) antibodies in a dairy cow in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân. This represents the first known instance of a dairy cow in Europe testing positive for antibodies to the virus, following widespread outbreaks in the United States throughout 2024 and 2025. The investigation was triggered following a report to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) on December 24, 2025, regarding two sick cats. One of the cats tested positive for avian influenza and subsequently died. Contact tracing revealed that the deceased feline originated from a dairy farm, prompting a thorough screening of the resident livestock. Initial screenings conducted on January 15 revealed that while no active virus was detectable via PCR testing in the individual milk samples or the bulk tank, one cow tested positive for H5N1 antibodies.

In recent years, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b have spread globally, resulting in unprecedented mortality rates among wild birds and poultry. Beyond its devastating impact on avian populations, the virus has increasingly crossed the species barrier to infect various mammals. In early 2024, a significant spillover event was documented for the first time in U.S. dairy cattle. While human infections associated with this outbreak have remained limited and clinically mild thus far, significant concerns have arisen regarding the virus's potential to adapt for efficient replication within the human upper respiratory tract.

A study recently published in the scientific journal npj Vaccines demonstrates that a recombinant H5 protein-based vaccine effectively prevents severe morbidity and mortality in cats exposed to the H5N1 avian influenza virus, while significantly reducing viral shedding into the environment. In recent years, the H5N1 avian influenza virus (Clade 2.3.4.4b) has emerged as a significant global threat, affecting not only avian species but also a wide range of mammals. Domestic cats are particularly vulnerable due to their high susceptibility to the virus and the increased likelihood of contact with infection sources. Recent outbreaks in the United States have linked feline infections to the consumption of unpasteurized milk from infected dairy farms or contact with diseased wild birds. In felines, the disease typically manifests in a severe form characterized by exceptionally high mortality rates.

A new study published in ASM Case Reports describes an expanded surveillance protocol for highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in humans. The report details the detection of two H5 RNA-positive individuals in Alameda County, California, neither of whom had documented exposure to infected animals. These findings highlight the limitations of current exposure-based testing strategies in the United States. Between August 2024 and April 2025, researchers implemented universal H5 subtyping on 4,488 influenza A-positive respiratory samples collected within their hospital system, irrespective of patient exposure history. This expanded screening yielded an H5 positivity rate of 0.04%.

A recent follow-up audit conducted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (Report 2024-8029) has highlighted significant and ongoing failures in the monitoring and control of Salmonella within Poland's poultry sector. The audit, carried out in November 2024, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of measures implemented by Polish authorities following a 2021 report regarding the traceability and safety of beef and poultry meat. The findings raise serious concerns about the reliability of the industry’s self-monitoring systems. A primary point of contention in the report is the consistent and substantial discrepancy between official testing results and the self-monitoring data provided by food producers. Official controls performed by the authorities show Salmonella detection rates several times higher than those reported by producers, a gap that undermines the credibility of the current monitoring framework.

As of January 2026, South Korea is experiencing a marked increase in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) activity. Official data reported on January 5, 2026, indicate that 30 outbreaks have been confirmed in commercial poultry farms during the 2025/2026 winter season. Epidemiological data demonstrate a pronounced escalation in viral activity, with December 2025 accounting for 22 of these outbreaks, in contrast to the sporadic cases reported between September and November.

Spain’s official veterinary services have reported a series of Newcastle Disease (ND) outbreaks in the Valencia region, specifically within the municipality of Llutxent. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in the country in over three years. The first case was confirmed on December 29, 2025, at a broiler farm housing approximately 15,000 birds. Following intensive surveillance, three additional secondary outbreaks were identified on January 2, 2026.

The Israeli Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security officially confirmed the season's first outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza on January 4, 2026. The pathogen was detected in a flock of mature breeding ducks (approximately 41 weeks old) in Moshav Sde Ya'akov, located in the ecologically sensitive Jezreel Valley.

The 2025 annual summary report from the European Commission’s Animal Disease Information System (ADIS) reveals a concerning trend regarding the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) across the continent. Cumulative data collected between January 1 and December 31, 2025, shows a total of 727 reported outbreaks of H5N1 and H5 strains specifically within the commercial poultry sector.