introduction of bird flu from US dairy cattle to Europe very unlikely, but vigilance urged – EFSA

Report on Mitigation Measures for Animal Health and Food Safety in Relation to H5N1 Virus

Introduction

This report addresses the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) assessment, as requested by the European Commission, concerning the risk of infection of European Union (EU) dairy cattle and poultry with the H5N1 genotype virus currently circulating in US dairy cattle. The report emphasizes mitigation strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Mitigation Measures for Animal Health

Risk Assessment and Preventive Actions

EFSA has outlined potential measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the H5N1 virus in Europe. These measures include:

1. Implementing trade restrictions from affected regions to control virus entry.
2. Ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection of milking equipment to reduce contamination risks.
3. Coordinated response strategies in the event of an outbreak, targeting both poultry and dairy cattle sectors to minimize impact.

Biosecurity and Movement Controls

To further prevent virus spread, experts recommend the following biosecurity measures:

• Restricting cattle movement within affected areas.
• Avoiding the exchange of workers, vehicles, and equipment between farms.
• Enforcing strict biosecurity protocols on farms.

These measures also contribute to controlling other highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains currently present in Europe, supporting SDG 3 by protecting animal and human health.

Assessment of Milk and Milk Products

Transmission Risks Through Food

EFSA’s evaluation includes the potential for virus transmission through consumption of milk and milk products. Key findings include:

• The primary consumer exposure route is through drinking raw milk, raw colostrum, or raw milk cream.
• Thermal treatments such as pasteurisation are highly effective in inactivating the virus in milk and milk products.
• No reported cases of foodborne human infection with this specific H5N1 genotype have been documented to date.

These findings support SDG 12 by promoting safe food production and consumption practices.

Scientific Context and Ongoing Monitoring

EFSA’s latest opinion builds upon a scientific report published in July 2025, which analyzed the situation in the United States and traced possible routes of virus spread. Continuous monitoring and research are essential to inform policy and safeguard public health, aligning with SDG 3 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture are connected to the article’s focus on protecting dairy cattle and poultry health to maintain safe milk and milk products supply.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Preventing zoonotic infections and ensuring food safety to protect human health is a key issue addressed by the article.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Ensuring safe food production through measures such as pasteurisation and biosecurity aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Mitigating the spread of animal diseases contributes to the health of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through sustainable practices that reduce disease risks.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries for early warning, risk reduction, and management of health risks, including zoonotic diseases.
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and contamination in food and water.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into reporting cycles.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.7: Take urgent action to end poaching and trafficking of protected species and address invasive alien species.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to animal health and disease control:
   • Incidence rate of H5N1 infections in dairy cattle and poultry within the EU.
   • Number of outbreaks of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) strains reported.
   • Implementation rate of biosecurity measures on farms (e.g., restrictions on cattle movement, cleaning protocols).
2. Indicators related to food safety:
   • Percentage of milk and milk products undergoing thermal treatment such as pasteurisation.
   • Number of reported cases of foodborne human infection with H5N1 virus.
3. Indicators related to trade and regulatory measures:
   • Extent of trade restrictions applied to affected regions.
   • Coordination effectiveness in outbreak response between poultry and dairy sectors.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: efsa.europa.eu