Map 1. Global distribution of AIV with zoonotic potential observed since 1 October 2025 (i.e. current wave)

Symbols may overlap for events in similar geographic locations.

Notes: Refer to the disclaimer available on this webpage for the names and boundaries in this map. The final boundary between the Sudan and South Sudan has not yet been determined. The final status of the Abyei area is not yet determined. The dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties.
Source: United Nations Geospatial. 2020. Map of the World. [Cited October 2025]. Modified with GLW 4 data and Emergency Prevention System Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i), WOAH and National Authorities data, 2025.

Map 2. Global distribution of AIV with zoonotic potential* observed in the period 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025 (i.e. previous wave)

Symbols may overlap for events in similar geographic locations.

Notes: Refer to the disclaimer available on this webpage for the names and boundaries in this map. Final boundary between the Sudan and South Sudan has not yet been determined. Final status of the Abyei area is not yet determined. Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been agreed upon by the parties.
Source: United Nations Geospatial. 2020. Map of the World. [Cited October 2025]. Modified with GLW 4 data and Emergency Prevention System Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i), WOAH and National Authorities data, 2024.

Recent publications

Overview

Shanta, R.N., Akther, M., Prodhan, M.A., Akter, S.H., Annandale, H., Sarker, S., Abraham, S. & Uddin, J.M. 2025. Adaptation and Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle: An Emerging Threat to Humans, Pets, and Peridomestic Animals. Pathogens, 14(9):846. reference

Roperto, S. & Di Guardo, G. 2025. One health, one earth, one life: The overlooked role of veterinarians in the fight against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies in Italy. One Health, 2025 Sep 18;21:101207. reference

Domestic

Golpasand, S., Ghovvati, S. & Pezeshkian, Z. 2025. Exploring the molecular and biological mechanisms of host response in chickens infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1): An integrative transcriptomic analysis. PLoS One, 20(10):e0332689. reference

Bui, V.N., Oguzie, J.U., Dao, T.D., Bui, A.N., Tran, S.D., Nguyen, Q.D., Nguyen, H.Q., et al. 2025. Active Surveillance for Emerging Influenza A Viruses - Findings from a One Health Study in Vietnam's Live Bird Markets. Int J Infect Dis, 2025 Oct 15:108132. reference

Shakeel, I., Rashid, H.B., Ain, Q.U., Inayat, A., Shakeel, U., Awoniyi, A.M. & Chaudhry, M. 2025. Prevalence and risk factors of Influenza Avian Virus in backyard pigeons, ducks, and chickens in Toba Tek Singh District, Pakistan. PLoS One, 20(10):e0314186. reference

Iancu, I., Bărbuceanu, F., Tîrziu, E., Pascu, C., Costinar, L., Degi, J., Badea, C., Gligor, A., et al. 2025. Determination of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Persistence Following a 2024 Backyard Poultry Outbreak in Romania. Veterinary Sciences, 12(10):922. reference

Kamel, M.N., Moatasim, Y., Aboulhoda, B.E., Gomaa, M., El Taweel, A., Kutkat, O., El Sayes, M., et al. 2025. Genetic Characterization and Pathogenesis of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N1) Isolated in Egypt During 2021–2023. Viruses, 17:1370. reference

Puga-Torres, B., Navarrete, H. & de la Torre, D. 2025. Molecular surveillance confirms absence of avian influenza virus type A in Ecuadorian poultry: A retrospective reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction study from April 2023 to June 2024. Vet World, 18(8):2287-2294. reference

Biosecurity

Vougat Ngom, R., Leite, M., Tilli, G., Laconi, A., Mahmood, Q., Prodanov-Radulović, J., Allepuz, A., Chantziaras, I. & Piccirillo, A. 2025. Biosecurity implementation in poultry farms across Europe and neighboring countries: a systematic review. Front Vet Sci, 12:1653543. reference

Oettler, M.J., Stumpf, G., Schulz, K., Todte, M., Hüttner, K., Heyne, H., Mettenleiter, T.C., Conraths, F.J. & Sauter-Louis, C.. 2025. Strict Biosecurity and Epidemiological Segmentation Enable Partial Culling During a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak. Vet Med (Auckl), 16:25-37. reference

Grant, M., Jansson, D.S., Comin, A., Jacobson, M. & Nöremark, M. 2025. Strengths, challenges, and variations - insights into biosecurity practices in Swedish poultry production following HPAI outbreaks. Poult Sci, 104(12):105871. reference

Forleo, M.B., Di Renzo, P., Romagnoli, L., Giaccio, V. & Scardera, A. 2025. The Efficiency of Poultry Farms: A Dynamic Analysis Based on a Stochastic Frontier Approach and Panel Data. Animals (Basel), 15(19):2806. reference

Wild

Teitelbaum, C.S., Casazza, M.L., Overton, C.T., Matchett, E.L. & Prosser, D.J. 2025. Host responses and viral traits interact to shape the impacts of climate warming on highly pathogenic avian influenza in migratory waterfowl. PLoS Comput Biol, 21(10):e1013451. reference

Clessin, A., Briand, F.X., Tornos, J., Lejeune, M., De Pasquale, C., Fischer, R., Souchaud, F., et al. 2025. Circumpolar spread of avian influenza H5N1 to southern Indian Ocean islands. Nat Commun,16(1):8463 reference

Xu, R., Gao, M., Zhang, N., Wei, Z., Wang, Z., Zhang, L., Liu, Y., et al. 2025. Transcontinental Spread of HPAI H5N1 from South America to Antarctica via Avian Vectors. Viruses, 17:1365. reference

Isoda, N., Hew, L.Y., Nishikawa, K., Takaya, F., Shimazu, Y., Kobayashi, D., Nabeshima, K., et al. 2025. Genetic Diversity of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated in Hokkaido, Japan, During Winter 2024-2025. Pathogens, 14(9):951. reference

Li, X., Lv, X., Li, Y., Fei, M., Liu, S. & Chai, H. 2025. Zoonotic threat: Emergence of mammalian-adapted H5N1 virus in migratory birds at Qinghai Lake. Journal of Infection, 91(5): reference

Verma, A.K., Kumar, M., Murugkar, H.V., Nagarajan, S., Tosh, C., Namdeo, P., Singh, R., et al. 2025. Evaluation of In-Contact Transmission Potential of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in House Crows (Corvus splendens). Avian Dis, 69(3):237-242. reference

Hancock, G., Kirkeby, C., Kjær, L.J., Nyegaard, T., Boklund, A.E. & Ward, M.P. Ward. 2025. Predator–Prey Trophic Interactions and Seasonality of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Denmark, 2016–2023. Zoonoses and Public Health, 14 October 2025. reference

Djurdjević, B., Samojlović, M., Lupulović, D., Petrović, T., Polaček, V., Knežević, S. & Pajić, M. 2025. Temporal Dynamics and Surveillance of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in Northern Serbia (2016-2025). Vet Sci, 12(9):894. reference

Hancock, G., Kirkeby, C., Kjær, L.J., Nyegaard, T., Boklund, A.E. & Ward, M.P. 2025. Predator-Prey Trophic Interactions and Seasonality of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Denmark, 2016-2023. Zoonoses Public Health, 2025 Oct 14. reference

Knief, U., Ahrens, A.K., Allendorf, V., Behringer, C.J., Bertram, J., Bouwhuis, S., Fiedler, W., et al. 2025. Outbreak dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b euBB, in black-headed gulls and common terns in Germany in 2023. bioRxiv, 2025 September 17: 2025.09.17.676714. reference PREPRINT

Ewing, D.A. & Bouwhuis, S. 2025. Estimating epidemiological parameters of highly pathogenic avian influenza in common terns using exact Bayesian inference. J Anim Ecol, 2025 Oct 8. reference

Mariacher, A., Di Nicola, M.R., Senese, M., Mariottini, F., Maestrini, M., Bellagamba, F., Donnini, C., et al. 2025. Detection of avian influenza virus in the alien invasive African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) in Italy. Front Vet Sci, 12:1661089. reference

Joly, D.O., Berhane, Y., Bowman, J., Giacinti, J.A., Goldsmith, D., Hentze, N., Jones, M.E.B., et al. 2025. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in 41 Species at Risk in Canada. J Wildl Dis, 2025 Oct 6. reference

Cullen, J.A., Masto, N.M., Sullivan, J.D., Highway, C.J., Patyk, K.A., McCool, M.J., Torchetti, M.K., et al. 2025. Spatiotemporal Overlap of Mallards With Poultry Farms Is Associated With Greater Risk of Avian Influenza Wild Bird Spillover Events. Ecol Evol, 15(10):e72221. reference

Sánchez-Rodríguez, F., Diaz-Gavidia, C., Ruíz, S., Jimenez-Bluhm, P. 2025. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South America, 2022-2025: temporality, affected species, and the southwards expansion to the Antarctic region. bioRxiv, 2025 October 03: 2025.10.03.680239. reference PREPRINT

Plaza, P., Santangeli, A., Rosciano, N., Cancellario, T., Girardello, M., Wikelski, M. & Lambertucci, S.A. 2025. Wild Birds Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Worldwide: Epidemiological Insights Into the Recent Panzootic. Glob Chang Biol, 31(10):e70523. reference

Mammals

Chrzastek, K., Lieber, C.M. & Plemper, R.K. 2025. H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b: Evolution, Global Spread, and Host Range Expansion. Pathogens, 14(9):929. reference

Alkie, T.N., Embury-Hyatt, C., Signore, A.V., Ramos, D., Moffat, E., Raj, S., Gebrebrhan, H., et al. 2025. Dairy cow- and avian-origin clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 induce severe mastitis in lactating goats and transmission to suckling goats. Cell Rep, 44(10): 116346. reference

Günther, A., Wassermann, J., Heck, J., Bussi, M., Aebischer, A., Staubach, C., Bergmann, H., et al. 2025. Opportunity Drives Spillover: Serological Surveillance across Carnivores, Omnivores and Herbivores in an HPAIV H5 Hotspot in North-East Germany, 2023–2025. bioRxiv, 2025 September 30: 2025.09.30.678011. PREPRINT reference

Kim, Y.I., Jang, S.G., Kwon, W., Kim, J., Park, D., Choi, I., Choi, J.H., et al. 2025. PB2 and NP of North American H5N1 virus drive immune cell replication and systemic infections. Sci Adv, 11(39):eady1208. reference

Schlachter, A.D., Bruno-McClung, E., Díaz-Delgado, J., Odom, M., Banyard, A.C. & Núñez, A. 2025. Feline high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 infection: past and present. J Feline Med Surg, 27(10):1098612X251370695. reference

Kim, C.T., Lee, D.W., Kim, D.W., Kim, J.Y., Lee, Y.J., Kim, H.S., Bae, S. & Kwon, J.H. 2025. Detection of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in commercial raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats in South Korea. Vet Microbiol, 311:110741. reference

Gomez, J.F., Bemis, I.G., Shittu, I., Gray, G.C. & Coleman, K.K. 2025. Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza a(H5N1) among house cats: A case series involving oseltamivir treatment. One Health, 21:101211. reference

Dairy & Occupational health

Shannon C. Beard, Mark E. Carson, B. Mallard, M. Lohuis, F. Malchiodi. 2025. High immune responder cows have lower treatment risk and reduced milk loss during highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks. JDS Communications, 2025: reference

Shittu, I., Rodriguez, J., Oguzie, J.U., Trujillo-Vargas, C.M., Marushchak, L.V., Nguyen-Tien, T., Schneider, N.E., Lednicky, J.A., & Gray, G.C. 2025. Sustained High Levels of Antibodies to Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Naturally Infected Cattle. Research Square, 10 September 2025: rs.3.rs-7274486. reference PREPRINT

Nooruzzaman, M., de Oliveira, P.S.B., Butt, S.L., Martin, N.H., Alcaine, S.D., Walker, S.P. & Diel, D.G. 2025. H5N1 influenza virus stability and transmission risk in raw milk and cheese. Nat Med, 2025 Oct 8. reference

Brigleb, P.H., Roubidoux, E.K., Lazure, L., Livingston, B., Meliopoulos, V.A., Sharp, B., Ripperger, T., et al. 2025. Repeated oral exposure to H5N1 influenza virus in pasteurized milk does not cause adverse responses to subsequent influenza infection. Sci Adv, 11(39):eaeb3906. reference

Su, A., Yan, M., Herrler, G. & Becher, P. 2025. Efficient replication of avian, porcine and human influenza A viruses in well-differentiated bovine airway epithelial cells. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2025 Oct 8:2572697. reference

Zhu, B., Fung, K., Feng, H.H., Beatty, J.A., Hill, F., Tse, A.C.N., Brackman, C.J., et al. 2025. The hemagglutinin proteins of clades 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses exhibit comparable attachment patterns to avian and mammalian tissues. J Virol, 2025 Sep 23:e0097625. reference

Smith, L.E., Martin, A.F., Pae, R., Denford, S., Humphreys, C., Weston, D., Amlôt, R., Oliver, I., Yardley, L. & Rubin, G.J. 2025. Co-producing public health advice for people working on premises infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza. Public Health, 248:105976. reference

Lim, A., Poulsen, K., Caserta, L.C., Guan, L., Opgernorth, E., Beal, M., Eisfeld, A.J., Kawaoka, Y. & Diel, D. 2025. Unexpected Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in bovine Semen. bioRxiv, 2025 October 17: 2025.10.16.682947. reference PREPRINT

Viruses

Wang, H., Meng, Y., Chen, X., Cui, X., Zuo, Q., Han, N., Liang, X., et al. 2025. Unveiling Novel Viral Diversity, Biogeography, and Host Networks in Wildlife Through High-Throughput Sequencing Data Mining. Adv Sci (Weinh), 2025 Sep 23:e11920. reference

Chen, W., Yang, P., Hu, J., Liu, X., Jiang, C., Wu, H., Wang, Y., et al. 2025. Echoes in the Deep: Revealing Influenza A Viruses' Persistence and Microbial Associations in Aquatic Ecosystems. Transbound Emerg Dis, 2025:5586400. reference

Klivleyeva, N., Glebova, T., Saktaganov, N. & Webby, R. 2025. Cases of Interspecies Transmission of Influenza A Virus from Swine to Humans. Vet Sci, 12(9):873. reference

Truong, A.D., Tran, H.T.T., Khac, D.L., Nguyen, U.T., Dang, H.V., Chu, N.T., Nguyen, H.M., Nguyen, L.T., Le, K.V. & Dang, H.V. 2025. Phylogenetic analysis of swine influenza viruses circulating in slaughterhouses in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam, during 2024 and early 2025. Open Vet J, 15(8):3888-3898. reference

Soliani, L., Mescoli, A., Zanni, I., Baioni, L., Alborali, G., Moreno, A., Faccini, S., et al. 2025. Human-Derived H3N2 Influenza A Viruses Detected in Pigs in Northern Italy. Viruses, 17(9):1171. reference

Wang, Y., Gao, Y.D., Jiang, C.H., Xi, Y., Yang, M.X., Zhang, W., Pan, Y.Y. & Zeng, Q.Y. 2025. Characterisation of a novel chicken-derived H3N3 avian influenza virus detected in China in 2023: Pathogenicity and immunogenicity. PLoS One, 20(9):e0332213. reference

Janzen, G.M., Inderski, B.T., Chang, J., Arendsee, Z.W., Janas-Martindale, A., Torchetti, M.K., Baker, A.L. & Anderson, T.K. 2025. Sources and sinks of influenza A virus genomic diversity in swine from 2009 to 2022 in the United States. J Virol, 99:e00541-25. reference

Gao, X., Dong, J., Wang, L., Zhao, C., Li, X., Zhang, S., Li, Y., et al. 2025. Hemagglutinin of Emerging Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses Underpins High Pathogenicity to Mammals. J Med Virol, 97(10):e70615. reference

Mao, Q., Zhu, J., Liu, S., Peng, C., Wu, T., Tian, J., Li, X., et al. 2025. Epidemiological, Phylogenetic, and Pathogenicity Analysis of H4 Subtype Avian Influenza Viruses in China, 2011-2022. Virol Sin, 2025 Sep 23:S1995-820X(25)00131-2. reference

Kok, A., Wilks, S.H., Tureli, S., James, S.L., Bestebroer, T.M., Burke, D.F., Funk, M., et al. 2025. A vaccine central in A(H5) influenza antigenic space confers broad immunity. Nature, 2025 Oct 15. reference

Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 2025. Update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency operations and custody of ostriches at Edgewood, British Columbia. reference

Zhu, B., Fung, K., Feng, H.H., Beatty, J.A., Hill, F., Tse, A.C., Brackman, C.J., et al. 2025. The hemagglutinin proteins of clades 1 and 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses exhibit comparable attachment patterns to avian and mammalian tissues. J Virol, 2025 Sep 23:e0097625. reference

Yang, J., Sun, J., Zhao, D., Liu, J., Ma, M., Wang, Q. & Bi, Y. 2025. Reassortment risk of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 with avian H9N2 and human H3N2 and H1N1 influenza A viruses. Sci Bull (Beijing), 2025 Sep 23:S2095-9273(25)00976-4. reference

Ayora-Talavera, G., López-Martínez, I., Barrera-Badillo, G., Aparicio-Antonio, R., Aréchiga-Ceballos, N., Aguirre-Barbosa, A., Wong-Chew, R. M., Canul-Canul, D., & Solís-Hernández, M. 2025. Genetic and Serological Analysis of H7N3 Avian Influenza Viruses in Mexico for Pandemic Risk Assessment. Viruses, 17(10):1376. reference

Chen, L.L., Ip, J.D., Chan, W.M., Lam, S.J., Leung, R.C., Yip, C.C., Zhang, X., et al. 2025. Enhanced replication of a contemporary avian influenza A H9N2 virus in human respiratory organoids. Emerg Microbes Infect, 2025 Oct 16:2576574. reference

Kadja, M.C., Bako, A.B.I., Onidje, E., Cissé, A.K., Sourokou Sabi, S. & Fellahi, S. 2025. Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Laying Hen and Broiler Farms in Dakar and Thies Regions, Senegal. Vet Ital, 2025 Sep 4;61(4). reference

Sajjad, N., Maarouf, M., Wang, Y., Shrestha, P., Rai, K.R., Chi, X., Wang, S. & Chen, J.L. 2025. A chicken lncRNA is identified as a critical regulator that increases influenza virus replication by impairing innate antiviral responses. Vet Res, 56(1):195. reference

Rachmawati, K., Santoso, K.P., Kurnijasanti, R. & Khairullah, A.R. 2025. Isolation and identification of the H9N2 virus that caused the decline in poultry egg production in Indonesia from 2011 to 2018 using the RT-PCR-sequencing method. Open Vet J, 15(6):2815-2822. reference

Assessments

Fornasiero, D., Mulatti, P., Fusaro, A., Monne, I., Gambaro, F., Dellicour, S., Scolamacchia, F., et al. 2025. Continuous phylogeography reveals shifting environmental drivers of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 spread. Research Square, 17 September 2025:rs.3.rs-7636570. reference PREPRINT

Sangrat, W., Sajapitak, S., Boonyawiwat, V., Thongratsakul, S. & Poolkhet, C. 2025. Integrating systematic review, meta-analysis, and secondary data for spatial and temporal risk analysis of avian influenza in poultry: A comparative evaluation of OLS, GWR, and MGWR models. Prev Vet Med, 245:106693. reference

Huang, S., Bragazzi, N.L., Nia, Z.M., Gillies, M., Gardner, E., Leung, D., Gizo, I. & Kong, J.D. 2025. A systematic review of mathematical and machine learning models of Avian Influenza. One Health, 21:101203. reference

Puttahonnappa, S.K., Anandakumar, J., Barman, N.N., Rajkumar, R., Paramanandham, K., Patil, S.S., Lamba, S., Patil, A.V. & Gulati, B.R. 2025. Investigating environmental determinants and spatiotemporal dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks in India through machine learning. Sci Rep, 15(1):36132. reference

Zhuang, Y.R., Liu, Y., Li, Q.F., Zhang, H.Q., Wang, C.Y., Ding, L.Y., Liu, A.Q., He, J., Meng, R. & Yu, L.G. 2025. An intelligence framework for the early warning of avian influenza in Chinese laying farms. Poult Sci, 104(11):105822. reference

Tools

Sosa Drouville, A., Trobbiani, G.A., Barandiaran, S., Ponce, L.C., Ebmer, D. & Leonardi, M.S. 2025. The multipurpose stick: A complete and low-cost technique for remote sample collection in pinnipeds. Res Vet Sci, 2025 Oct 10;197:105928. reference

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2025. Personal Protective Equipment for Influenza A (H5N1) in High-Risk Farm Settings: A Workshop. reference

FAO's support to countries

Global level

• OFFLU (WOAH/FAO network of expertise on animal influenza) released the Guidelines for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Risk Mitigation in Cattle. [link]
• The second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation was held at FAO Rome on 29 September – 1 October [the recording is available at link], recording of some side events are also shared e.g. Biosecurity for a sustainable livestock transformation – a shared responsibility to impact at scale. [link]
• OFFLU contributed information on the genetic and antigenic characteristics of currently circulating avian and swine influenza viruses to the WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2026 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Season in September 2025, which will help inform decisions on updating candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) for pandemic preparedness. [link1] Reports are now available [link2, link3, link4, link5].
• FAO organized 'Global Science, Policy and Private Sector Dialogue ― Tackling High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Together’ in Brazil from 9 to 11 September 2025. [link1, link2] The outcome, Iguaçu statement, is now available [link].

Regional/country level

• Americas
• FAO-led Community of Practice on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) organized a Learning dialogue webinar: ICT-enabled intersectoral collaboration to tackle Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Latin America and the Caribbean Region on 6 August, more than 500 registered and 250 actively participated from worldwide. [link]
• A regional training course on HPAI diagnosis was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), FAO RLC and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 18 to 23 August, with participation from 19 countries in the region. [link1, link2, link3]

• Africa
  • FAO's Farmer Field School (FFS) approach is being utilized in Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United Republic of Tanzania to improve on-farm biosecurity, vaccination practices, and links with animal health services in small-scale poultry farms. Across the three countries, 21 FFSs have been implemented with approximately 600 broiler farmers graduating after successful completion of the 18-week school. The skills gained, aid the producers to identify and report poultry disease symptoms - for example in Kenya some of the FFS participants had raised some concerns on the possibilities of their flocks being infected by HPAI, as some chickens had shown persistent torticollis. This had triggered epidemiologic investigation, which turned out to be Newcastle disease.
  • In Burundi, Training for animal health workers in the field and those at the National Veterinary Laboratory on sampling and sample management is planned to improve the collection and secure sample transport to the laboratory. This will enable those trained in bioinformatics at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco to use their new skills in molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics.
  • In Cote d’Ivoire, the results of the biosecurity assessment in poultry farms and markets in the main poultry farming areas of Agnibilekro and Abidjan to the veterinary services were presented as a part of avian influenza prevention efforts following initiatives led by FAO. The study also explored the factors influencing the adoption of biosecurity measures and identified corrective actions. The Government has developed an illustrated guide to biosecurity in poultry farming, through the enzootic diseases project supported by FAO.
  • In Ghana, FAO supported the training of poultry farmers and veterinary professionals on effective biosecurity practices and compliance with the farm-level biosecurity checklist; and feed suppliers and waste collectors on reducing the risk of environmental and farm-to-farm contamination. FAO provided the veterinary laboratory with laboratory reagents and consumables for the diagnosis of Avian Influenza to enhance early detection capabilities with support from the Pandemic Fund,
  • In Guinea, active surveillance for HPAI by the veterinary services has been underway since August in high- and very high-risk areas, technically support by FAO. To date, 7 822 samples have been analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the central veterinary diagnostic laboratory, and none tested positive. Alongside, the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB) approach to good biosecurity practices has been implemented on poultry farms in the prefectures of Coyah, Dubréka and Forécariah.
  • Facing the persistent threat of HPAI and increased circulation of the virus in the region, Madagascar, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DSV), commits to updating its contingency plan in order to have a strategic, operational and intersectoral tool. The new plan focuses on three priority areas: Strengthening preventive measures to limit the risks of introducing the virus into national territory; Improving early detection of the disease, at all levels of intervention and in each sector concerned; The optimization of emergency response capacities in case of outbreaks, − to implement a coherent and coordinated response, based on the "One Health" approach, promoting synergy between animal, human and environmental health sectors. To concretize this commitment, a technical workshop was organized from 15 to 18 September 2025, bringing together national experts as well as technical partners, including FAO, lead to the development of a strategic reference document, integrating the prevention strategy, the national monitoring system (including early detection mechanisms), as well as the rapid response plan.
  • In Nigeria, in view of future HPAI vaccination recommended by the Ministerial Advisory Committee, FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) team worked along with the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services to develop and apply the biosecurity measures requires for the vaccination on pilot farms.
  • FAO ECTAD Senegal through Fleming Fund project, held a workshop to develop curricula on farmer field school (FFS) focused on biosecurity related to poultry farming from 29 September to 3 October. This 5-day workshop brought together (25 participants) experts in poultry farming, veterinary services to promote knowledge sharing in order to adapt the program according to the field needs but also to promote the proper use of antimicrobials to prevent diseases through the implementation of biosecurity measures on poultry farms. The next steps is to use the curricula on biosecurity training for poultry farmers in order to scale up the biosecurity and good practice in poultry farming.

• North Africa and Middle East
• FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa (RNE) has initiated two training events through FAO Virtual Learning Center (VLC) platform as part of the One Health technical cooperation programme (TCP) project. The Avian Influenza Preparedness Course opened on 16 September and will run until 20 October, with the closing webinar on 14 October. The course has already brought on board around 300 participants. Preparations are also underway for the Farm Animal Biosecurity: Progressive Management Pathways for Terrestrial Animals Course, tentatively scheduled from 5 November to early December 2025.
• In Libya, FAO participated in the One Health Rapid Response Team Training of trainer course organized by WHO in Tripoli, Libya from 14 to 18 September 2025. This training aimed to strengthen national and subnational capacities for responding to zoonotic and vector-borne diseases through a coordinated, multisectoral approach.
• In Tunisia, under the Pandemic Fund project, FAO plans to train official veterinarians on the Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) tool to facilitate its adoption by veterinary services. Four media training sessions are also scheduled by the end of the year for communication focal points.

• Asia and the Pacific
• In Cambodia, H5N1 HPAI in poultry has been confirmed in 15 out of 25 provinces namely Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kandal, Kratie, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Sihanouk, Prey Veng, Pursat, Siem Reap, Svay Rieng, Takeo and Tboung Khmum provinces [link] while 17 cases of human infections with influenza A (H5N1) virus were confirmed this year, with the latest reported on 16 October [link], H5N1 clade 1.2.3.2e virus has been confirmed in some of these cases [link]. FAO ECTAD Cambodia is collaborating with National Animal Health and Production Institute (NAHPRI) / General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP) and Institute du Pasteur Cambodge (IPC) to support the Cambodian Government.
• FAO signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China to strengthen knowledge exchanges, to achieve common objectives such as One Health approach, prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases especially avian influenza and African Swine Fever, reducing the need for antimicrobials on farms, enhance capacity development, as well as to promote regional co-operation.
• In Indonesia, recent detections of avian influenza viruses in poultry farms and live bird markets show continued dominance of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1g and LPAI H9N2 clades B4.5 and B4.7. Genetic reassortment has been identified in the internal genes (PB2, PB1, PA, MP, NS) of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1g viruses, with PB2 and MP genes likely originating from LPAI H9N2, and PB1, PA, and NS genes from other LPAI subtypes such as H11N9, H7N3, H7N7, and H6N8, while the NP gene remains unchanged. The current HPAI H5N1 challenge strain (A/chicken/Semarang/ 04141225-7/2014/H5N1) and vaccine strain (A/chicken/Tanggamus/031711076-65/2017/H5N1) remain effective against circulating viruses, however, updating the challenge strain is recommended to better match the prevailing HPAI clade 2.3.2.1g. According to the regular Avian Influenza situation report [link] based on the passive reporting in Indonesia’s national animal health and production information system ISIKHNAS; in September, a HPAI outbreak was confirmed in chickens in Kampar Regency, Riau Province. [link]
• FAO ECTAD Indonesia provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture in conducting National Avian Influenza Simulation Exercise with cross sectoral ministries and agencies from 24-26 September 2025 in Jakarta. This tabletop exercise aimed to assess the national preparedness and response capacity for Avian Influenza using Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) frameworks, identify strengths, lesson learned, gaps, and areas for improvement in emergency coordination, surveillance, response across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors, and to facilitate cross-sectoral learning for improved collaboration in pandemic-prone zoonotic. In addition, a similar tabletop exercise at the sub-national level involving eight provinces, was conducted from 9 to 10 September.
• FAO ECTAD Indonesia is providing technical support on Integrated Avian Influenza Surveillance. In Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatera Province, a cross-sectoral pilot integrated surveillance in the districts using a One Health approach from 22 to 25 September, to enhance early warning systems for zoonotic influenza in high-risk areas through cross-sector collaboration. FAO presented Joint Outbreak Investigation (JOIN) tool, supported the development of avian influenza surveillance design, utilizing surveillance data to develop action plan, to improve the effectiveness of avian influenza prevention and control measures. In Surakarta City, Central Java and Bekasi District, West Java, FAO supported the cross-sectoral ministries on review and evaluation of the integrated surveillance implementation from 22 to 24 September focused on the findings from the surveillance implementation, including sample collection in live bird markets and poultry slaughterhouses, laboratory testing, and lessons learned from the implementation of the integrated avian influenza surveillance. The initial evaluation will be a baseline to enrich the comprehensive evaluation after the completion of all piloting activities in five districts/cities.
• FAO ECTAD Indonesia organized a Bioinformatics Analysis Workshop on 20–21 October 2025, focusing on priority animal diseases such as Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever. The workshop brings together representatives from animal health laboratories, including the Disease Investigation Centers, to strengthen their capacity in using bioinformatics tools such as MEGA and UGENE for sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The main objective is to update existing phylogenetic trees to better understand the evolution and genetic diversity of circulating pathogens in Indonesia. Through this activity, participants are expected to produce updated data that illustrate the spread, evolution, and genetic variation patterns more comprehensively. They also practice summarizing analytical results, exporting trees, and preparing figures for reports or publications, as well as uploading sequence data to the Integrated Virus Monitoring (IVM) online platform for further analysis.
• OFFLU Scientist from FAO participated in the WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines for Use in the 2026 Southern Hemisphere Influenza Season was held in Hokkaido, Japan in September 2025.
• In Lao People's Democratic Republic, FAO has been actively collaborating with national counterparts on avian influenza preparedness and response. Most recently, FAO participated and made a presentation at an event held on 14–15 October 2025 in Xekong Province. The event aimed to disseminate the revised Joint National and Contingency Plan for Zoonotic Influenza in Lao PDR and to strengthen coordination between the human and animal health sectors, along with other relevant agencies. It also served to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each sector in preparing for and responding to zoonotic influenza, and included a tabletop exercise to assess the effectiveness of coordination and collaboration in the event of an outbreak.
• FAO ECTAD Nepal conducted a series of biosecurity trainings targeting small and medium holder poultry farmers through the pandemic fund project. From June to October 2025, 598 poultry farmers were trained focusing on biosecurity measures on the farms including awareness on major poultry diseases such as avian influenza. Farmers were also provided with the biosecurity kits, a manual on biosecurity and a brochure on avian influenza.
• FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) will conduct a poultry value chain assessment in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) during the second week of November 2025. As part of the mission, avian influenza awareness-raising and preparedness training will be provided to relevant stakeholders.
• FAO Viet Nam collaborates with Department of Animal Health and Production to expand Farmer School Community (FSC) in Thai Nguyen and Bac Giang provinces. Developed using Farmer Field School (FFS) concept, FSC is a group of farmers with similar production conditions to learn, share experiences, and apply good farming practices towards prudent use of antibiotics. FSC goal is to reduce poultry diseases, increased farmers income, and reduce antimicrobial use.

• Europe and Central Asia
• A meeting of the Standing Group of Experts (SGE) under GF-TADs took place in September 2025 in Serbia. Presentations on avian influenza available HERE [France, the Netherlands, Serbia, WHO].

Recommendations for affected countries and those at risk

FAO recommends intensified surveillance and awareness raising by national authorities.

General recommendations
It is important to report sick or dead birds – both wild birds and poultry - or wild mammals to local authorities (veterinary services, public health officials, community leaders etc.). These should be tested for avian influenza viruses.

Recommendations to poultry producers
Farmers and poultry producers should step up their biosecurity measures in order to prevent potential virus introduction from wild birds or their faeces.

Recommendations to hunters
Hunting associations and wildlife authorities should be aware that avian influenza viruses might be present in waterfowl and some other species hunted and that hunting, handling and dressing of shot game carries the risk of spreading avian influenza viruses to susceptible poultry.

Recommendations to national authorities
Increase surveillance efforts for the early detection of influenza viruses in poultry and dead wild species including certain mammals.

For full recommendations including non-avian species please see [link].

Important links

• FAO & WOAH Global strategy for the prevention and control of high pathogenicity avian influenza (2024–2033) - Achieving sustainable, resilient poultry production systems
• FAO/WHO/WOAH Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH public health assessment of recent influenza A(H5) virus events in animals and people - July 2025
• FAO HPAI website [link]
• FAO Global Farmer Field School Platform
• FAO webinar series on pandemic prevention and response
• FAO Outbreak Costing Tool (OutCosT)
• FAO An evidence-based approach towards improving poultry biosecurity in Ashaiman Municipal District (Greater Accra Region, Ghana)
• FAO Emergencia y respuesta a la influenza aviar de alta patogenicidad H5N1 en América Central, América del Sur y el Caribe - Informe técnico regional para el período octubre de 2022 a septiembre de 2024
• EFSA Avian influenza overview June–September 2025
• OFFLU website
• PAHO Epidemiological Update Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in the Americas Region, 15 October 2025
• Scientific Task Force on Avian Influenza and Wild Birds H5N1 High pathogenicity avian influenza in wild birds - Unprecedented conservation impacts and urgent needs
• WHO Influenza at the human-animal interface summary and assessment, 29 September 2025
• WOAH High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) Situation Report 74 - September 2025
• The list of wild bird and mammalian species which have been infected with H5Nx HPAI [link]

Note: many publication links have been moved into ‘More important links’ below.

Disclaimer

Information provided herein is current as of the date of issue. Information added or changed since the last Global AIV with Zoonotic Potential situation update appears in orange. Human cases are depicted in the geographic location of their report. For some cases, exposure may have occurred in one geographic location but reported in another. For cases with unknown onset date, reporting date was used instead. FAO compiles information drawn from multiple national (Ministries of Agriculture or Livestock, Ministries of Health, Provincial Government websites; Centers for Disease Prevention and Control [CDC]) and international sources (World Health Organization [WHO], World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH]), as well as peer reviewed scientific articles. FAO makes every effort to ensure, but does not guarantee, accuracy, completeness or authenticity of the information. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on these map(s) do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries. Dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.