Avian influenza – general situation

Avian influenza remains a serious disease affecting wild birds, poultry, and captive birds. Based on the latest reported data:

• Total outbreaks: 4,650
• Wild bird cases: 4,604
• Farm, captive and backyard cases: 720
• Affected countries: 33

The high proportion of cases in wild birds highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring. Hunters play a key role as the “eyes and ears” of the countryside, supporting early reporting to the competent authorities.

African swine fever in wild boar

African swine fever (ASF) continues to pose major challenges for wildlife management across Europe. Hunters are directly affected through access restrictions and biosecurity measures, while also playing a central role in surveillance and population management.

Update (16 February 2026) – ASF outbreaks in wild boar reported in 2026 (ADIS, 01/01–11/02/2026):

Here is a weekly outbreak map.

Overall, these developments underline the essential role of the hunting community in wildlife health monitoring and disease control, in close cooperation with veterinary services and public authorities.