Summary:
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), through its Biological Hazards and Animal Health and Welfare (BIOHAW) Unit, continuously collects data from European countries on detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in both domestic and wild birds as well as in mammals. To strengthen HPAI preparedness across Europe, EFSA has launched several initiatives aimed at establishing early warning systems, expanding knowledge of circulating avian influenza viruses, and addressing current research gaps.
The SENTINEL Wild Birds project is based on EFSA’s call “EUBA-EFSA-2023-BIOHAW-06: Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe.” Under this initiative, grants were awarded to seven surveillance hubs across Europe and its neighboring regions to carry out activities during 2024–2027.
The Finnish Food Authority participates in Surveillance Area 1 (Gulf of Finland) together with: Finnish Food Authority (Finland) + LABRIS / National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment (Estonia) + Linnaeus University (Sweden).
The SENTINEL Wild Birds project focuses on:
- Enhanced Surveillance: improving methods for monitoring avian influenza in wild bird populations.
- Network Building: establishing a collaborative surveillance network across Europe.
- Timely Influenza Reporting: strengthening the early warning component that is critical for preparedness and rapid response.
- Early Learning and Research: increasing knowledge of virus diversity and spread patterns through surveillance and research activities.
Objectives:
The aim of the SENTINEL Wild Birds project is to improve understanding of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in wild bird populations at key locations across Europe and beyond, particularly along major migratory flyways.
The project develops an early warning system to support decision-making in wildlife management and disease prevention. Rapid generation of surveillance data and its easy accessibility for risk assessment and risk management are central objectives of the project.
Keywords:
Sentinel Wild Birds, highly pathogenic avian influenza, surveillance, wild birds
Finnish Food Authority Project Manager:
Tuija Gadd
Project Status:
Ongoing
Start Year:
2024
End Year:
2027
Funding:
EFSA – EUBA-EFSA-2023-BIOHAW-06: Establishing Capacities for Active Surveillance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in Europe
