Annual Report on surveillance for avian influenza in poultry and in wild birds in Member States of the

Transcription

1 Annual Report on surveillance for avian influenza in poultry and in wild birds in Member States of the European Union in 2012 Health and Consumers

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3 Annual Report on surveillance for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds in Member States of the European Union in 2012 EUROPEAN UNION REFERENCE LABORATORY FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA

4 About the report The work of EU Member States' veterinary administrations, veterinary laboratories and others (such as ornithologists, bird watching organisations and hunters) involved in the sampling, laboratory testing and gathering of data for the avian influenza surveys in poultry and wild birds is specifically acknowledged. This report was prepared by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, United Kingdom, according to its work programme. It was prepared by Daisy Duncan, Emma Wittmann, Joanna Tye and David Stroud under the main responsibility of: Dr Andrew C. Breed Tel: and the Director of the EU reference laboratory for avian influenza: Prof. Ian H. Brown Tel: The European Commission is responsible for the evaluation and approval of the surveillance programmes submitted by Member States and the EU financial contribution to their implementation. For more information please contact: Dr. Valentina Piazza, Unit G5 - Veterinary programmes Tel Valentina.Piazza@ec.europa.eu The European Commission is also responsible for the collection of the surveillance data from Member States via an online reporting system operated by the Commission services of Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO). For more information on that system and the Annual Report please contact: Dr. Maria Pittman, Unit G2-Animal Health Tel: maria.pittman@ec.europa.eu The European Commission is responsible for the final revision of the Annual Report on surveillance for avian influenza in poultry in the European Union and its publication on the Commission's website: n.htm Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged, save where otherwise stated. The views or positions expressed in this report do not necessarily represent in legal terms the official position of the European Commission. The European Commission assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear. 2

5 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral infection, which can affect all species of birds. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses can spread rapidly, causing serious disease with high mortality in many bird species. To date all HPAI viruses have been of H5 or H7 subtypes. The on-going H5N1 HPAI epidemic has affected over 60 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of birds and causing major socioeconomic impacts. Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) viruses usually cause only mild disease in poultry however LPAI strains of haemagglutinin subtype H5 or H7 have the potential to mutate to HPAI viruses following introduction to poultry populations. Birds of the Orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes are the major reservoirs for LPAI viruses. Although historically HPAI infection has been rarely observed in wild birds and almost exclusively in connection with poultry outbreaks, since the continuing outbreaks of H5N1 HPAI, wild birds have been implicated in the spread of the virus. In 2003 the European Union (EU) introduced an annual serological survey in poultry to detect subclinical or prior infection with AI of subtypes H5 and H7 and complement early detection systems. Wild bird surveillance and the reporting of the results have been compulsory since 2005 in the EU. Timing and mandate The present survey was conducted between January and December 2012 according to Council Directive 2005/94/EC on Community measures to control avian influenza and guidelines laid down in Commission Decision 2010/367/EU. Poultry survey participation Twenty-seven Member States (MS) participated in the poultry survey in In addition, one non-ms country (Switzerland) undertook active surveillance of avian influenza in poultry in 2012 and submitted data for this report. Ten MS followed a risk-based sampling approach in poultry. In total, 29,404 holdings were sampled, which compares to 29,806 poultry holdings in 2011, 29,484 in 2010, 35,016 in 2009, and 34,985 in The most frequently sampled poultry category in 2012 was Laying Hens (conventional and free-range), making up 30.0% of the total holdings sampled by EU MS, followed by Backyard Flocks (19.4%) and Chicken Breeders (17.9%). The least sampled poultry category was Ratites (0.7%), reflecting the low proportion of ratite holdings across the EU (0.05% of total holdings reported). Poultry survey results In the 2012 EU serological survey for avian influenza in poultry, evidence of previous infection with H5 or H7 avian influenza according to Directive 2005/94/EC was detected in 43 holdings (0.15% of total holdings sampled). Forty holdings were serologically positive for subtype H5 and four for subtype H7, including one holding seropositive for both subtypes. The detection rate in Breeder Ducks (8.5%) and Breeder Geese (2.6%) was considerably higher than other poultry categories across the EU. Fattening Ducks had the third highest detection rate at 0.8%. Holdings seropositive for H5 In 2012, 40 holdings were serologically positive for subtype H5 (0.14% of holdings sampled), including one holding that was also seropositive for subtype H7. This is less than in previous survey years. For example, in 2011, 50 holdings were found serologically positive for H5 (0.17% of holdings sampled), 48 were recorded in 2010 (0.16% of holdings sampled), and in 2009 and 2008, 52 holdings in each year were reported as serologically positive for H5 (0.15% of holdings sampled in each year). Of the 40 holdings reported to be seropositive in 2012, 22 underwent follow-up testing for the presence of active infection and one of these (1/22, 4.5%) tested positive for subtype H5 by PCR (an indicator of active infection). Holdings seropositive for H7 In 2012, there were four holdings serologically positive for subtype H7 (0.01% of holdings sampled), including one holding that was also seropositive for subtype H5. This is less than in previous survey years. For example, in 2011, 15 holdings were found serologically positive for H7 (0.05% of holdings sampled), 11 were reported in 2010 (0.04% of holdings sampled), 38 in 2009 (0.11% of holdings sampled) and 21 in 2008 (0.06% of holdings sampled). Of the four holdings reported to be seropositive in 2012, three underwent follow-up testing for the presence of active 3

6 infection and one of these (1/3, 33.3%) tested positive for subtype H7 by PCR (an indicator of active infection). Poultry survey summary The poultry survey continues to improve knowledge on which sectors of the poultry industry are more likely to be infected by H5 or H7 avian influenza viruses (e.g. Breeder Ducks and Breeder Geese) and identified other sectors which are consistently less likely to be affected (e.g. conventional and free-range Broilers, Turkey Breeders and Ratites). The sampling regimes among MS are diverse with different degrees of targeting and testing frequencies. Hence differences in between-flock detection rates for poultry categories or MS need to be interpreted with great caution. In particular, those MS undertaking risk-based sampling may experience higher seropositive detection rates than those using representative sampling. The on-going review of the results of avian influenza surveillance, together with the global picture of avian influenza and scientific research in this field, will further improve AI disease prevention whilst ensuring development of resource efficient programmes consistent with the overall objectives. Wild bird survey participation According to the guidelines (EC, 2010) implementation of passive surveillance in wild birds (found dead, injured and live with clinical signs) is compulsory and hence EU co-financed. Data on active surveillance has only been included in the present report from MS that chose to submit data from their national surveys. A total of 6,508 wild birds, from 24 MS of the European Union and one Non-Member State (Switzerland) were tested by passive surveillance during the 2012 survey. There were no reported cases of H5N1 HPAI detected in Europe in 2012 although global surveillance indicates that some strains of virus continue to be detected in wild bird populations in Asia and endemic infection persists in poultry in Egypt with occasional spread in the region thereby presenting an ongoing threat to the EU. The results of the survey in 2012 are similar to 2011 when HPAI was not detected, and this is in contrast to the situation seen in 2008, 2009 and 2010 when, in each year, one MS (the United Kingdom, Germany and Bulgaria respectively) detected a single incident of the virus in wild birds. Only limited inferences can be made by direct comparisons of detections in different MS, species and years. The non-random nature of the sampling means that the proportion positive observed in a species, MS or time period cannot be assumed to be the true prevalence in the population sampled. Wild bird survey results In 2012, LPAI viruses of subtypes H5 or H7 were detected in three of the birds sampled by passive surveillance in Hungary. These were two Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and one Blackcrowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). Wild bird survey summary There is some evidence for ability of wild birds to transfer H5N1 HPAI from one area to another over relatively large distances. However the exact role and particular species involved in the epidemiology of H5N1 HPAI is not clear. H5N1 HPAI is currently circulating in poultry in Asia and North Africa. The North African areas where H5N1 HPAI is endemic in poultry include wetlands on major waterbird migratory flyways where large numbers of birds will spend time before moving into Europe. The EU survey provides detection of AI incidents in wild birds, independent of outbreaks in poultry, illustrating the value and role of wild bird surveillance as a potential early detection and monitoring system for the presence of H5N1 HPAI in the EU. 4

7 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY Table 1 Key to Member State abbreviations Abb. AT BE BG CY CZ DE DK EE EL ES FI FR HU IE IT LT LU LV MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK CH* Country Austria Belgium Bulgaria Cyprus Czech Republic Germany Denmark Estonia Greece Spain Finland France Hungary Ireland Italy Lithuania Luxembourg Latvia Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Sweden Slovenia Slovak Republic United Kingdom Switzerland *Non-EU MS Table 2 Key to poultry category abbreviations Poultry species and production categories included in the poultry survey, as referenced in Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010). Abb. CB LH FR LH B FR B FT TB FD BD FG BG BYF GB R O Category Chicken Breeders Conventional Laying Hens Free-range Laying Hens Conventional Broilers Free-range Broilers Fattening Turkeys Turkey Breeders Fattening Ducks Breeder Ducks Fattening Geese Breeder Geese Backyard Flocks Farmed Game Birds Ratites Others 5

8 ADNS: Animal Disease Notification System AI: Avian Influenza as defined in Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a) EURL: European Union Reference Laboratory for avian influenza, AHVLA-Weybridge DG SANCO: Directorate General for Health and Consumers, European Commission EU: European Union EU 27: Refers to the 27 Member States of the European Union in 2012 HPAI: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HPAIV: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus LPAI: Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza defined as LPAI caused by AI viruses of the H5 and H7 subtype according to Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a) LPAIV: Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza virus of the H5 and H7 subtype LPAIV of 'other subtype': Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza virus of subtype other than H5 or H7 MS: Member State(s) NUTS: Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics. For example, at NUTS 3 level this refers to a region, district, county, municipal or unitary authority (depending on the MS). PCR: Polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory methodology that acts through the amplification of specific viral nucleic acid from clinical specimens. Positive poultry holding: For the purpose of this report a poultry holding is considered positive if at least one sample from that holding tested positive on either serology or PCR or viral isolation. Poultry holding: A facility used for the rearing or keeping of breeding or productive poultry, as defined in Council Directive 2009/158/EC (EC 2009). For the purposes of avian influenza surveillance, this may include facilities that only contain poultry during certain months of the year (i.e. poultry do not need to be present all year round). TS: Target species. Wild birds, in particular migratory water birds, that have been shown to be at a higher risk of becoming infected with, and transmitting the HPAI H5N1 virus, as referenced in Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010). VI: Virus isolation is a laboratory methodology that enables the propagation of infectious virus directly from clinical specimens. 6

9 Table of Contents 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 3 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY INTRODUCTION Objectives Poultry Wild Birds Framework of Reporting Poultry Wild Birds Structure of Report RESULTS Poultry Holdings sampled Laboratory results H5 avian influenza H7 avian influenza Other LPAI subtypes Summary Poultry categories Chicken Breeders Conventional Laying Hens and Free-range Laying Hens Conventional Broilers and Free-range Broilers Fattening Turkeys and Turkey Breeders Fattening Ducks and Breeder Ducks Fattening Geese and Breeder Geese Backyard Flocks Game Birds Ratites Others Summary Wild Birds Sampling by passive surveillance Overview Geographical targeting Seasonal targeting Targeting of bird species H5N1 HPAI Positives LPAI Positives Overview of LPAI results Geographical distribution of LPAI H5 detections Temporal distribution of LPAI H5 detections

10 Order and species of positive wild birds Poultry and Wild Bird Survey Results by Member State DISCUSSION Poultry Wild Birds METHODS Poultry Survey design Laboratory testing Data and data processing Wild Birds Survey design Laboratory testing Data and data processing REFERENCES ANNEXES Poultry Survey Annex 1 Details of prevalence by poultry category and MS for 2012 and Annex 2 Additional information on results of the 2012 poultry survey Wild Bird Survey Annex 3 Passive surveillance data Diagnosis AI Positives by passive surveillance Passive surveillance by quarter Overview of passive surveillance results by species Annex 4 Reported active surveillance data Overview of reported active surveillance Geographical targeting of reported active surveillance Seasonal targeting of reported active surveillance Bird species sampled by reported active surveillance H5N1 HPAI Positives by reported active surveillance LPAI Positives by reported active surveillance Geographical distribution of LPAI H5/H7 detections by reported active surveillance Temporal distribution of LPAI H5/H7 detections by reported active surveillance Order and species of wild birds positive for LPAI H5/H7 by reported active surveillance Annex 5 Reported active surveillance data, supplementary tables and figures Diagnosis AI Positives by reported active surveillance Reported active surveillance by quarter Overview of reported active surveillance results by species Annex 6 Scientific and English Names of Wild Birds Species

11 List of Figures Figure 1 Total number of holdings sampled and found seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7 by Member State in Figure 2 Total number of holdings sampled and found seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7 by poultry category in Member States in Figure 3 Total number of H5 and H7 serologically positive holdings by Member State in Figure 4 Map of the intensity of sampling in the EU AI poultry survey and holdings testing serologically positive for H5 and H7 in Figure 5 Total number of holdings found serologically positive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7 by poultry category across Member States in Figure 6 Total number of birds sampled by passive surveillance in 2012 by Member States Non- MS data included Figure 7 Map of the intensity of sampling by passive surveillance across Member States in 2012 EU-data only Figure 8 Proportion of all birds sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, by quarter and MS. Raw numbers of birds sampled by quarter and MS are shown in the table below Non-MS data included Figure 9 Proportion of birds sampled by passive surveillance in each quarter for Member States EU-data only Figure 10 Temporal distribution of the total number of birds sampled by passive surveillance during 2012 Non-MS data included Figure 11 Proportion of TS and non-ts sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, by Member State Non-MS data included Figure 12 Map of the intensity of sample submissions from passive surveillance and the distribution of LPAI H5 and other influenza detections in wild birds in EU Member States in 2012 EU-data only Figure 13 Number and week of detection of LPAI H5 positive wild birds detected through passive surveillance in 2012 EU-data only Annex 4 Figure 1 Total number of birds sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012 by EU Member State Annex 4 Figure 2 Map of the intensity of reported sampling by active surveillance across Member States in Annex 4 Figure 3 Proportion of all birds sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012, by quarter and Member States Annex 4 Figure 4 Proportion of birds sampled by reported active surveillance in each quarter for EU Member States Annex 4 Figure 5 Temporal distribution of the total number of birds sampled by reported active surveillance during Annex 4 Figure 6 Proportion of TS and non-ts sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012, by Member State Annex 4 Figure 7 Intensity of sample submission from reported active surveillance, and distribution of LPAI H5 detections in wild birds in EU Member States in Annex 4 Figure 8 Intensity of sample submission from reported active surveillance, and distribution of LPAI H7 detections in wild birds in EU Member States in Annex 4 Figure 9 Number and week of detection of LPAI H5 (in red) and H7 (in green) positive birds detected through active surveillance reported in 2012, by EU Member State Annex 4 Figure 10 Number of LPAI H5 and H7 detections and the number of wild birds sampled by reported active surveillance in the EU by week in

12 List of Tables Table 1 Key to Member State abbreviations... 5 Table 2 Key to poultry category abbreviations... 5 Table 3 Number of holdings sampled and total number of holdings reported in regions where sampling took place, by poultry category across Member States in Table 4 Number of serological and virological H5 and H7 positive holdings by Member State in Table 5a Total number of H5 seropositive and sampled holdings in 2012 and 2011 by poultry category Table 5b Total number of H7 seropositive and sampled holdings in 2012 and 2011 by poultry category Table 6 Total number of holdings sampled and those found H5 or H7 seropositive by poultry category across Member States in Table 7 Wild bird Orders most frequently sampled in 2012 Non-MS data included Table 8 Wild bird species most frequently sampled in 2012 Non-MS data included As in 2012, there have been no, or very low numbers of detections of LPAI H7 by passive surveillance in recent years: 2011 (0.01%), 2010 (none), 2009 (0.12%), 2008 (none), 2007 (0.01%) and 2006 (0.01%).Table 9 Total number and proportion of wild birds testing positive by passive surveillance for LPAI H5, other LPAI subtypes and other positives during 2012 Non-MS data included Table 10 AI detected through passive surveillance, by wild bird Order in EU Member States in 2012 EU-data only Table 11 AI detected through passive surveillance, by wild bird species in EU Member States in 2012 EU-data only Table 12 Number of holdings to be sampled of each poultry category (except turkey, duck and goose holdings) Table 13 Number of turkey, duck and goose holdings to be sampled Table 14 Criteria and risk factors considered by Member States following a risk-based surveillance approach in their 2012 poultry survey programme Table 15 Information on holdings included under Others (where category species details were provided) Table 16 Summary of passive surveillance sampling strategies, as described in Member States 2012 wild bird survey plans Annex 1 Table 1 Total number of Chicken Breeder holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 2 Total number of Conventional and Free-range Laying Hen holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 3 Total number of Conventional and Free-range Broiler holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 4 Total number of Fattening Turkey and Turkey Breeder holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 5 Total number of Fattening and Breeder Duck holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 6 Total number of Fattening and Breeder Geese holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State

13 Annex 1 Table 7 Total number of Backyard Flock holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 8 Total number of Game Bird holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 9 Total number of Ratite holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 1 Table 10 Total number of Other holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Annex 2 Table 1 Prevalence of holdings positive for subtype H Annex 2 Table 2 Prevalence of holdings positive for subtype H Annex 2 Table 3 Number of holdings positive for subtype H5 by serology, serology and PCR/virus isolation, or PCR/virus isolation only Annex 2 Table 4 Number of holdings positive for subtype H7 by serology, serology and PCR/virus isolation, or PCR/virus isolation only Annex 3 Table 1 Type of samples collected for wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, by status of bird - EU-data only Annex 3 Table 2 Test-results and samples taken by passive surveillance for found dead birds - EU-data only Annex 3 Table 3 Number of birds tested through passive surveillance by Member State (injured, diseased and dead birds) Non-MS data included Annex 3 Table 4 Number of TS sampled by passive surveillance in each quarter by Member State Non-MS data included Annex 3 Table 5 Detections of LPAI H5 (in brackets) that were reported by passive surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts and the number of those species sampled in each Member State Non- MS data included Annex 3 Table 6 Detections of all AI types (in brackets) reported by passive surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts and the number of those species sampled in each Member State - Non-MS data included Annex 4 Table 1 Wild bird Orders most frequently sampled by reported active surveillance in Annex 4 Table 2 Bird species most frequently sampled by reported active surveillance in Annex 4 Table 3 Total number and proportion of birds testing positive by reported active surveillance for LPAI H5, H7 and other subtypes for Member States detecting LPAI viruses during Annex 4 Table 4 LPAI detected through reported active surveillance, by Order in Annex 4 Table 5 LPAI detected through reported active surveillance, by species in Annex 5 Table 1 Number and proportion of wild bird samples collected by reported active surveillance, by Status of bird in Annex 5 Table 2 Test-results and samples taken for live healthy birds sampled by reported active surveillance in Annex 5 Table 3 Test-results and samples taken for hunted birds without clinical signs sampled by reported active surveillance in Annex 5 Table 4 Number of birds (hunted and live healthy birds) tested through reported active surveillance by Member State and quarter Annex 5 Table 5 Number of TS and non-ts sampled by reported active surveillance in each quarter by Member State

14 Annex 5 Table 6 Detections of LPAI H5 (in brackets) that were reported by active surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts, and the number of those species sampled in each Member State Annex 5 Table 7 Detections of LPAI H7 (in brackets) that were reported by active surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts, and the number of those species sampled in each Member State Annex 5 Table 8 Detections of all AI subtypes (in brackets) that were reported by active surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts, and the number of those species sampled in each Member State Annex 6 Table 1 All target species (in bold) as well as all other bird species that tested positive for AI in 2012, giving English and Latin names

15 2 INTRODUCTION Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral infection, which can affect all species of birds. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viruses can spread rapidly, causing serious disease with high mortality in many bird species. The ongoing H5N1 HPAI epidemic has affected over 60 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of birds and causing major socio-economic impacts. Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) can be any one of the haemagglutinin subtypes H1 to H16 and usually causes only mild disease in poultry. LPAI viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes have the potential to mutate to highly pathogenic strains while circulating within domestic poultry populations. Wild birds of the Orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes are thought to be the major reservoirs for LPAI viruses. Historically HPAI infections have been rarely observed in wild birds and almost exclusively in connection with poultry outbreaks. However, during the H5N1 HPAI epidemic, wild birds have been implicated in the spread of the HPAI virus (EFSA 2006). The Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW; 2000) recommended the implementation of serological surveys of poultry populations in MS in order to detect the presence of LPAI viruses of H5 and H7 subtypes. Surveys for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds in MS were first carried out in 2003 under Commission Decision 2002/649/EC (EC 2002). Wild bird surveillance and the reporting of the results became compulsory in the EU in Decision 2005/726/EC (EC 2005) laid down a first list of 'higher risk species'. Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a) subsequently provided a better legal basis to carry out surveillance programmes in poultry and wild birds., Harmonised guidelines with more detailed requirements for wild birds surveillance were introduced in 2007 (EC, 2007). These programmes were aimed at identifying the risk of introduction of AI viruses (LPAI and HPAI) into domestic poultry. In 2006 and 2007, application of this system was demonstrated when H5N1 HPAI activity was relatively widespread in wild birds and incursions to poultry were limited and controlled (Hesterberg et al. 2009). Since 2008 the number of detections of H5N1 HPAI in Europe has reduced. Clade 2.2 viruses and their derivatives appear to have disappeared from wild birds globally, while clade viruses and their derivatives have been reported from wild birds more recently including in the EU (Bulgaria in 2010). The most recent European Commission guidelines on surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds (see below) includes a list of Target Species that incorporates knowledge of the number of detections of H5N1 HPAI in the EU surveillance programme and recent findings on the epidemiology of this virus in wild birds. 2.1 Objectives Poultry The objectives of the surveillance programme for avian influenza in poultry (as described in Commission Decision 2010/367/EU; EC 2010) are to inform the competent authority of circulating avian influenza virus with a view to controlling the disease in accordance with Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a) by the annual detection through active surveillance for: (a) low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) of subtypes H5 and H7 in gallinaceous birds (chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasants, partridges and quails) and ratites thereby complementing other existing early detection systems. 13

16 (b) LPAI of subtypes H5 and H7 and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic waterfowl (ducks, geese and mallards for re-stocking supplies of game) Wild Birds In 2012, the objective of EU wild bird AI surveillance, according to Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010), is the timely detection of HPAI of the subtype H5N1 in wild birds in order to protect poultry in poultry holdings and safeguard veterinary public health. It is also stated that: (a) A risk-based surveillance (RBS) shall be implemented as a passive surveillance system by laboratory investigation of moribund wild birds or birds found dead and it shall be specifically directed towards water bird species. (b) Wild birds, in particular migratory waterbirds, that have been shown to be at a higher risk of becoming infected with, and transmitting the HPAI H5N1 virus, the target species (TS), shall be specifically targeted. (c) Areas close to the sea, lakes and waterways where birds were found dead; and in particular when these areas are in close proximity to poultry holdings, especially in areas where there is a high density of poultry holdings, shall be targeted. (d) Close cooperation with epidemiologists and ornithologists and the competent authority for nature conservation shall be ensured in the preparation of the surveillance programme, assisting in species identification and optimising sampling adapted to the national situation. (e) If the epidemiological situation for the HPAI H5N1 virus so requires, surveillance activities shall be enhanced by awareness raising and active searching and monitoring for dead or moribund wild birds, in particular for those belonging to TS. This could be triggered by the detection of the HPAI H5N1 virus in poultry and/or wild birds in neighbouring Member States and third countries or in countries which are linked via the movement of migratory wild birds, in particular those of TS, to the Member State concerned. In that case the specific migration patterns and wild bird species, which may vary in different Member States shall be taken into account. 2.2 Framework of Reporting Poultry Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a) on Community measures to control avian influenza, introduced with Article 4, a new legal basis for the obligatory conduct of surveillance programmes in poultry populations, to detect infections with LPAI of H5 and H7 subtype. In 2010, 2009 and 2008, the poultry surveys were performed according to the guidelines laid down in Commission Decision 2007/268/EC (EC 2007), which are available under: In 2011, MS had the option of following the guidelines laid down in Commission Decision 2007/268/EC (EC 2007) or following new guidelines laid down in Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010), which are available under: For 2012, the poultry surveys were performed according to the guidelines of Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010) and the survey programmes of the MS were evaluated and approved for co-financing through Decision 2011/807/EU (EC 2011): Details of the survey programmes for each MS are available on the internet at: 14

17 Samples were tested in accordance with the Diagnostic Manual for avian influenza (EC 2006b). Previous Annual Reports on surveillance for avian influenza in poultry can be found at: m Wild Birds In 2012 the surveys were performed according to the guidelines laid down in Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010) which are available at the DG SANCO website under: For 2012, the survey programmes of the MS were evaluated and approved through the Decision 2011/807/EU (EC 2011). Details of the survey programmes for each MS are available on the internet at: Samples were tested in accordance with the Diagnostic Manual for avian influenza (EC 2006b). Previous Annual Reports on surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds can be found at: m 2.3 Structure of Report This report provides information on the surveillance of poultry and wild birds undertaken by MS in 2012 and is structured as follows: The Executive Summary provides an outline of the main findings and conclusions that can be drawn from these. The Introduction gives information on the objectives and framework for the surveillance carried out by the MS and also provides links to the Commission Decisions on which the surveillance is based. The Results section contains information on the results of the 2012 poultry survey and wild bird passive surveillance activities, including sampling effort and test results in MS. The Discussion section provides a summary of the findings and information on their importance in relation to the objectives of the survey. The Methods section includes information on the survey design, data received from the MS and methods of analysis of the data. The Annexes contain additional detailed tables on the sampling effort and test results of the poultry and wild bird surveys, including sampling effort and test results of wild bird active surveillance data, voluntarily submitted by MS. 15

18 3 RESULTS 3.1 Poultry Holdings sampled All totals and overall proportions refer to 27 MS. In 2012, a total of 1,293,084 holdings were reported from regions where sampling took place among all MS, and 29,404 (2.3%) of these were sampled by the MS in their approved surveillance programmes. This compares to 29,806 holdings sampled in 2011, 29,484 holdings sampled in 2010, 35,016 holdings sampled in 2009, and 34,985 holdings sampled in In addition, Switzerland submitted data for 122 holdings that were sampled as part of the 2012 EU Poultry Survey. Of the 27 MS undertaking AI surveillance in poultry in 2012, ten MS (BE, BG, DE, DK, FI, FR, IT, LU, NL and UK) carried out a risk-based sampling approach, as described in Commission Decision (EC 2010). For more information on the risk-based surveillance approaches used by these MS, please see Table 14. In comparison in 2011 (the first year when MS had the option of using risk-based sampling), seven MS (ES, FR, LV, RO, SK, SE and UK) carried out a risk-based sampling approach. There was considerable variation in the number of holdings sampled among MS, varying from 16 holdings in Estonia to 9281 holdings in Italy. Thirteen MS sampled more holdings in total when compared to 2011 (AT, BG, CY, EL, FI, FR, IE, IT, LT, MT, NL, PL and SI), while 14 MS (BE, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, HU, LU, LV, PT, RO, SE, SK and UK) sampled less holdings in Some MS sampled individual holdings more than once during the period of the survey and hence the total reported number of holdings sampled during the survey exceeded the total number of holdings present for MS in certain poultry categories. Laying Hen holdings were sampled in 26 MS (excluding LT). This category (conventional and free-range) was the most frequently sampled poultry category, making up 30.0% (8821 of 29,404) of the total holdings sampled by EU MS in 2012, with the majority being sampled in NL (4047) and IT (2430). Twenty-two MS sampled Fattening Turkeys and Turkey Breeders (9.8%); 21 MS sampled Chicken Breeders (17.9%); 20 MS sampled Fattening Ducks and Breeder Ducks (3.8%) and also Game Birds (5.6%); 15 MS sampled Broilers (conventional and free-range) (4.5%), Fattening Geese and Breeder Geese (1.8%), and also Ratites (0.7%); 12 MS sampled Backyard Flocks (19.4%); and seven MS sampled Other poultry flocks (6.7%) further details are given in Section (Poultry categories). The total number of holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place) and the number sampled by MS in 2012 are displayed by poultry category in Table 3. 16

19 Table 3 Number of holdings sampled and total number of holdings reported in regions where sampling took place, by poultry category across Member States in 2012 The total number of holdings (from regions where sampling took place) is displayed in parentheses. Number of holdings sampled (total number of holdings reported in regions where sampling took place) Conventional Laying Hens Conventional Fattening Fattening Fattening Total Holdings Total Holdings and Freerange Broilers and T urkeys and Ducks and Geese and sampled and reported and Laying Chicken Free-range Turkey Breeder Breeder Backyard proportion proportion of Breeders Hens Broilers breeders Ducks Geese Flocks Game Birds Ratites Others of EU total EU total AT (35) (1095) (139) (14) (45) (10) 0.91% 0.10% BE (203) (396) (4) (35) (20) (4) (22) (2) 2.19% 0.05% ,177 BG (10) (51) (6) (98) (405,006) (5) (1) 5.74% 31.33% CY (18) (37) (8) (8530) (9) 0.38% 0.67% CZ (146) (45) (42) (10) (42) 0.64% 0.02% ,783 DE (53,750) (1296) (1279) (47,608) (62,930) 0.99% 13.05% DK (452) (129) (17) (44) (62) (1) (210) 3.91% 0.07% EE (16) (1) 0.05% 0.00% EL (103) (366) (48) (54) (10) (5) (111) 0.80% 0.05% ,157 ES (386) (926) (1254) (488) (54) (2) (12,399) (547) (101) (7000) 4.27% 1.79% FI (64) (491) (46) (2) (1) (10) (2) 0.63% 0.05% ,533 FR (1000) 1 (7030) 1 (6000) 1 (4300) 1 (4550) (133) 1 (3000) (3500) (20) % 2.28% ,305 HU (100) (424) (371) (332) (399) (246,626) 2 (50) (3) 2.89% 19.20% IE (86) (186) (16) (115) (1) (1) 1.10% 0.03% ,968 IT (321) (1609) (900) (168) (75) (143,445) (455) (78) (1917) % 11.52% LT (9) (2) 0.21% 0.00% LU (8) (4) (500) (1) 0.07% 0.04% LV (1) (34) (2) (2782) 0.69% 0.22% MT (33) 0.21% 0.00% NL (402) (1016) (641) (46) (53) 28.51% 0.17% PL (493) (1150) (836) (174) (1170) (49) (91) 2.00% 0.31% ,414 PT (80) (134) (238) (131) (12) (236,735) (77) (3) (4) 1.24% 18.36% RO (44) (208) (15) (9) (2) (737) (18) (1) 4.79% 0.08% SE (36) (328) (34) (22) (3) (20) (25) (3) 0.75% 0.04% SI (9) (190) (46) (4155) (6) (2) 0.72% 0.34% SK (14) (89) (29) (12) (10) (1) (18) (10) 0.33% 0.01% UK (65) (1070) (413) (278) (140) (627) 1.28% 0.20% EU T otal (%) (3922) (70,912) (9611) (9341) (7020) (2467) (1,111,523) (5707) (616) (71,965) 29,404 1,293, % 30.0% 4.5% 9.8% 3.8% 1.8% 19.4% 5.6% 0.7% 6.7% CH 98 (3523) 24 (63) Notes on total number of holdings reported (in regions where sampling took place) Proportion figures for the total number of holdings sampled and total number of holdings reported are calculated based on the proportion of the EU total reported to the survey. 1 FR: The total number of holdings included for several poultry categories (CB, LH, FR LH, FR B, TB, BG and R) was based on data from 2011 (as this information was unavailable for 2012). 2 HU: For the total number of BYF holdings only an estimate was available. 3 IT: The total number of holdings for 'O' in NUTS code region ITF6 was not known and so could not be included in the total number of holdings. 17

20 3.1.2 Laboratory results A total of 43 holdings tested positive by serology for previous exposure to AI virus subtypes H5 and H7. This included one holding that was seropositive for both subtypes. Five holdings tested positive by PCR for H5/H7, including four for subtype H5 (one was also seropositive and another was also VI positive for H5) and one for subtype H7 (which was also seropositive for H7). A further three holdings were reported as positive for subtypes other than H5 or H7 (identification of subtypes other than H5 and H7 is not a compulsory requirement of the surveillance and will depend on the laboratory method used), including one holding seropositive and PCR/VI positive for H9, one holding positive by virus isolation for the H4 subtype, and one holding positive by virus isolation for the H6 subtype. In comparison, 65 holdings were found seropositive for H5 and H7 in 2011, 59 in 2010, 90 in 2009 and 72 in The non-ms country Switzerland did not detect any positive holdings in 2012, as was the case in 2011 and Overall nine MS reported H5 or H7 seropositive holdings in 2012, including BE, CZ, DK, FI, FR, IT, NL, PL, and UK. These MS also reported seropositive holdings in 2011, as well as EL and SE. In addition, in 2012, DE and ES detected holdings positive for subtypes other than H5 or H7. The total number of holdings sampled and found seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 or H7 by MS in 2012 are displayed in Figure 1. The total number of holdings sampled and found seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 or H7 by poultry category in 2012 are displayed in Figure 2. Figure 3 displays the total number of H5 and H7 serologically positive holdings by MS in Figure 4 displays the intensity of sampling, as well as the holdings found seropositive in this survey, for subtype H5 (indicated by red circles) and subtype H7 (indicated by green circles). Table 4 shows the number of holdings that tested positive by serology and/or PCR/VI for subtypes H5 and H7 by MS in

21 Figure 1 Total number of holdings sampled and found seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7 by Member State in Total number of holdings sampled Total number of H5 / H7 seropositive holdings 1000 IT NL BG RO ES DK FR HU BE PL UK PT IE DE AT EL SE SI LV CZ FI CY SK MT LT LU EE Total number of holdings sampled Total number of holdings (in regions where sampling took place)* 0 148, , , , , , , Total number of H5 / H7 seropositive holdings** *Notes on total number of holdings (in regions where sampling took place) FR: The total number of holdings included for several poultry categories (CB, LH, FR LH, FR B, TB, BG and R) was based on data from 2011 (as this information was unavailable for 2012). HU: For the total number of BYF holdings only an estimate was available. IT: The total number of holdings for O in NUTS code region ITF6 was not known and so could not be included in the total number of holdings. **Notes on total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings UK: One (Game Bird) holding was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings. 19

22 Figure 2 Total number of holdings sampled and found seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7 by poultry category in Member States in 2012 Total number of holdings sampled CB LH FR LH B FR B FT TB FD BD FG BG BYF GB* R O Total number of holdings sampled Total number of holdings (in regions where sampling took place) ,977 25, ,111, ,965 Total number of H5 / H7 seropositive holdings Total number of H5 / H7 seropositive holdings *GB: One holding (from the UK) was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings. See Abbreviations and Glossary and Section Survey Design for the abbreviations of poultry categories 20

23 Figure 3 Total number of H5 and H7 serologically positive holdings by Member State in 2012 Total number of seropositive holdings EU BE CZ DK FI FR IT NL PL UK* Total H5 seropositive holdings H7 seropositive holdings H5/H7 seropositive holdings *UK: One Game Bird holding was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings H5 avian influenza In 2012, 43 holdings (in eight MS) returned positive results for subtype H5 (0.15% of holdings sampled). Of these, 40 were serologically positive (0.14% of holdings sampled), with a high proportion (21/40, 52.5%) being found in FR (as was the case in 2011). One holding that was seropositive for H5 was also seropositive for H7. Of the 40 holdings reported to be seropositive in 2012, 22 underwent follow-up testing for the presence of active infection and one of these (1/22, 4.5%) tested positive for subtype H5 by PCR (an indicator of active infection). The number of H5 seropositive holdings reported (40) is less than in previous survey years. For example, in 2011, 50 holdings were found serologically positive for H5 (0.17% of holdings sampled), 48 were recorded in 2010 (0.16% of holdings sampled), and in 2009 and 2008, 52 holdings in each year were reported as serologically positive for H5 (0.15% of holdings sampled in each year). In 2012, a high proportion of the H5 seropositive holdings were Breeder Ducks (21/40, 52.5%), followed by Fattening Ducks (7/40, 17.5%), and Conventional Laying Hens (4/40, 10%) H7 avian influenza Four holdings from four MS: IT, NL, PL and UK, returned positive results for subtype H7 (0.01% of holdings sampled). All four holdings were serologically positive for H7 and one holding was also seropositive for H5. This differed to the situation in 2011, when the majority of H7 seropositive holdings (12/15, 80%) were found in IT. Of the four holdings reported to be seropositive in 2012, three underwent follow-up testing for the presence of active infection and one of these (1/3, 33.3%) tested positive for subtype H7 by PCR (an indicator of active infection). The number of H7 seropositive holdings reported (four) is less than in previous survey years. For example, in 2011, 15 holdings were found serologically positive for H7 (0.05% of holdings 21

24 sampled), 11 were reported in 2010 (0.04% of holdings sampled), 38 in 2009 (0.11% of holdings sampled) and 21 in 2008 (0.06% of holdings sampled). In 2012, one H7 seropositive holding was detected in each of the Free-range Laying Hen, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks and Game Birds categories Other LPAI subtypes The identification of avian influenza subtypes other than H5 or H7 is not compulsory according to the surveillance guidelines (EC 2010) and will also depend on the laboratory method used. However, as part of the 2012 survey, three holdings were reported as positive for avian influenza subtypes other than H5 or H7, by serology and/or PCR/virus isolation. This included one Fattening Turkey holding from DE, which was seropositive and PCR/virus isolation positive for H9, and two Fattening Duck holdings from ES, one of which was positive by virus isolation for the H4 subtype (PCR positive for influenza A virus/serology negative), and the other which was positive by virus isolation for the H6 subtype (PCR/serology negative). In comparison, in 2011, no holdings were reported to the survey as positive for avian influenza subtypes other than H5 or H7, although there were two holdings (one from RO and one from EL) that tested positive by PCR (only) for influenza A virus with subtype undetermined. However, in 2010, 16 holdings were reported as positive for other subtypes, including H6, H4 and H3, from two MS (BG and CZ); in 2009, other subtypes were detected from four MS (13 holdings); and in 2008 other subtypes were reported from six MS (20 holdings) Summary A total of 43 holdings tested positive for H5 or H7 subtypes by serological testing (0.15% of holdings sampled), 40 of subtype H5 (0.14% of holdings sampled) and four of subtype H7 (0.01% of holdings sampled), with one holding seropositive for both H5 and H7 subtypes. A high proportion of H5 seropositive holdings were found in France (21/40, 52.5%) and the poultry categories with the most detections were Breeder Ducks (21/40, 52.5%), followed by Fattening Ducks (7/40, 17.5%), and Conventional Laying Hens (4/40, 10%). One H7 seropositive holding (four total) was found in each of the Free-range Laying Hen, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks, and Game Birds categories, from NL, PL, IT and UK respectively. As in previous years, evidence of H5 infection was detected more frequently than H7. The number of seropositive H5 (n = 40) and H7 (n = 4) holdings detected in 2012 was lower than in previous survey years. For example, in H5 and 15 H7 seropositive holdings were reported (0.17% and 0.05% respectively of holdings sampled); in H5 and 11 H7 seropositive holdings were detected (0.16% and 0.04% respectively of holdings sampled); in 2009 there were 52 H5 and 38 H7 seropositive holdings (0.15% and 0.11% respectively of holdings sampled); and in H5 and 21 H7 seropositive holdings were found (0.15% and 0.06% respectively of holdings sampled). 22

25 Figure 4 Map of the intensity of sampling in the EU AI poultry survey and holdings testing serologically positive for H5 and H7 in 2012 The classification of intensity of surveillance is grouped by holdings sampled per 100km 2 Low: >0 and <10, Medium: >10 and <100, High: >100 and <500, Very high: >500 23

26 Table 4 Number of serological and virological H5 and H7 positive holdings by Member State in 2012 Total H5/H7 positive holdings Number of H5 seropositive holdings Number of H5 PCR/VI positive holdings Number of H7 seropositive holdings Number of H7 PCR/VI positive holdings Total holdings sampled Total holdings reported (in regions where sampling took place) MS AT BE BG ,177 CY CZ DE ,783 DK EE EL ES ,157 FI FR ,533 HU ,305 IE IT ,968 LT LU LV MT NL PL PT ,414 RO SE SI SK UK* EU Total ,404 1,293,084 CH *UK: One holding was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings. Notes on virological data and subtypes other than H5 or H7 DE: One holding was serologically and PCR/VI positive for H9. ES: One holding was VI positive for H4 and PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology negative). Another holding was VI positive for H6 (serology/pcr negative). IT: Two holdings were PCR positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed) and one holding was PCR and VI positive for H5 (serology not performed). NL: The H5 seropositive holding was also PCR positive for H5 (VI not performed). The H7 seropositive holding was also PCR positive for H7 (VI not performed). Notes on total number of holdings (in regions where sampling took place) FR: The total number of holdings included for several poultry categories (CB, LH, FR LH, FR B, TB, BG and R) was based on data from 2011 (as this information was unavailable for 2012). HU: For the total number of BYF holdings only an estimate was available. IT: The total number of holdings for O in NUTS code region ITF6 was not known and so could not be included in the total number of holdings. 24

27 3.1.3 Poultry categories Tables 5a and 5b show the total number of holdings sampled and the number found to be seropositive for subtypes H5 and H7 by poultry category in the years 2012 and The number of holdings found serologically positive for subtypes H5 or H7 by poultry category across MS in 2012 is also displayed in Figure 5. This information is also shown in Table 6, along with the number of holdings sampled by poultry category across MS in Descriptive results of the 2012 poultry survey by poultry category Detailed tables displaying the number of holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), holdings sampled and holdings testing positive by poultry category across MS are shown in Section Annex I Chicken Breeders Chicken Breeder holdings made up 17.9% of total holdings sampled in the EU in This compares to 17.0% in 2011 and 13.2% in Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled in 21 MS, which was the same as in 2011 and slightly higher than in 2010 when 18 MS sampled Chicken Breeder holdings. The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (LV) to 3235 (NL). No positive holdings were reported in this category in This was also the case in 2011 and Conventional Laying Hens and Free-range Laying Hens As in 2011 and 2010, the Laying Hens category was split into Conventional Laying Hens and Free-range Laying Hens. Conventional Laying Hens made up 69.0% of the total holdings sampled in these categories, which was slightly lower than in 2011 (72.0%) and 2010 (77%). Overall, Laying Hen holdings (conventional and free-range combined) made up 30% of the total holdings sampled in the EU in Conventional holdings made up 20.7% of the holdings sampled, which compares to 21.9% in 2011 and 17.8% in Free-range Laying Hen holdings made up 9.3% of the total holdings sampled, which was slightly higher than in 2011 (8.6%) and 2010 (5.3%). Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled in 26 MS (excluding LT), which compares to 27 MS in 2011 and 25 MS in 2010 (excluding FR and MT, where only Free Range Laying Hen holdings were sampled in this year). The number of holdings sampled varied from four holdings (LU) to 2385 (NL). A total of 16 MS sampled Free-range Laying Hens, plus CH. This was the same as in 2011 (16 MS, plus CH) and slightly higher than in 2010, when 14 MS sampled Free-range Laying Hens, plus CH. The number of holdings sampled varied from three holdings (LU) to 1622 (NL). Four Conventional Laying Hen holdings were seropositive for influenza A virus subtype H5 in In addition, three Free-range Laying Hen holdings were seropositive for influenza A virus, two for subtype H5 and one for subtype H7 (this holding was also PCR positive for H7). The total number of positive Conventional Laying Hen/Free-range Hen holdings (n = 7) was slightly higher than in 2011 and 2010, when five positive holdings were detected in each year. The percentage of the total Laying Hen/Free-range Laying Hen holdings sampled that were positive was also slightly higher in 2012 (0.08%), compared to 2011 (0.06%) and 2010 (0.07%). Four MS detected H5 or H7 positive holdings in 2012; FI in Conventional Laying Hens, DK and NL in Free-range Laying Hens, and IT in both Conventional Laying Hens and Free-range Laying Hens. This was slightly more than in 2011 and 2010, when two MS detected positive holdings in Laying Hens. 25

28 Conventional Broilers and Free-range Broilers As in 2011 and 2010, the Broiler poultry category was split into Conventional and Freerange Broilers. Conventional Broilers made up 80.3% of the total holdings sampled in these poultry categories. This compares to 83.2% in 2011 and 79.7% in Overall, Broiler holdings (conventional and free-range combined) made up 4.5% of the total holdings sampled in the EU in Conventional Broiler holdings made up 3.6% of those sampled, which is slightly less than in 2011 (4.5%) and 2010 (4.2%). Free-range Broiler holdings made up just 0.9% of the total holdings sampled, which is comparable to 2011 (0.9%) and 2010 (1.1%). Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled in ten MS. This is slightly higher than in 2011 and 2010, when sampling was carried out in eight MS. The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (RO) to 837 (NL). A total of eight MS sampled Free-range Broiler holdings, which compares to eight in 2011 and seven in The number of holdings sampled varied from two holdings (NL) to 88 (FR). No positive holdings were reported in this category in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Fattening Turkeys and Turkey Breeders Overall, Turkey holdings (Fattening and Breeder combined) made up 9.8% of the total holdings sampled in the EU in Fattening Turkey holdings made up 9.0% of those sampled, which is slightly less than in 2011 (9.7%) and 2010 (10.3%). Turkey Breeder holdings made up just 0.8% of total holdings sampled in the EU in 2012, which is comparable to 0.7% in 2011 and 0.8% in Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled in 22 MS, plus CH, compared to 21 MS, plus CH in 2011 and 22 MS in The number of holdings sampled varied from four holdings (LT and SK) to 1579 (IT). A total of 12 MS sampled Turkey Breeder holdings, compared to 12 and 13 MS in 2011 and 2010 respectively. The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (CZ) to 107 (IT). In 2012, one Fattening Turkey holding from NL was seropositive (and PCR positive) for influenza A virus subtype H5. In addition, one Fattening Turkey holding from DE was seropositive and PCR/virus isolation positive for influenza A virus subtype H9. This differs to the situation in 2011 and 2010 when no positive Fattening Turkey holdings were reported to the survey. For Turkey Breeders, no positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Fattening Ducks and Breeder Ducks Overall, Duck holdings (Fattening and Breeder combined) made up 3.8% of the total holdings sampled in the EU in Fattening Duck holdings made up 2.9% of those sampled, which compares to 3% in 2011 and Breeder Ducks made up just 0.8% of the total holdings sampled, which was the same as 2011 and Fattening Duck holdings were sampled in 20 MS, which compares to 20 in 2011 and 18 in The number of holdings sampled varied from two holdings (FI, IE, LV and RO) to 199 (IT). A total of 13 MS sampled Breeder Duck holdings, which compares to 12 in

29 and nine in The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (ES and SK) to 85 (FR). Overall 28 Duck holdings were found to be seropositive for influenza A virus subtype H5 in This accounted for 62.8% (28/43) of all the seropositive holdings reported to the survey in 2012 and 70.0% (28/40) of the H5 seropositive holdings. Of the 28 H5 seropositive holdings, seven were Fattening Duck holdings and 21 were Breeder Duck holdings. In addition, one Fattening Duck holding was PCR (only) positive for the H5 subtype (serology/virus isolation not performed). A further two Fattening Duck holdings were positive for subtypes other than H5 or H7, including one positive by virus isolation for the H4 subtype (PCR positive for influenza A virus/serology negative); and one positive by virus isolation for the H6 subtype (PCR/serology negative). In comparison in 2011, 33 Duck holdings were seropositive for subtypes of H5 or H7, including eight H5 seropositive Fattening Duck holdings, and 24 H5 and one H7 seropositive Breeder Duck holdings. In 2010, 26 Duck holdings were serologically positive for subtype H5, including four Fattening Duck holdings and 22 Breeder Duck holdings. Overall Duck holdings found to be positive for influenza A virus subtype H5 were reported from 4 MS, with H5 seropositive holdings detected from BE, FR and UK, and a PCR (only) positive holding detected in IT. In addition, two holdings from ES were positive for subtypes other than H5 or H7. In 2011 and 2010, six and three MS respectively reported positives from Duck holdings Fattening Geese and Breeder Geese Overall, Geese holdings (Fattening and Breeder combined) made up 1.8% of the total holdings sampled in the EU in Fattening Geese holdings made up 1.2% of those sampled, which compares to 1.3% in 2011 and 1.2% in Breeder Geese made up just 0.5% of the total holdings sampled and is comparable to 2011 (0.5%) and 2010 (0.4%). Fattening Geese were sampled in 11 MS, which compares to 15 and 11 MS in 2011 and 2010 respectively. The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (FI) to 93 (HU). A total of nine MS sampled Breeder Geese holdings, compared to seven in 2011 and eight in The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (DK and SK) to 83 (PL). Overall five Geese holdings were found to be seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 or H7; one Fattening Geese holding was H5 seropositive and four Breeder Geese holdings were seropositive (three H5 subtype and one H7). The detection rate in Breeder Geese (4 seropositive holdings/156 holdings sampled, 2.6%) was the second highest after Breeder Ducks (8.5%). In comparison in 2011, ten Geese holdings were seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 or H7; two Fattening Geese holdings were seropositive (one H5 subtype and one H7) and eight Breeder Geese holdings were H5 seropositive. Two of the H5 seropositive Breeder Geese holdings were also virologically positive for influenza A virus one was PCR/virus isolation positive for influenza A virus, while the other was PCR positive for influenza A virus/virus isolation negative. In 2010, eight Breeder Geese holdings were seropositive for subtype H5, but no positives were detected in Fattening Geese. One MS (FI) detected a Fattening Geese seropositive holding in 2012, compared to two MS (FI and UK) in 2011, while no seropositives were detected in Fattening Geese in For Breeder Geese, three MS reported H5/H7 seropositive holdings in 2012, including CZ, FR and PL. This compares to four MS (BE, CZ, FR and PL) in 2011 and two MS (FR and PL) in

30 Backyard Flocks Backyard Flocks is the largest poultry category reported to the EU with 1,111,523 holdings recorded in regions where sampling took place (86.0% of EU total), most of which (97.1%) are reported in BG, HU, PT, IT and DE. Backyard Flocks made up 19.4% of total holdings sampled in the EU in This is comparable to 2011 when Backyard Flocks made up 17.8% of total holdings sampled, but is lower than in 2010 when 26.8% of holdings sampled were Backyard Flocks, reflecting the revision of the guidelines (EC 2010). Backyard Flocks were sampled in 12 MS, which is comparable to 2011 (13 MS) and 2010 (12 MS, plus CH). The number of holdings sampled varied from seven holdings (LU) to 2038 (IT). Three MS sampled the majority of Backyard Flock holdings; IT (2038, 35.8%), BG (1595, 28.0%) and RO (1106, 19.4%). This is similar to previous years, although previously ES has also sampled a high number of the Backyard Flocks. For example, in 2010 and 2009, ES sampled 2337 and 3336 Backyard Flock holdings respectively, compared to only 64 in 2012 and 301 in 2011, reflecting the revision of the guidelines (EC 2010). In 2012, one Backyard Flock holding from IT was seropositive for influenza A virus subtype H7. In addition, another Backyard Flock holding from IT was PCR (only) positive for the H5 subtype (serology/virus isolation not performed). This was lower than in 2011, when two H5 and six H7 seropositive holdings, all from IT, were detected. Also in 2010, one H5 and three H7 seropositive holdings were reported from IT Game Birds Game Bird holdings made up 5.6% of total holdings sampled in the EU in This compares to 5.5% in 2011 and 6.3% in Game Bird holdings were sampled in 20 MS, which compares to 18 MS in 2011 and The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (EE) to 448 (ES). One Game Bird holding, from the UK, was seropositive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7, which is lower than in previous years. For example, in 2011, three Game Bird holdings, from two MS (IT and SE), were seropositive for influenza A virus subtype H5, while in 2010, 12 H5 and three H7 seropositive holdings from four MS were detected Ratites Ratite holdings made up just 0.7% of total holdings sampled in the EU in This was similar in 2011 (0.7%) and 2010 (0.8%). Ratite holdings were sampled in 15 MS, which was the same in 2011 and The number of holdings sampled varied from two holdings (FI, HU, RO and SI) to 59 (IT), although the majority of MS (12/15) sampled 10 holdings. As in 2011, three MS sampled the majority of Ratite holdings; IT (59, 30.7%), ES (43, 22.4%) and PL (40, 20.8%). No positive holdings were detected in this category in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and

31 Others Others holdings made up 6.7% of total holdings sampled in the EU in This compares to 7.2% in 2011 and 7.8% in Where details were provided, the types of poultry reported in this category included: ornamental fowl, exotic birds, incubators, rescue centre, zoos, poultry (mainly chicken) reared and sold as backyard, chicken registered as 'leisure exposure', fighting cock, pigeon, dove, guinea fowl, quail, dealer, and pet shops. For more information on this, please see Table 15. Others holdings were sampled in seven MS, compared to eight and six in 2011 and 2010 respectively. The number of holdings sampled varied from one holding (BE, BG and PT) to 1665 (IT). IT sampled the majority of Others holdings (1655, 83.7%), followed by ES (151, 7.6%), although ES sampled considerably fewer holdings than in 2011 (457). One Others (Dealer) holding was PCR and virus isolation positive for influenza A virus subtype H5 (serology not performed). This is lower than in 2011, when two H5 (one of these was also PCR positive) and four H7 seropositive Others holdings were detected. In addition, one holding (Others, Dealer) was PCR positive for the H5 subtype, as well as being serologically positive for the H7 subtype, and one holding was PCR (only) positive for the H7 subtype (serology/virus isolation not performed). There was also one Others holding that tested PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology not performed/virus isolation negative). In 2010, one holding was seropositive for H7 and an additional four holdings were positive for H5/H7 by PCR/virus isolation. In 2012 and 2010 positive Others holdings were only detected in IT. In 2011, two MS detected positive holdings IT and EL (although the majority were found in IT) Summary The most frequently sampled poultry category was Laying Hens (conventional and freerange), making up 30.0% of the total holdings sampled by EU MS in 2012, followed by Backyard Flocks (19.4%) and Chicken Breeders (17.9%). This was similar to 2011, but differed to 2010 when Backyard Flocks was the most sampled poultry category (26.8% of EU total), followed by Laying Hens (conventional and free-range) (23.1%). Overall, in 2012, there was an increase in the number of holdings sampled from Chicken Breeders, Free-range Laying Hens, Turkey Breeders, Breeder Ducks, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks and Game Birds, compared to 2011, while all other poultry categories saw a decrease in the number of holdings sampled in Percentage increases in the number of holdings sampled compared with 2011 varied from 0.6% (Game Birds) to 20.0% (Turkey Breeders). In 2012, the poultry category with the highest number of holdings positive for H5 subtypes by serology was Breeder Ducks (21/40, 52.5%), followed by Fattening Ducks (7/40, 17.5%), and Conventional Laying Hens (4/40, 10%). In 2011, the poultry category with the highest number of holdings seropositive for H5 was also Breeder Ducks (24/50, 48.0%), followed by Breeder Geese (8/50, 16.0%) and Fattening Ducks (8/50, 16.0%). In 2012, one H7 seropositive holding was detected in each of the Free-range Laying Hen, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks and Game Birds categories. In 2011, 15 H7 seropositive holdings were detected, with most found in Backyard Flocks (6/15, 40%), followed by Others (4/15, 26.7%). In addition in 2012, three holdings tested virologically (only) positive for the H5 subtype. This included one Fattening Duck holding (PCR positive; serology/virus isolation not performed), one Backyard Flock holding (PCR positive; serology/virus isolation not performed), and one Others (Dealer) holding (PCR/virus isolation positive; serology not performed). There was also a further three holdings that were positive for subtypes other 29

32 than H5 or H7. This included one Fattening Turkey holding, which was seropositive and PCR/VI positive for H9, one Fattening Duck holding positive by virus isolation for the H4 subtype (PCR positive for influenza A virus/serology negative), and one Fattening Duck holding positive by virus isolation for the H6 subtype (PCR/serology negative). 30

33 Table 5a Total number of H5 seropositive and sampled holdings in 2012 and 2011 by poultry category Table 5b Total number of H7 seropositive and sampled holdings in 2012 and 2011 by poultry category Poultry category Seropositive / sampled Seropositive / sampled Chicken Breeders 0 / / 5062 Conventional Laying Hens and Freerange Laying Hens 6 / / 9083 Poultry category Seropositive / sampled Seropositive / sampled Chicken Breeders 0 / / 5062 Conventional Laying Hens and Freerange Laying Hens 1 / / 9083 Conventional Broilers and Free-range Broilers 0 / / 1606 Fattening Turkeys and Turkey Breeders 1 / / 3089 Conventional Broilers and Free-range Broilers 0 / / 1606 Fattening Turkeys and Turkey Breeders 0 / / 3089 Fattening and Breeder Ducks 28 / / 1139 Fattening and Breeder Ducks 0 / / 1139 Fattening and Breeder Geese 4 / / 543 Backyard Flocks 0 / / 5297 Fattening and Breeder Geese 1 / / 543 Backyard Flocks 1 / / 5297 Game Birds 1 / 1636* 3 / 1626 Game Birds 1 / 1636* 0 / 1626 Ratites 0 / / 197 Ratites 0 / / 197 Others 0 / / 2164 Others 0 / / 2164 EU Total (excluding CH) 40 / 29, / 29,806 *GB: The H5 seropositve holding was also seropositive for H notes on virological data and subtypes other than H5 or H7 (not shown in table) 1 FT: The H5 seropositive holding was also PCR positive for H5 (VI not performed). In addition, one holding was serologically and PCR/VI positive for H9. 2 FD: One holding was PCR (only) positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed). In addition, one holding was VI positive for H4 and PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology negative), and another was VI positive for H6 (serology/pcr negative). 3 BYF: One holding PCR (only) positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed). 4 O: One holding PCR/VI positive for H5 (serology not performed). EU Total (excluding CH) 4 / 29, / 29,806 *GB: The H7 seropositve holding was also seropositive for H notes on virological data and subtypes other than H5 or H7 (not shown in table) 1 FRLH: The H7 seropositive holding was also PCR positive for H7 (VI not performed). 2 FT: One holding serologically and PCR/VI positive for H9. 3 FD: One holding VI positive for H4 and PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology negative); one holding VI positive for H6 (serology/pcr negative). 31

34 Figure 5 Total number of holdings found serologically positive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7 by poultry category across Member States in Total number of H5 / H7 seropositive holdings Conventional Laying Hens Free-range Laying Hens Fattening Turkeys Fattening Ducks BE 2 Breeder Ducks Fattening Geese CZ 1 DK 1 FI 1 1 FR Breeder Geese IT NL 1 1 PL 1 Backyard Flocks Game Birds* UK* 7 1 EU Total *UK/Game Birds: One holding was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings. 32

35 Table 6 Total number of holdings sampled and those found H5 or H7 seropositive by poultry category across Member States in 2012 The number of seropositive holdings is displayed in parentheses. Member States Chicken Conventional Free-range Conventional Breeders Laying Hens Laying Hens Broilers Free-range Broilers Fattening Turkeys Turkey Fattening Breeders Ducks Breeder Ducks Fattening Geese Breeder Geese Backyard Flocks Game Birds* Ratites Others Total AT BE (2) BG CY CZ (1) DE DK (1) EE EL ES FI (1) (1) FR (5) 85 (14) 15 (2) HU IE IT (3) 311 (1) (1) LT LU LV MT NL (1) (1) PL (1) PT RO SE SI SK (1) UK* (7) (1) 377 EU Total ,404 Total H5/H7 seropositive holdings % positive 0% 0.07% 0.11% 0% 0% 0.04% 0% 0.81% 8.50% 0.27% 2.56% 0.02% 0.06% 0% 0% 0.15% CH *UK/Game Birds: one holding was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total number of H5/H7 seropositive holdings. Seropositive H5 Seropositive H7 Notes on virological data and subtypes other than H5 or H7 (not shown in table) DE: One Fattening Turkey holding was serologically and PCR/VI positive for H9. ES: One Fattening Duck holding was VI positive for H4 and PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology negative). Another Fattening Duck holding was VI positive for H6 (serology/pcr negative). IT: One Fattening Duck holding was PCR positive for H5 (serology / VI not performed); one Backyard Flock holding was PCR positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed); and one Others (Dealer) holding was PCR/VI positive for H5 (serology not performed). NL: The H7 seropositive Free-range Laying Hen holding was also PCR positive for H7 (VI not performed). The H5 seropositive Fattening Turkey holding was also PCR positive for H5 (VI not performed). 33

36 3.2 Wild Birds Sampling by passive surveillance Overview Birds sampled by passive surveillance were reported as found dead, injured or live with clinical signs". During 2012, 6,508 birds were sampled by passive surveillance. This includes 6,504 birds sampled by EU Member States (MS) as well as 4 birds sampled by Switzerland, the one contributing non-ms, Figure 6. Detailed information regarding the number of birds sampled by MS in each quarter is displayed in Annex 3 (section ). In total 24 EU MSs submitted passive surveillance data for analysis in Luxembourg and Malta did not submit passive surveillance data, but did voluntarily submit data sampled by active surveillance (see Annex 4, section 7.2.2), whilst Latvia did not submit any data in The Member State with the highest number of birds tested by passive surveillance in 2012 was Hungary (n=1,513) and the next highest passive surveillance programme was carried out by Germany (n=1,256), which together contribute to over a third of the whole EU passive surveillance effort. Eleven MS and Switzerland each sampled fewer than 100 dead or moribund birds throughout the year. Figure 6 Total number of birds sampled by passive surveillance in 2012 by Member States Non-MS data included 34

37 Geographical targeting Figure 7 Map of the intensity of sampling by passive surveillance across Member States in 2012 EU-data only The classification of sampling intensity is grouped by number of submissions per 100 square kilometres. Low: >0 and 25, Medium: >25 and 250, High: >250 and 2500, Very High: >

38 Seasonal targeting Figure 8 displays the percentage of birds sampled by MSs in each quarter. For the EU overall, comprising data for all 24 MS submitting passive surveillance data, more surveillance was conducted in the winter months (1 st and 4 th quarters), than in the summer months (2 nd and 3 rd quarters). Temporal targeting of sampling varied greatly among MS. Some MS carried out the majority of their sampling in a single quarter, most notably Estonia and Hungary in the 4 th quarter (Oct-Dec) and Sweden and Switzerland in the 3 rd quarter (Jul-Sep). Other MS focused their surveillance efforts in the summer months, such as Bulgaria, Ireland and Poland, or in the winter months, such as France and Romania. In other cases, the surveillance was relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, as was the case in Germany and Italy. Figure 8 Proportion of all birds sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, by quarter and MS. Raw numbers of birds sampled by quarter and MS are shown in the table below Non-MS data included 36

39 Figure 9 Proportion of birds sampled by passive surveillance in each quarter for Member States EU-data only Figure 10 Temporal distribution of the total number of birds sampled by passive surveillance during 2012 Non-MS data included 37

40 Targeting of bird species In total 6,508 birds of 21 Orders and at least 263 species were sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, when considering data from MSs only. Table 7 displays the ten most frequently sampled Orders. As in , the Order in which most birds were sampled by passive surveillance was Anseriformes (ducks, geese and swans). In 2012, Passeriformes and Falconiformes were the second and third most commonly sampled Orders, respectively. This is similar to previous years, where Passeriformes and Falconiformes have been in the top five most commonly sampled Orders since Table 8 displays the top 15 species sampled by passive surveillance in 2012 throughout all participating MS. The species was reported as unknown for 309 (4.7%) of the 6,508 birds sampled. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were the most frequently sampled species in 2012 (n=785), this is in contrast to previous years. In 2011 and 2010, European Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur) (n=450) and Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) (n=777) were the most commonly sampled species by passive surveillance, respectively. In 2012, Common Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) (n=527) and Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) (n=333) were also sampled in high numbers. Six of the 12 most frequently sampled species (excluding genus aggregates) were classed as Target Species (TS). Table 8 also indicates that the top 15 species account for over half of all birds tested by passive surveillance in Table 7 Wild bird Orders most frequently sampled in 2012 Non-MS data included Order Number sampled Anseriformes 1763 Passeriformes 1259 Falconiformes 728 Charadriiformes 642 Galliformes 602 Columbiformes 570 Ciconiiformes 273 Strigiformes 263 Gruiformes 144 Pelecaniformes 119 Table 8 Wild bird species most frequently sampled in 2012 Non-MS data included Species Number sampled Anas platyrhynchos 785 Phasianus colchicus 527 Cygnus olor 333 Buteo buteo 224 Larus argentatus 207 Streptopelia decaocto 173 Turdus merula 151 Falco tinnunculus 129 Larus ridibundus 126 Columba livia 123 Passer domesticus 91 Ardea cinerea 86 Fulica atra 86 Accipiter nisus 79 Ciconia ciconia 77 Table only includes birds identified to species level. Target species indicated with bold text. 38

41 Figure 11 Proportion of TS and non-ts sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, by Member State Non-MS data included Raw numbers of birds sampled in each category are shown in the table below. Figure 11 includes birds identified at species level only (figure excludes birds identified to the genus or family level). When considering the EU data combined, 49% of birds sampled by passive surveillance and identified to species level in 2012 were from the target species list. 39

42 3.2.2 H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Positives None of the 24 MSs nor the one non-ms submitting passive surveillance data reported any highly pathogenic H5N1 HPAI detections in This is consistent with data reported in 2011, but contrasts previous years as one HPAI H5 incident was reported in both 2009 and In 2010 the HPAI H5 detection was made in Bulgaria by passive surveillance in a Common Buzzard found dead ; however in 2009 the detection was made in Germany by active surveillance of a Mallard that was hunted without clinical signs. No H5N1 HPAI detections were made by active surveillance in 2012; see Annex 4 (section 7.2.2) for more details on 2012 active surveillance data Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Positives This section describes detections of LPAI detected by passive surveillance, particularly focusing on H subtypes H5 and H7. As some virus-positive birds were reported with virus pathotype unknown, pending, missing etc, birds that tested positive on PCR or virus isolation are reported in four groups in this section: 1) LPAI H5 are birds positive for LPAI subtype H5. 2) LPAI H7 are birds positive for LPAI subtype H7. 3) LPAI other are birds reported as LPAI of other, or unspecified, H subtypes. 4) Other Positives are birds positive for influenza A by PCR or Virus isolation but were not reported as either LPAI or HPAI Overview of LPAI results In 2012, 64 birds tested positive for AI when considering MSs passive surveillance data. There were no positive birds detected in Switzerland, the only reporting non-ms. LPAI H5 was detected in three birds from Hungary; two Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and one Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). LPAI H7 was not detected by passive surveillance in LPAI of other subtypes (LPAI Other) were detected in 42 birds from Seven MS; Belgium (29), Czech Republic (1), Denmark (2), Hungary (6), Italy (1), the Netherlands (2) and the United Kingdom (1). Other Positives were detected in 19 birds in five MSs; Austria (2), Germany (9), Ireland (2), Italy (4) and Slovenia (2). Table 9 indicates the total number and proportion of wild birds testing positive for LPAI H5, LPAI other and Other Positives by Member State, when considering passive surveillance data only. A very low proportion of birds tested positive for LPAI H5 by passive surveillance in 2012 (0.05%). This is similar to findings in previous years: 2011 (0.04%), 2010 (0.07%), 2009 (0.08%), 2008 (0.01%) and 2007 (0.01%). As in 2012, there have been no, or very low numbers of detections of LPAI H7 by passive surveillance in recent years: 2011 (0.01%), 2010 (none), 2009 (0.12%), 2008 (none), 2007 (0.01%) and 2006 (0.01%). 40

43 Table 9 Total number and proportion of wild birds testing positive by passive surveillance for LPAI H5, other LPAI subtypes and other positives during 2012 Non-MS data included Member State Number of birds sampled Number of H5 LPAI detections LPAI H5 (proportion of total sampled) Number of LPAI other detections LPAI other (proportion of total sampled) Number of "Other positives" detections "Other positives" (proportion of total sampled) AT % BE % - - BG CY CZ % - - DE % DK % - - EE EL ES FI FR HU % % - - IE % IT % % LT NL % - - PL PT RO SE SI % SK UK % - - EU TOTAL % % % CH H7 was not detected by passive surveillance in

44 Geographical distribution of LPAI H5 detections In 2012, all LPAI H5 detections were made in Hungary, Figure 12. Figure 12 Map of the intensity of sample submissions from passive surveillance and the distribution of LPAI H5 and other influenza detections in wild birds in EU Member States in 2012 EU-data only The classification of sampling intensity is grouped by number of submissions per 100 square kilometres Low: >0 and 25, Medium: >25 and 250, High: >250 and 2500, Very High: >

45 Temporal distribution of LPAI H5 detections Figure 13 displays the calendar week of LPAI H5 detections by MS. In figure 8 the first and last weeks are incomplete as 2012 did not begin on a Monday; both the first and the last weeks are one day long. All three detections of LPAI H5 were found in the winter. Figure 13 Number and week of detection of LPAI H5 positive wild birds detected through passive surveillance in 2012 EU-data only Each week has been assigned to the month in which most days fell. 43

46 Order and species of positive wild birds LPAI H5 was detected in Anseriformes and Ciconiiformes. Other Positives, including other LPAI positives were also detected in Passeriformes, Falconiformes, Charadriiformes and Gruiformes, Table 10. Table 10 AI detected through passive surveillance, by wild bird Order in EU Member States in 2012 EU-data only Order Total LPAI H5 Other LPAI "Other positives" sampled positives positives Pathotype undetermined Anseriformes Passeriformes Falconiformes Charadriiformes Ciconiiformes Gruiformes In 2012 most observations of Avian Influenza were made in Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) (n=14/785). In total, 20 species tested positive for AI in 2012, Table 11. Of these, six were Anseriformes, eight were Charadriiformes, two were from each of Ciconiiformes and Falconiformes and one species was from each of Gruiformes and Passeriformes. Table 11 AI detected through passive surveillance, by wild bird species in EU Member States in 2012 EU-data only Species Total LPAI H5 Other LPAI "Other positives" sampled positives positives Pathotype undetermined Accipiter nisus Anas clypeata Anas crecca Anas platyrhynchos Anas sp Ardea cinerea Circus aeruginosus Cygnus olor Cygnus sp Gallinago gallinago Gallinula chloropus Haematopus ostralegus Larus argentatus Larus argentatus cachinnans Larus canus Larus fuscus Larus marinus Larus ridibundus Nycticorax nycticorax Parus sp Further details regarding sampling and results for target-species and other species by individual MS can be found in Annex 3 (section 7.2.1). Observations of LPAI H5, detected through passive surveillance, were made in a similar number of genera in 2012 as previous years. Detections occurred in dabbling ducks and one heron in 2012, Table 11; whilst in both 2010 and 2011, LPAI H5 detections by passive surveillance were made in dabbling ducks and swans. 44

47 3.3 Poultry and Wild Bird Survey Results by Member State Table 3 shows the number of poultry holdings sampled and the total number of holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place) by poultry category across MS in In addition, Table 6 shows the number of poultry holdings sampled and the number of seropositive H5 and H7 holdings by poultry category across MS in Furthermore, for wild birds, Table 9 shows the number of birds sampled by passive surveillance and the number of AI detections across MS in Descriptive results relating to individual Member State s programmes Poultry: The total number of holdings (from regions where sampling took place) reported for each poultry category per MS is given in parentheses in the text below. Where the number of sampled holdings exceeds the total number of holdings reported, holdings are assumed to have been sampled more than once. For more information on how the poultry data were processed, including the definition of a poultry holding and how the total number of poultry holdings figure (from regions where sampling took place) was calculated, please refer to the Methods Section 5.1. Details are also given below on the number of influenza A virus positive poultry holdings (including H5, H7 and other subtypes) detected in each MS. Wild Birds: The total number of wild birds sampled by passive surveillance is reported, including the number of H5, H7 or other H subtypes detected through passive surveillance. Austria Poultry: Austria carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Fattening Geese, and Ratites. 30 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (35 total). 57 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (460 total). 61 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (635 total). 53 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (139 total). 14 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (14 total). 45 Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (45 total). Nine Ratite holdings were sampled (Ten total). Austria reported from seven regions. The number of regions sampled varied across poultry categories. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 89 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. 45

48 There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in One Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and one Caspian Gull (Larus argentatus cachinnans) each tested positive for AI. For both birds, the Influenza A virus H subtype was not H5 or H7. Belgium Poultry: Belgium carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Geese, Game Birds, and Others. Hobby holdings reported under the Conventional Broilers category were reassigned to Freerange Broilers. 145 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (203 total). 292 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (293 total). 108 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (103 total). Two Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (Two total). Two Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (Two total). 49 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (35 total). 25 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (20 total). Two Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (Four total). 18 Game Bird holdings were sampled (22 total). One Other holding was sampled (Two total). Belgium reported from ten regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, two Fattening Duck holdings were reported as serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2011, three holdings were reported as positive. One Fattening Duck holding and two Breeder Geese holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. The two Breeder Geese holdings also both tested virologically positive for influenza A virus (one was PCR/virus isolation positive for influenza A virus, while the other was PCR positive for influenza A virus/virus isolation negative). In 2010, one Fattening Duck holding was serologically and PCR positive for influenza A virus, subtype H5. Wild Birds: 365 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. 46

49 There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in birds from eight different species tested positive for Influenza A virus, H subtype not H5 or H7. More details about these birds can be found in Annex 5 (section ). Bulgaria Poultry: Bulgaria carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Fattening Ducks, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, and Others. Partridges, Pheasants and Quails reported in the Others category were reassigned to Game Birds. Seven Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (10 total). 21 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (51 total). Four Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (six total). 56 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (98 total) Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (405,006 total). Four Game Bird holdings were sampled (Five total). One Other holding was sampled (One total). Bulgaria reported from 26 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, as was the case in 2011, but not In 2010, 15 Fattening Duck holdings were reported serologically and PCR/virologically positive for influenza A virus subtypes H3, H4 and H6. Wild Birds: Five wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Cyprus Poultry: Cyprus carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Backyard Flocks, and Game Birds. 47

50 12 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (18 total). 21 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (22 total). 49 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (15 total). Six Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (Eight total). 14 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (8530 total). Ten Game Bird holdings were sampled (Nine total). Cyprus reported as one region. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 158 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Czech Republic Poultry: The Czech Republic carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Conventional Laying Hens, Freerange Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Breeder Geese, and Game Birds. 53 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (139 total). Seven Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (Seven total). 33 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (44 total). One Turkey Breeder holding was sampled (One total). 24 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (24 total). 18 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (18 total). Three Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (Three total). Seven Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (Seven total). 42 Game Bird holdings were sampled (42 total). The Czech Republic reported from 13 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, one Breeder Geese holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. 48

51 In 2011, two holdings were reported as positive. One Breeder Duck holding and one Breeder Geese holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2010, one Game Bird holding was virologically (PCR) positive for influenza A virus other subtype H6. Wild Birds: 102 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in One Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) tested PCR positive for Influenza A virus subtype H4. Denmark Poultry: Denmark carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Breeder Geese, and Game Birds. 532 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (452 total). 33 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (23 total). 259 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (106 total). Five Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (17 total). 46 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (44 total). 13 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (60 total). Three Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (Two total). One Breeder Geese holding was sampled (One total). 258 Game Bird holdings were sampled (210 total). Denmark reported as one region. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, one Free-range Laying Hen holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2011, one Fattening Duck holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2010, five Game Bird holdings were reported as positive for influenza A virus. Two holdings were reported serologically positive for influenza A virus, subtype H5, and one of these was also virologically positive for H7 subtype. Another three holdings were serologically positive for influenza A virus, subtype H7, and one of these was also virologically (PCR) positive for the same subtype (H7). 49

52 Wild Birds: 18 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Two Eurasian Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) tested PCR positive for Influenza A virus, H subtype not H5 or H7. Estonia Poultry: Estonia carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Conventional Laying Hens. In addition, birds that were reported in the Others category as Quails were reassigned to Game Birds. 15 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (16 total). One Game Bird holding was sampled (One total). Estonia reported from one region. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 16 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Finland Poultry: Finland carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Fattening Geese, Game Birds, and Ratites. One holding (mixed farm, with hens, geese and ducks, with a H5 seropositive detected in hens) was reassigned from Fattening Geese to Conventional Laying Hens. 53 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (64 total). 49 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (452 total). 26 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (39 total). 46 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (46 total). Two Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (Two total). 50

53 One Fattening Geese holding was sampled (One total). Five Game Bird holdings were sampled (Ten total). Two Ratite holdings were sampled (Two total). Finland reported from four regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, as was the case in 2011, but not In 2012, two holdings were reported as positive. One Conventional Laying Hen holding and one Fattening Geese holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2011, one Fattening Geese holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. Wild Birds: 113 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in France Poultry: France carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, and Ratites. 61 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (1000* total). 48 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (6000* total). 67 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (1030* total). 88 Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (6000* total). 132 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (4070 total). 65 Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (230* total) 168 Fattening Ducks holdings were sampled (4300 total). 85 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (250 total). 15 Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (133* total). 41 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (3000 total) 144 Game Bird holdings were sampled (3500 total). Four Ratite holdings were sampled (20* total). 51

54 *The total number of holdings reported for Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Free-range Broilers, Turkey Breeders, Breeder Geese, and Ratites is from 2011 as this information was unavailable for France reported from 41 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, 21 holdings were reported as positive. Five Fattening Duck holdings, 14 Breeder Duck holdings and two Breeder Geese holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2011, 28 holdings were reported as positive. Six Fattening Duck holdings, 19 Breeder Duck holdings, two Breeder Geese holdings and one Game Bird holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2010, 33 holdings were reported as positive. Influenza A viruses were detected in Breeder Ducks (19 holdings), Fattening Ducks (three holdings), Breeder Geese (six holdings) and Game Birds (five holdings), all of which were serologically positive for subtype H5. Wild Birds: 49 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Germany Poultry: Germany carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Conventional Laying Hens, Freerange Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, Ratites, and Others. 41 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (30,846 total). 12 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (22,904 total). Four Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (1296 total). 50 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (1192 total). Three Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (87 total). 34 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (1140 total). Two Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (Three total). Eight Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (465 total). 18 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (47,608 total). Eight Game Bird holdings were sampled (26 total). 52

55 Eight Ratite holdings were sampled (286 total). 102 Other holdings were sampled (62,930 total). Germany reported from 18 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, unlike in 2011 and In 2012, one Fattening Turkey holding tested serologically and virologically (PCR and virus isolation) positive for influenza A virus subtype H9. Wild Birds: 1,256 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in One Duck (Anas spp.) and one Swan (Cygnus spp.) each tested positive for Influenza A virus subtype H4 and H9, respectively. In addition, one Duck (Anas spp.), one Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), four Tits (Parus spp.) and one Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) tested PCR positive for Influenza A virus, but the H subtype and pathogenicity could not be determined. Greece Poultry: Greece carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Game Birds, Ratites, and Others. 48 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (103 total). 45 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (366 total). 48 Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (48 total). 22 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (47 total). Four Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (Seven total). Nine Game Bird holdings were sampled (Ten total). Three Ratite holdings were sampled (Five total). 56 Other holdings were sampled (111 total). Greece reported from ten regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2010, but not In 2011, two holdings were reported as positive. One Other holding (geese reared and sold for use as backyard) tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 53

56 addition, another Other holding (quails and pheasants reared and sold for use as backyard) tested PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology not performed/virus isolation negative). Wild Birds: 11 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Hungary Poultry: Hungary carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, and Ratites. 17 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (100 total). 57 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (424 total). 55 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (345 total). Ten Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (26 total). 77 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (295 total). 13 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (37 total). 93 Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (345 total). 20 Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (54 total). 485 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (246,626 estimated total). 21 Game Bird holdings were sampled (50 total). Two Ratite holdings were sampled (Three total). Hungary reported from 19 regions. The number of regions sampled varied across poultry categories. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 1,513 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. Three wild birds sampled by passive surveillance were reported as PCR positive for LPAI H5 in These were two Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and one Blackcrowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax). 54

57 Four Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) tested positive for Influenza A virus; three were subtype H3 and one was subtype H11. In addition, two Caspian Gulls (Larus argentatus cachinnans) tested positive for Influenza A virus, subtype H13. Ireland Poultry: Ireland carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, and Fattening Geese. 108 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (86 total). 60 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (89 total). 58 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (97 total). 48 Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (16 total). 42 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (107 total). Two Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (Eight total). Two Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (One total). Two Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (One total). Ireland reported from two regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 35 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Two Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) tested positive for Influenza A virus, but the H subtype and pathogenicity could not be determined. Italy Poultry: Italy carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, Ratites, and Others. 55

58 677 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (321 total) Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (1379 total). 311 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (230 total) Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (846 total). 107 Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (54 total). 199 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (160 total). 24 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (Eight total). 46 Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (67 total). 20 Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (Eight total) Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (143,445 total). 437 Game Bird holdings were sampled (455 total). 59 Ratite holdings were sampled (78 total) Other holdings were sampled (1917* total). *The total number of holdings for Others (Quail) in NUTS code region ITF6 was not known and so could not be included in the total number of holdings calculation. Italy reported from 21 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, eight holdings were reported as positive. Three Conventional Laying Hen holdings and one Free-range Laying Hen holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. One Fattening Duck holding was PCR positive for the H5 subtype (serology/virus isolation not performed). Two Backyard Flock holdings were reported positive for influenza A virus; one was PCR positive for the H5 subtype (serology/virus isolation not performed); and one was serologically positive for the H7 subtype. In addition, one Others (Dealer) holding was PCR and virus isolation positive for the H5 subtype (serology not performed). In 2011, 18 holdings were reported as positive. Four Conventional Laying Hen holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus, two for subtype H5 (one of these was also PCR/virus isolation positive), and two for subtype H7. Eight Backyard Flock holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus, two for subtype H5 and six for subtype H7. In addition, six Other holdings were reported positive for influenza A virus; one (Others, dealer) was PCR positive for the H5 subtype (serology negative/virus isolation not performed), as well as being serologically positive for the H7 subtype; one was serologically and PCR positive (virus isolation not performed) for the H5 subtype; and four were positive for the H7 subtype (three were serologically positive and one was PCR positive (serology/virus isolation not performed)). In 2010, a total of 12 holdings were reported positive. Four Backyard Flock holdings were serologically positive for influenza A virus, one for subtype H5, and three for subtype H7. Three Conventional Laying Hen holdings were serologically positive for influenza A virus, again one for H5 subtype, and two for H7 (one of these was also PCR/virologically positive). In addition, five Other holdings were reported positive for influenza A virus; two were virologically (PCR) positive for H5 subtype, and three holdings were positive for subtype H7 (one of these was serologically and virologically positive, and two were virologically positive). 56

59 Wild Birds: 693 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Two Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) tested positive for Influenza A virus subtype H13. In addition, one northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), one Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca), one Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and one Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) each tested PCR positive for Influenza A virus, but the H subtype and pathogenicity could not be determined. Latvia Poultry: Latvia carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Fattening Ducks, and Backyard Flocks. One Chicken Breeder holding was sampled (One total). 34 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (34 total). Two Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (Two total). 167 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (2782 total). Latvia reported from five regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: No wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. Lithuania Poultry: Lithuania carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Conventional Broilers, Free-range Broilers, and Fattening Turkeys. 51 Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (Eight total). Six Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (One total). Four Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (Two total). Lithuania reported from five regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. 57

60 No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: Six wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Luxembourg Poultry: Luxembourg carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Conventional Laying Hens, Freerange Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Backyard Flocks, and Ratites. Four Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (Four total). Three Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (Four total). Four Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (Four total). Seven Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (500 total). Four Ratite holdings were sampled (One total). Luxembourg reported from one region. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: No wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. Malta Poultry: Malta carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Conventional Laying Hens. 62 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (33 total). Malta reported from one region. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in (In 2010 Malta did not submit data for the annual poultry surveillance). Wild Birds: No wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. 58

61 The Netherlands Poultry: The Netherlands carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, and Breeder Ducks Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (402 total) Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (742 total) Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (274 total). 837 Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (640 total). Two Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (One total). 180 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (46 total). 50 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (44 total). 31 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (Nine total). The Netherlands reported from 12 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, two holdings were reported as positive. One Free-range Laying Hen holding tested serologically and PCR positive for influenza A virus subtype H7. Also one Fattening Turkey holding tested serologically and PCR positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2011, one Free-range Laying Hen holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H7. In 2010, two positive holdings were reported. One Conventional Laying Hen holding was serologically and virologically (PCR) positive for influenza A virus subtype H7. Whilst one Free-range Laying Hen holding was serologically positive, also for subtype H7. Wild Birds: 165 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in One Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) and one Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) each tested positive for Influenza A virus in They were reported as subtype H8 and subtype not H5 or H7, respectively. 59

62 Poland Poultry: Poland carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Breeder Geese, Game Birds, and Ratites. 59 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (493 total). 91 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (993 total). 21 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (157 total). 61 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (815 total). 18 Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (21 total). 77 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (152 total). 15 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (22 total). 87 Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (1000 total). 83 Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (170 total). 36 Game Bird holdings were sampled (49 total). 40 Ratite holdings were sampled (91 total). Poland reported from 16 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, one Breeder Geese holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H7. In 2011, four holdings were reported as positive. One Breeder Duck holding and three Breeder Geese holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2010, two Breeder Geese holdings tested positive by serology for H5 influenza A virus. Wild Birds: 20 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Portugal Poultry: Portugal carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. 60

63 Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, Ratites, and Others. 55 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (80 total). 58 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (134 total). 60 Free-range Broiler holdings were sampled (238 total). 55 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (131 total). Ten Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (Ten total). Three Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (Two total). 66 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (236,735 total). 55 Game Bird holdings were sampled (77 total). Three Ratite holdings were sampled (Three total). One Other holding was sampled (Four total). Portugal reported from seven regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 17 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Romania Poultry: Romania carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, and Ratites. Pheasants and Quails reported in the Others category were reassigned to Game Birds. 67 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (44 total). 187 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (208 total). One Conventional Broiler holding was sampled (15 total). 17 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (Nine total). Two Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (One total). Two Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (One total). 61

64 1106 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (737 total). 24 Game Bird holdings were sampled (18 total). Two Ratite holdings were sampled (One total). Romania reported from 42 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positives holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2010, but not In 2011, one Backyard Flock holding (fattening geese, sentinel birds) tested PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology negative/virus isolation negative). Wild Birds: 236 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Slovak Republic Poultry: The Slovak Republic carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Breeder Geese, Game Birds, and Ratites. 11 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (14 total). 42 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (89 total). Two Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (29 total). Four Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (Five total). Eight Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (Seven total). Five Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (Eight total). One Breeder Duck holding was sampled (Two total). One Breeder Geese holding was sampled (One total). 16 Game Bird holdings were sampled (18 total). Seven Ratite holdings were sampled (Ten total). Slovak Republic reported from four regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and

65 Wild Birds: 19 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Slovenia Poultry: Slovenia carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, and Ratites. Eight Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (Nine total). 61 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (190 total). 46 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (46 total). 90 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (4155 total). Six Game Bird holdings were sampled (Six total). Two Ratite holdings were sampled (Two total). Slovenia reported from one region. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: 129 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in One Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and one Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) each tested PCR positive for Influenza A virus, H subtype not H5 or H7. Spain Poultry: Spain carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Backyard Flocks, Game Birds, Ratites, and Others. One pheasant holding reported in the Others category was reassigned to Game Birds. 104 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (386 total). 63

66 144 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (830 total). 55 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (96 total). 118 Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (1254 total). 71 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (480 total). Eight Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (Eight total). 48 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (53 total). One Breeder Duck holding was sampled (One total). Two Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (Two total). 64 Backyard Flock holdings were sampled (12,399 total). 488 Game Bird holdings were sampled (547 total). 43 Ratite holdings were sampled (101 total). 151 Other holdings were sampled (7000 total). Spain reported from 17 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, unlike in 2011 and In 2012, two Fattening Duck holdings were reported as positive for influenza A virus. One was positive by virus isolation for the H4 subtype (PCR positive for influenza A virus/serology negative); and one was positive by virus isolation for the H6 subtype (PCR/serology negative). Wild Birds: 888 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in Sweden Poultry: Sweden carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Conventional Broilers, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Fattening Geese, Game Birds, and Ratites. 36 Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (36 total). 54 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (236 total). 24 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (92 total). 34 Conventional Broiler holdings were sampled (34 total). 64

67 19 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (19 total). Three Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (Three total). Three Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (Three total). 20 Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (20 total). 23 Game Bird holdings were sampled (25 total). Four Ratite holdings were sampled (Three total). Sweden reported from eight regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, unlike in 2011 and In 2011, two Game Bird (mallard) holdings were reported as serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In 2010, four Game Bird holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus, subtype H5 (two of these also tested virologically (PCR) positive for influenza A virus). Wild Birds: 103 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in United Kingdom Poultry: The United Kingdom carried out surveillance using a risk-based sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Chicken Breeders, Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Turkey Breeders, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Breeder Geese, and Game Birds. Eight Chicken Breeder holdings were sampled (65 total). 57 Conventional Laying Hen holdings were sampled (924 total). Eight Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (146 total). 62 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (408 total). Five Turkey Breeder holdings were sampled (Five total). 52 Fattening Duck holdings were sampled (120 total). 49 Breeder Duck holdings were sampled (158 total). 58 Fattening Geese holdings were sampled (113 total). Seven Breeder Geese holdings were sampled (27 total). 71 Game Bird holdings were sampled (627 total). 65

68 The UK reported from 19 regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. Positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and In 2012, eight holdings were reported as positive. Seven Breeder Duck holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. Also one Game Bird (Duck) holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtypes H5 and H7. In 2011, five holdings were reported as positive. Four Breeder Duck holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus, three for subtype H5 and one for subtype H7. In addition, one Fattening Geese holding tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H7. In 2010, four holdings tested positive. Three Breeder Duck holdings tested serologically positive for influenza A virus subtype H5. In addition, one Game Bird holding (Ducks) also tested serologically positive for influenza A virus H5 subtype. Wild Birds: 498 wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in One Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) tested PCR positive for low pathogenicity Influenza A virus, but the H subtype could not be determined. Non-EU countries Switzerland Poultry: Switzerland carried out surveillance using a representative sampling approach. Test results from holdings sampled were reported from Free-range Laying Hens and Fattening Turkeys. 98 Free-range Laying Hen holdings were sampled (3523 total). 24 Fattening Turkey holdings were sampled (63 total). Switzerland reported from six regions. The number of regions sampled varied by poultry category. No positive holdings were reported in 2012, which was also the case in 2011 and Wild Birds: Four wild birds were sampled by passive surveillance. There were no positive H5 or H7 detections in wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in

69 4 DISCUSSION 4.1 Poultry In 2012 active surveillance for avian influenza in poultry holdings was carried out in 27 MS according to Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a). In addition, one non-ms, Switzerland (CH), submitted data for this report. Ten MS used a risk-based sampling approach according to guidelines of Commission Decision 2010/367/EC (EC 2010), compared with seven MS in A total of 29,404 holdings were sampled, which compares to 29,806 poultry holdings in 2011, 29,484 in 2010, 35,016 in 2009, and 34,985 in The most frequently sampled poultry category in 2012 was Laying Hens (conventional and free-range), making up 30.0% of the total holdings sampled by EU MS, followed by Backyard Flocks (19.4%) and Chicken Breeders (17.9%). The least sampled poultry category was Ratites (0.7%), reflecting the low proportion of ratite holdings across the EU (0.05% of total holdings reported). The number of holdings sampled by each MS varied from 16 holdings in Estonia to 9281 in Italy. Italy also sampled the most holdings in 2011 (n = 8750), 2010 (n = 9174), 2009 (n = 10,254), and 2008 (n = 9025). There was an increase in the number of holdings sampled from Chicken Breeders, Free-range Laying Hens, Turkey Breeders, Breeder Ducks, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks and Game Birds, compared to 2011, while a decreased number of holdings was sampled for all other poultry categories in Percentage increases in the number of holdings sampled compared with 2011 varied from 0.6% (Game Birds) to 20.0% (Turkey Breeders). In 2012, evidence of previous infection with H5 or H7 avian influenza was detected in 43 holdings (including one holding seropositive for both subtypes), which is 0.15% of total holdings sampled. This is a smaller proportion than in 2011, when 65 of 28,806 holdings were serologically positive for H5 or H7 (0.22% of holdings sampled). In 2012, detection of antibodies to avian influenza (H5 and H7 subtypes) occurred in Conventional Laying Hens, Free-range Laying Hens, Fattening Turkeys, Fattening Ducks, Breeder Ducks, Fattening Geese, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks, and Game Birds. Most detections of antibodies to subtype H5 infection were in Breeder Ducks (21/40, 52.5%), followed by Fattening Ducks (7/40, 17.5%), and Conventional Laying Hens (4/40, 10%). Antibodies to the H7 subtype were detected in one holding (four total) from each of the Free-range Laying Hen, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks and Game Birds categories. In 2012, 40 holdings were found positive for subtype H5 by serological testing (0.14% of holdings sampled), including one holding that was also seropositive for subtype H7. This is less than in previous survey years. For example, in 2011, 50 holdings were found serologically positive for H5 (0.17% of holdings sampled), 48 were recorded in 2010 (0.16% of holdings sampled), and in 2009 and 2008, 52 holdings in each year were reported as serologically positive for H5 (0.15% of holdings sampled in each year). Of the 40 holdings reported to be seropositive in 2012, 22 underwent follow-up testing for the presence of active infection and one of these (1/22, 4.5%) tested positive for subtype H5 by PCR (indicating active infection). In comparison in 2011, two of 35 H5 seropositive holdings (5.7%) that underwent follow-up testing, tested positive for subtype H5 by PCR or virus isolation. In 2012, four holdings were found positive for subtype H7 by serological testing (0.01% of holdings sampled), including one holding that was also seropositive for subtype H5. This is less than in previous survey years. For example, in 2011, 15 holdings were found serologically positive for H7 (0.05% of holdings sampled), 11 were reported in 2010 (0.04% of holdings sampled), 38 in 2009 (0.11% of holdings sampled) and 21 in 2008 (0.06% of holdings sampled). Of the four holdings reported to be seropositive in 2012, three underwent follow-up testing for the presence of active infection and one of these (1/3, 33.3%) tested positive for subtype H7 by PCR (indicating active infection). In comparison in 2011, five H7 seropositive holdings underwent follow-up testing and none tested positive for subtype H7 by PCR or virus isolation. In some poultry species, infection with LPAI can result in only mild clinical signs and may not be detected by poultry keepers and veterinary practitioners. A positive PCR or virus isolation result indicates that active infection is present on the holding and potential for transmission exists. Such 67

70 a test result will lead to the implementation of measures and restrictions in accordance with Council Directive 2005/94/EC (EC 2006a). Overall nine MS reported H5 or H7 seropositive holdings in 2012 (BE, CZ, DK, FI, FR, IT, NL, PL, and UK). These MS also reported seropositive holdings in 2011, as well as Greece and Sweden. In addition, in 2012, Germany and Spain detected holdings positive for subtypes other than H5 or H7. A high proportion of the H5 seropositive holdings (21/40, 52.5%) were detected in France, particularly in Breeder Ducks. Regarding H7, one seropositive holding was found in each of the Free-range Laying Hen, Breeder Geese, Backyard Flocks, and Game Birds categories, from the Netherlands, Poland, Italy and the United Kingdom respectively. The detection rate of H5/H7 seropositive holdings in Breeder Ducks (21 seropositives/247 holdings sampled, 8.5%) and Breeder Geese (4 seropositves/156 holdings sampled, 2.6%) was considerably higher than other poultry categories, followed by Fattening Ducks (7 seropositives/863 holdings sampled, 0.8%) and Fattening Geese (1 seropositive/365 holdings sampled, 0.3%). The high rate of detections in these categories may be due to the following factors: ducks and geese are less likely to show clinical signs than other poultry species so infection is less likely to have been detected earlier by passive surveillance, while in other species clinical disease due to AI may lead to earlier detection. The breeder category birds tend to have a longer lifespan than birds of other poultry categories, and therefore a longer time period over which they could be exposed to the virus. Ducks and geese are frequently kept outdoors and therefore may have a higher probability of contact with wild birds, either directly or indirectly, and hence possibly a greater risk of exposure to AI virus. The sampling regimes among MS and poultry categories are diverse with different degrees of targeting and testing frequencies, varying numbers of samples collected in each flock and likely variance of within-flock seroprevalence at the time of sampling. Hence differences in betweenflock detection rates for poultry categories or MS need to be interpreted with great caution. In particular, those MS undertaking risk-based sampling may experience higher seropositive detection rates than those using representative sampling. The current guidelines on surveillance in poultry for the EU surveillance programme encourage a risk-based approach. Criteria and risk factors suggested for incorporation include those associated with virus introduction into poultry holdings due to direct or indirect exposure to wild birds and also those for virus spread within the poultry holding and between poultry holdings, as well as the consequences (impact) of the spread of avian influenza between poultry holdings. It is recognised that to carry out risk-based surveillance incorporating such risk factors, an evidencebase applicable to the individual Member State is required. If insufficient evidence is available to develop a risk-based surveillance plan, then representative sampling is recommended as in previous years. The move towards risk-based surveillance should increase the sensitivity of the surveillance programme and/or provide greater efficiency in terms of targeting effort and resource to sampling the holdings that are most likely to have been infected with avian influenza. 4.2 Wild Birds Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral infection, which can affect all species of birds. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) can spread rapidly causing serious disease with high mortality in many poultry species. To date all HPAI viruses have been of H5 or H7 subtypes of influenza A. Since 2005, the on-going H5N1 HPAI epizootic has affected over 60 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of domestic poultry and major socio-economic impacts. Historically HPAI infection has rarely been observed in wild birds, and nearly always in connection with poultry outbreaks. However, since the current H5N1 HPAI epizootic, wild birds have been implicated in the spread of this virus. The EU guidelines on surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds published in 2010 (EU 2010) focus the objective of the surveillance to the timely detection of H5N1 HPAI and do not include baseline surveillance for LPAI H5 or H7. The guidelines state that a risk-based design should be implemented via passive surveillance i.e. moribund wild birds or birds found dead, particularly those on the Target Species list (see Annex 6, section 7.2.4). Formulation of this list incorporated data on the number of detections of H5N1 HPAI in the EU surveillance programme from and recent findings on the epidemiology of this virus in wild birds. 68

71 The detection of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds not associated with outbreaks in poultry illustrates the value of wild bird surveillance in the early detection of the presence of H5N1 HPAI in a country (e.g. Hesterberg et al. 2009). Detections of such infections in wild birds require the implementation of control measures, which include investigations on poultry holdings to detect possible virus introduction, increasing vigilance and reinforcement of biosecurity measures amongst the poultry sector, especially free-range poultry (EC 2006a). As in previous years, surveillance programmes in 2012 were variable between MS with respect to a number of parameters including: sample size, temporal pattern, and differential targeting of species and areas. Therefore only limited inferences can be made by direct comparisons of detections in different MS, species and seasons. The non-random nature of the sampling means that the proportion positive observed in a species, Member State or time period cannot be assumed to be the true prevalence in the population sampled. The efficacy of passive surveillance is problematic to measure as detection relies on birds dying and being found. A large amount of time and resources may be spent in patrolling a reserve, or the public may frequently observe a particular area, but if mortalities are not observed and reported to the appropriate veterinary authority then dead birds will not be tested for AI. The general decrease in interest in avian and other influenza infections poses a further challenge to veterinary authorities in maintaining a high level of awareness. A total of 6,508 wild birds, from 24 Member States of the European Union and one non-ms (Switzerland) were tested by passive sampling programmes during the 2012 survey. As in 2011, and by in contrast to the period , H5N1 HPAI was not reported in wild birds. These findings are consistent with the apparent global epidemiology of H5N1 HPAI in wild birds whereby clade 2.2 and subsequent derivative viruses have apparently disappeared from wild bird populations. However, the ongoing threat of incursion via wild birds is still a real risk to the EU since there has been an apparent increase in detections of clade viruses and their derivatives in wild birds, detected through surveillance particularly in central Asia. Therefore these results together with those obtained from the EU programme confirm that there is a continuing threat for incursion to Europe of such viruses potentially mediated through infected wild birds and other routes. The proportion of all wild birds sampled by passive surveillance that yielded any AI virus was 0.98% in 2012 which is similar to previous years at around %. The proportion of birds testing positive for LPAI H5 or LPAI H7 by passive surveillance (0.05%) was very similar to recent years (0.07% in 2010 and 0.06% in 2011). LPAI viruses of subtype H5 were detected in three birds from one Member State - Hungary. There were no detections of LPAI H7 by passive surveillance in It is pertinent to note here that H5 or H7 LPAI infection is highly unlikely to result in significant morbidity or mortality in most wild birds exposed in nature, while H5N1 HPAI can be fatal to many wild bird species. 69

72 5 METHODS 5.1 Poultry Survey design A poultry holding', as defined in Council Directive 2009/158/EC (EC 2009), is a facility used for the rearing or keeping of breeding or productive poultry. For the purposes of avian influenza surveillance, this may include facilities that only contain poultry during certain months of the year (i.e. poultry do not need to be present all year round). MS sampled holdings and submitted data for some or all of the following poultry categories: Chicken Breeders (CB) Conventional Laying Hens (LH) and Free-range Laying Hens (FR LH) Conventional Broilers (B) and Free-range Broilers (FR B) Fattening Turkeys (FT) Turkey Breeders (TB) Fattening Ducks (FD) Breeder Ducks (BD) Fattening Geese (FG) Breeder Geese (BG) Backyard Flocks (BYF) Farmed Game Birds (GB) Ratites (R) Others (O) Where the survey design was based upon representative sampling, the required number of holdings to be sampled for specified poultry categories was determined according to Tables 12 and 13 below. Table 12 Number of holdings to be sampled of each poultry category (except turkey, duck and goose holdings) Number of holdings per poultry category per Member State Number of holdings to be sampled Up to 34 All > Note: The number of holdings to be sampled is defined to ensure the identification of at least one infected holding if the prevalence of infected holdings is at least 5 %, with a 95 % confidence interval. 70

73 Table 13 Number of turkey, duck and goose holdings to be sampled Number of holdings per poultry category per Member State Up to 46 Number of holdings to be sampled Note: The number of turkey, duck and goose holdings to be sampled is defined to ensure the identification of at least one infected holding if the prevalence of infected holdings is at least 5 %, with a 99 % confidence interval. All > Where the survey design was based upon risk-based surveillance, the following criteria and risk factors would be considered: Criteria and risk factors for virus introduction into poultry holdings due to direct or indirect exposure to wild birds in particular those of identified target species for HPAI H5N1 detection (EC 2010): (a) The location of the poultry holding in proximity to wet areas, ponds, swamps, lakes, rivers or sea shores where migratory wild water birds may gather. (b) The location of the poultry holding in areas with a high density of migratory wild birds, in particular of those birds that are characterised as target species. (c) The location of poultry holding in proximity to resting and breeding places of migratory wild water birds, in particular where these areas are linked through migratory birds movements to areas where HPAI H5N1 is known to occur in wild birds or poultry. (d) Poultry holdings with free range production, or poultry holdings where poultry or other captive birds are kept in the open-air in any premises in which contact with wild birds cannot be sufficiently prevented. (e) Low biosecurity level in the poultry holding, including the method of storage of feed and the use of surface water. Criteria and risk factors for virus spread within the poultry holding and between poultry holdings, as well as the consequences (impact) of the spread of avian influenza from poultry to poultry and between poultry holdings: (a) The presence of more than one poultry species in the same poultry holding, in particular the presence of domestic ducks and geese together with other poultry species. (b) The type of poultry production and the poultry species on the holding for which surveillance data have shown an increased detection rate of avian influenza infection in the Member State, such as duck holdings and poultry intended for re-stocking supplies of game (in particular farmed mallards). (c) The location of the poultry holding in areas with high densities of poultry holdings. 71

74 (d) Trade patterns, including imports and related intensity of movements, both direct and indirect, of poultry and other factors including vehicles, equipment and persons. (e) The presence of long lived poultry categories and multi-age groups of poultry on the holding (such as layers). In addition, in terms of targeting of populations at risk: The level of targeting must reflect the number and local weighting of risk factors present on the poultry holding. The competent authority may consider other risk factors in its assessment in designing its surveillance design, which must be duly indicated and justified in their surveillance programme. Broilers should only be included when: (i) they are kept in significant numbers in free range production and (ii) they are considered to pose a higher risk of infection with avian influenza. Backyard Flocks generally play a minor role in virus circulation and spread and sampling them is resource intensive; however, in certain Member States Backyard Flocks may pose a higher risk of avian influenza due to their presence in significant numbers, their proximity to commercial poultry holdings, involvement in local/regional trade and other criteria and risk factors. Table 14 shows the criteria and risk factors considered by Member States following a risk-based surveillance approach in their 2012 programmes, according to the guidelines of Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010) Laboratory testing Samples were tested in accordance with the Diagnostic Manual for avian influenza, which lays down the procedures for confirmation and differential diagnosis of avian influenza (EC 2006b). All positive serological findings must then be followed up at the poultry holding by epidemiological investigations and further sampling for testing by virological methods, in order to determine if active infection of avian influenza virus is present on the poultry holding. 72

75 Table 14 Criteria and risk factors considered by Member States following a risk-based surveillance approach in their 2012 poultry survey programme Geographical Demographic Production Type Biosecurity Trade Timing of Sampling Reactive Sampling Epidemiology Location Explicitly Defined Sampling Difference Between Risk Strata Member State Proximity to waterbodies Proximity to high density areas of migratory wild birds Proximity to resting and breeding areas of migratory wild birds Others Densely populated poultry areas BE BG The surveillance frequency could be with decreased intensity in regions considered of lower risk. Free-text Free-range holdings; turkey, ducks and geese are considered most at risk; distance between poultry holdings. It is preferable the samples taken from domestic poultry from gallinaceous species and waterfowls to be sent with separate cover letters. Presence of poultry holdings where poultry or other birds are kept in the open air in premises in which contact with wild birds cannot be sufficiently prevented. Free-text Free-text Free-text The samples should be taken within the migratory period of wild birds. Testing of poultry carcasses collected in case of mortality rates higher than the normal poultry ones. Yes No DE DK Additional risk areas are defined as areas 3 km from the coastal line and around large lakes. Yes Indoor laying hens sampled in high risk areas only; doubled frequency in breeding flocks (hens, ducks and geese) in high risk areas. FI The poultry business in Finland is concentrated in the province of Western Finland. However, the aim is to include farms also from other parts of the country. The type of poultry production and the poultry species on the holding, such as duck holdings and poultry intended for restocking supplies of game. No FR Climate conditions (high humidity areas). Free-range holdings; holdings supplying non EU approved abattoirs; focus on sampling of holdings with chickens; turkeys; ducks and geese; game birds. Samples will be taken from game birds (pheasants, partridges and mallards) and palmipeds, which have shown stronger serological prevalence in previous surveys. No 73

76 Geographical Demographic Production Type Biosecurity Trade Timing of Sampling Reactive Sampling Epidemiology Location Explicitly Defined Sampling Difference Between Risk Strata Member State Proximity to waterbodies Proximity to high density areas of migratory wild birds Proximity to resting and breeding areas of migratory wild birds Others Densely populated poultry areas Free-text Presence of poultry holdings where poultry or other birds are kept in the open air in premises in which contact with wild birds cannot be sufficiently prevented. Free-text Free-text Free-text IT Production type and biosecurity of commercial holdings of susceptible species (presence on the holding of categories of poultry with a long productive life, of different ages and of different species). Flows and types. Risk factors for introduction and spread of previous epidemics. Yes Sampling in defined High Risk Areas: turkey broilers; breeding quail; breeding ducks and geese; fattening ducks and geese; breeding flocks and laying hen flocks; ostriches; other birds bred for meat (excluding broilers and quail); wild game. Sampling in defined Low Risk Areas: fattening and breeding ducks and geese; breeding turkeys and broilers; breeding chicken; laying hens, both those kept indoors and freerange; breeding wild game. LU The types of production and their specific risks will be targeted, such as free circulation, free-range production and holding yard poultry. The sampling period will coincide with seasonal production. No NL Flows and types: breeders have extra testing. Contiguous and contact testing on seropositives. Yes Turkey holdings sampled 3 times more frequently, freerange holdings samples 4 times more frequently. Premovement sampling. UK Free-range holdings; mixed poultry species holding, where one of the species is waterfowl. Minimum flock sizes for sampling. Yes Samples only taken from defined risk area. 74

77 5.1.3 Data and data processing The poultry data presented in the report are restricted to data that were collected in 2012 under Decisions 2010/367/EU (EC 2010) and 2011/807/EU (EC 2011). MS submitted data to the EC database in a standardised format, containing laboratory testing information and more detailed information on the positive holdings found for each poultry category. The data submitted by MS were extracted from the EC database and checked and analysed by the EURL. The standardised format for submission of data ensured that in the majority of MS the data were complete and could be analysed effectively. The total number of holdings for each poultry category in a MS was calculated using the total number of holdings figure provided for each NUTS code in the last quarter of the year, or the last quarter sampled, from NUTS regions where sampling took place. Hence if a MS did not sample in all NUTS regions that a poultry category is present, this figure will differ from the total number of holdings for that poultry category at the MS level. If positives were found in two or more poultry categories on the same holding, they were reported in each of the poultry categories, but in the overall positive holdings figures for the MS, the holding was only counted once. Similarly if positives were found for both H5 and H7 subtypes on the same holding, they were reported under each of the subtypes, but in the overall H5/H7 positive holdings figures for the MS, the holding was only counted once. For the comparison of survey results according to poultry categories across years, free-range and indoor categories were combined, as were fatteners and breeders for Turkeys, Ducks and Geese. A number of MS that submitted data in the Others category provided further species details. In light of this information, if queries arose concerning whether a type of poultry should be included under Others or another category, they were referred to the relevant MS. For BG, EE, ES and RO, the following data submitted in the Others category were reassigned to Game Birds: BG Partridges, Pheasants and Quails, EE - Quails, ES Pheasants, and RO - Pheasants and Quails. There were also two cases where reassignment between other poultry categories occurred: BE - Hobby holdings submitted under Conventional Broilers were reassigned to Free-range Broilers. FI One holding originally submitted under Fattening Geese was reassigned to Conventional Laying Hens. It was a mixed farm (hens, geese and ducks) with a H5 seropositive detected in hens. Where extra category species details were provided, information on holdings included under Others is shown in Table

78 Table 15 Information on holdings included under Others (where category species details were provided) Member State BE BG EL ES Category species detail included Ornamental fowl. Can include exotic birds, incubators, rescue centres and zoos. In 2012, only one Others holding was sampled in BG, which was incubator. Poultry (mainly chicken) reared and sold for use as backyard. Chicken registered as 'leisure exposure', fighting cock, pigeon, dove and zoo. Comments This poultry category is exclusively farmed indoors in authorised holdings with no access to the outside. At a certain age the birds are distributed by authorised merchants to rural areas where they are kept outside as backyard poultry. Due to this unique production system, EL reported under Others instead of reassigning. IT Guinea fowl, quail and dealer. Due to the particular production system, IT reported under Others and chose not to reassign to another category. PT Zoos, pet shops and racing pigeons. The map (Figure 4) showing the intensity of sampling in the poultry survey and H5/H7 serologically positive holdings was produced using the ArcMap function of Arc GIS version 10. Positive holdings are displayed at NUTS 2 or 3 level (NUTS 1 for the DK H5 positive). The intensity of surveillance was determined by calculating the density of holdings sampled across mainly NUTS 2 or 3 level regions, but some NUTS 1 regions were used where higher level locations were not available. 76

79 5.2 Wild Birds Survey design In 2012, MS wild bird survey plans were approved under Commission Decision 2011/807/EU (EC 2011). Details of individual MS passive surveillance sampling strategies, as described in their 2012 survey plans can be found in Table Laboratory testing Laboratory tests were carried out in accordance with the EU diagnostic manual for avian influenza (EC 2006b). It was recommended that samples should initially be tested using M gene PCR (to detect presence of AI virus), with rapid testing of positives for H5, and if possible N1, and that analysis of the haemagglutinin cleavage site should be undertaken to determine the pathogenicity of the AI virus Data and data processing The data presented in this report is limited to data collected under Commission Decision 2010/367/EU (EC 2010), submitted to the EC database in the required format. Consequently the data may differ from other reporting systems such as the Animal Disease Notification System (ADNS). Species of wild birds For passive surveillance 5,428 birds were identified to species level (83%); while a further 765 (12%) were identified to genus level. In addition, 308 (5%) birds were submitted with identification to family level and only 7 submissions were completely unidentified (0.1%). For active surveillance 13,707 birds (98%) were identified to species level, 179 (1%) were identified to their genus, 153 (1%) to the family level. Wild bird status Information on the status of the bird at sampling (e.g. live, found dead etc) was complete with 100% of birds sampled for the year 2012 having this information submitted. Wild bird Subtype / Pathotype information Of the 64 wild birds testing positive for influenza by passive surveillance, 50 (78%) had H subtype determined and 45 (70%) were identified as LPAI. Date of wild bird sampling MS provided a localisation date (from when the bird was sampled in the field) for all birds sampled in Wild bird spatial information Maps were produced using the ArcMap function of Arc GIS version 10, and the sampling intensity is displayed per unit area at NUTS 3 level. Of the submitted spatial information for 2012, 8675 (42.2% of birds sampled during this period) were provided with NUTS 3 codes or better for mapping. 83 (0.4%) were provided with a NUTS 2 code. A further 11,790 (57.4%) birds could be located at NUTS 3 level via geo-coordinates provided. 77

80 Table 16 Summary of passive surveillance sampling strategies, as described in Member States 2012 wild bird survey plans Surveillance design Target Location Collaboration with Epidemiological situation of past 5 years Member number of EU Target Proximity Density of Density of Where HPAI Mass Searching hunting or General Temporal as described in the MS 12 survey plans State birds to Proximity Epi linked Increased Species of poultry poultry target found mortalities for birds ornithological public targeting ( ) sample to water areas mortalities holdings holdings species previously interest groups AT 2,000 (1) HP H5N1 in 119 birds Only a few cases of LPAI H5 and H7 BE 500 (2) H5 and/or H7 in 12 Canada Geese and other H subtypes detected in ducks H5, H7 and other H subtypes detected in aquatic birds H7 and other H types found in ducks, swans and gulls H5, H7 and other H types detected in ducks, geese, waders and gulls BG HP H5N1 in wild swans HP H5N1 in a buzzard CY 250 (1) HPAI not detected HP H5N1 in 14 mute swans HP H5N1 in a wild swan CZ 300 (3) LPAI H5 detected in five wild birds, 52 other AI cases (not H5 or H7) wild birds positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) mallards found positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) DE 1, mass mortality black necked grebes HP H5N1 in a mallard duck DK HP H5N1 in 44 birds in Baltic area HP H5N1 not detected EE 100 (4) HPAI not detected HP H5N1 in 33 birds (30 mute swans, one whooper swan, 1 EL 250 (5) goose and one cormorant) HP H5N1 not detected ES (1) HP H5N1 detected in 1 great creasted grebe HP H5N1 not detected FI 100 HPAI not detected FR 1,000 (6) (1) HP H5N1 birds HU 1, AI not detected LPAI detected in 8 wild birds LPAI detected in 13 wild birds IE 500 Not availalble IT 1,000 (5) Not availalble LT 100 HPAI not detected LU 40 (1) HPAI not detected 78

81 Member State Target number of birds to sample EU Target Species Proximity to water Proximity of poultry holdings Density of poultry holdings Location Density of target species Where HPAI found previously Surveillance design Epi linked areas Increased mortalities Mass mortalities Epidemiological situation of past 5 years ( ) LV 50 (7) ducks positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) ducks positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) duck positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) ducks positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) ducks positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) MT 50 (8) HPAI not detected NL 1,000 (5) HPAI not detected PL 100 (5) (1) LPAI H7 and other subtypes found in wild birds PT LPAI H5 (5 birds) and H7 (7 birds) detected in Anseriformes LPAI H5 (9 birds) and H7 (7 birds) detected in Anseriformes no outbreaks of AI detected RO 240 (5) : HP H5N1 detected in 24 wild birds SE 1,000 (1) (5) HPAI detected in 65 wild birds LPAI detected in 69 mallards wild birds positive for LPAI SI 200 (5) HPAI H5 birds (mostly mute swans) 2007 and no H5 or H LPAI H5 detected in 1 mallard and H7 in 1 mute swan. 10 mallards LPAI positive (not H5 or H7) mallards positive for LPAI (not H5 or H7) SK 200 (5) birds positive for H5N no AI detected UK HP H5N1 in a whooper swan in Scotland HP H5N1 in wild swans and a canada goose in England (1) Information was not specified in the 2012 survey plan (2) BE uses target species, plus 6 additional species identified as high risk in BE specifically (3) CZ uses 6 'target species' considered higher risk in their country, not EU TS list (4) EE target species are 'Waterfowl 70% and shorebirds 20% and other wild birds 10%' (5) Searching for dead or moribund birds will occur if the epidemiological situation requires (6) FR targeting Anatidae family (7) LV targeting orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes (8) MT targets wild ducks and other migratory birds Searching for birds Collaboration with hunting or ornithological interest groups General public Temporal targeting. 79

82 6 REFERENCES EC (2002) Commission Decision 2002/649/EC of 5 August 2002 on the implementation of surveys for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds in the Member States, Official Journal of the European Union, L 213, , p.38. EC(2005) Commission Decision 2005/726/EC of 17 October 2005 amending Decision 2005/464/EC on the implementation of survey programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds to be carried out in the Member States, Official Journal of the European Union, OJ L 273, , p. 21. EC (2006a) Council Directive 2005/94/EC of 20 December 2005 on Community measures for the control of avian influenza and repealing Directive 92/40/EEC, Official Journal of the European Union, L 10, , p. 16. EC (2006b) Commission Decision 2006/437/EC of 4 August 2006 approving a Diagnostic Manual for avian influenza as provided for in Council Directive 2005/94/EC, Official Journal of the European Union, L 237, , p. 1. EC (2007) Commission Decision 2007/268/EC of 13 April 2007 on the implementation of surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds to be carried out in the Member States and amending Decision 2004/450/EC, Official Journal of the European Union L115, , p. 3. EC (2009) Council Directive 2009/158/EC of 30 November 2009 on animal health conditions governing intra-community trade in, and imports from third countries of, poultry and hatching eggs, Official Journal of the European Union, L 343, , p. 74. EC (2010) Commission Decision 2010/367/EU of 25 June 2010 on the implementation by Member States of surveillance programmes for avian influenza in poultry and wild birds, Official Journal of the European Union, L 166, , p. 22. EC (2011) Commission Decision 2011/807/EU of 30 November 2011 on approving annual and multiannual programmes and the financial contribution from the Union for the eradication, control and monitoring of certain animal diseases and zoonoses presented by the Member States for 2012 and following years, Official Journal of the European Union, L 322, , p. 11. EFSA (2006) Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Animal Health and Welfare on migratory birds and their possible role in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The EFSA Journal, 357, Hesterberg, U., Harris, K., Stroud, D., Guberti, V., Busani, L., Pittman, M., Piazza, V., Cook, A. & Brown, I. (2009) Avian influenza surveillance in wild birds in the European Union in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, 3, SCAHAW (2000) Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare on: The Definition of Avian Influenza and the use of Vaccination against Avian Influenza 80

83 7 ANNEXES 7.1 Poultry Survey Annex 1 Details of prevalence by poultry category and MS for 2012 and 2011 Annex 1 Table 1 Total number of Chicken Breeder holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State NS = Not sampled Member State Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT BE BG CY CZ NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DE NS NS NS NS NS DK EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL ES FI FR 1000* HU IE IT LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK Total CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *FR: The total number of Chicken Breeder holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information was unavailable for 2012). 81

84 Annex 1 Table 2 Total number of Conventional and Free-range Laying Hen holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Virological data is displayed in italics in parentheses. (If a holding was virologically positive for H5/H7 only, further information is provided at the base of the table). NS = Not sampled Conventional Laying Hens Free-range Laying Hens Conventional Laying Hens Free-range Laying Hens Total No. Total No.of Positive Holdings Total No. Total No.of Positive Holdings Total No. Total No.of Positive Holdings Total No. Total No.of Positive Holdings Member State of Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 of Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 of Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 of Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT BE BG NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CY CZ DE 30, , , , DK EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ES FI FR 6000* * HU NS NS NS NS NS IE IT (1) 2(1) LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL (1) 0 1(1) PL NS NS NS NS NS PT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS RO NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SE SI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS UK Total 44, , (1) 2 1(1) 88, (1) 2(1) 2 23, CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *FR: The total number of Conventional Laying Hen and Free-range Laying Hen holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information w as unavailable for 2012). 82

85 Annex 1 Table 3 Total number of Conventional and Free-range Broiler holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State NS = Not sampled Conventional Broilers Free-range Broilers Conventional Broilers Free-range Broilers Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Member of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings State Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BG NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CY NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CZ NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ES NS NS NS NS NS FI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FR NS NS NS NS NS 6000* NS NS NS NS NS HU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LT NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL NS NS NS NS NS PL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS RO NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS UK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Total CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *FR: The total number of Free-range Broiler holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information w as unavailable for 2012). 83

86 Annex 1 Table 4 Total number of Fattening Turkey and Turkey Breeder holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Virological data is displayed in italics in parentheses. (If a holding was virologically positive for H5/H7 only, further information is provided at the base of the table. Information is also provided on virological data other than H5/H7). NS = Not sampled Fattening Turkeys Turkey Breeders Fattening Turkeys Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Member of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings State Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BG NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CY NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CZ DE (1) DK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL ES FI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FR * HU IE IT LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL (1) 1(1) 0 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PL PT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS RO NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SE SI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SK UK Total (2) 1(1) , CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *FR: The total number of Turkey Breeder holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information w as unavailable for 2012). Turkey Breeders 2012 notes 1 One holding seropositive and PCR/VI positive for H9. 84

87 Annex 1 Table 5 Total number of Fattening and Breeder Duck holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Virological data is displayed in italics in parentheses. (If a holding was virologically positive for H5/H7 only, further information is provided at the base of the table. Information is also provided on virological data other than H5/H7). NS = Not sampled Fattening Ducks Breeder Ducks Fattening Ducks Breeder Ducks Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Member of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings State Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BG NS NS NS NS NS CY NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CZ DE DK EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ES (2) NS NS NS NS NS FI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FR HU IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT (1) 1(1) LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL PL PT RO NS NS NS NS NS SE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SK NS NS NS NS NS UK Total (3) 8(1) , CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS 2012 notes 1 One holding VI positive for H4 and PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology negative); one holding VI positive for H6 (serology/pcr negative). 2 One holding PCR positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed). 85

88 Annex 1 Table 6 Total number of Fattening and Breeder Geese holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Virological data is displayed in italics in parentheses. (If a holding was virologically positive for H5/H7 only, further information is provided at the base of the table. Information is also provided on virological data other than H5/H7). NS = Not sampled Fattening Geese Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total Positive Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Total No. No.of Holdings Member of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings of Holdings State Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS 3 4 2(2) BG NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CY NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CZ DE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ES NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FR NS NS NS NS NS 133* NS NS NS NS NS HU IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PL PT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS RO NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS UK Total (2) 8 0 CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *FR: The total number of Breeder Geese holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information w as unavailable for 2012) notes Fattening Geese 2012 Breeder Geese 2011 Breeder Geese 1 The two H5 seropositive Breeder Geese holdings in BE were PCR positive for influenza A virus; one was also VI positive for influenza A. 86

89 Annex 1 Table 7 Total number of Backyard Flock holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Virological data is displayed in italics in parentheses. (If a holding was virologically positive for H5/H7 only, further information is provided at the base of the table. Information is also provided on virological data other than H5/H7). NS = Not sampled Positive Positive Total Holdings Total Holdings Total No. No.of Total No. No.of Member State of Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 of Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BG 405, , CY CZ NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DE 47, , DK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ES 12, , FI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FR HU 246,626* , IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT 143, (1) 1(1) , LT NS NS NS NS NS LU LV MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PT 236, , RO (1) SE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SI , SK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS UK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Total 1,111, (1) 1(1) 1 1,413, (1) 2 6 CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *HU: The total number of Backyard Flock holdings reported is an estimate notes 1 One holding PCR positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed) notes 2 One holding PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology/vi negative). 87

90 Annex 1 Table 8 Total number of Game Bird holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State NS = Not sampled Member State Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE BG NS NS NS NS NS CY CZ DE NS NS NS NS NS DK EE EL ES FI FR HU IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PL PT RO SE SI SK UK Total CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS 2012 notes 1 One holding was seropositive for both H5 and H7 and so is only counted once in the total positives column for the UK. 88

91 Annex 1 Table 9 Total number of Ratite holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State NS = Not sampled Member State Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT BE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BG NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CY NS NS NS NS NS CZ NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DE NS NS NS NS NS DK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL ES FI FR 20* HU IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT LT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS LU LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PL PT RO SE SI SK UK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Total CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *FR: The total number of Ratite holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information was unavailable for 2012). 89

92 Annex 1 Table 10 Total number of Other holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place), total number sampled, and total number of positive holdings reported for 2012 and 2011 by Member State Virological data is displayed in italics in parentheses. (If a holding was virologically positive for H5/H7 only, further information is provided at the base of the table. Information is also provided on virological data other than H5/H7). NS = Not sampled. For information on the type of holdings included under Others, please see Table Total No. of Holdings Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 Total No. of Holdings 90 Total No.of Positive Holdings Holdings Sampled Total H5 H7 AT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS BE NS NS NS NS NS BG CY NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS CZ NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS DE , DK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS EL (1) ES FI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS FR NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS HU NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS IT 1917* (1) 1(1) (3) 2(2) 3 5(1) 4 LT NS NS NS NS NS LU NS NS NS NS NS LV NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS MT NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PL NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS PT RO NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SE NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SI NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS SK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS UK NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS Total 71, (1) 1(1) 0 65, (4) 3(2) 5(1) CH NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS *IT: The total number of holdings in NUTS code region ITF6 was not known and so could not be included in the total number of holdings reported notes 1 One holding PCR/VI positive for H5 (serology not performed) notes 2 One holding PCR positive for influenza A virus (serology not performed/vi negative). 3 Includes one holding PCR positive for H5 (serology negative/vi not performed). This holding was also seropositive for H7, and so has only been counted once in the total positives column for IT. 4 Includes one holding PCR positive for H7 (serology/vi not performed).

93 7.1.2 Annex 2 Additional information on results of the 2012 poultry survey Annex 2 Table 1 Prevalence of holdings positive for subtype H5 Total holdings reported (from regions Total where sampling took holdings Poultry category place) sampled BE Fattening Ducks Member State Number of H5 serological positive holdings CZ Breeder Geese DK Free-range Laying Hens Conventional Laying Hens FI Fattening Geese Fattening Ducks Breeder Ducks FR Breeder Geese 133* 15 2 Conventional Laying Hens Number of PCR / virus isolation H5 positive holdings Comments Free-range Laying Hens Fattening Ducks Backyard Flocks 143, IT Others 1917** One holding PCR positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed). One holding PCR positive for H5 (serology/vi not performed). One holding PCR/VI positive for H5 (serology not performed). NL Fattening Turkeys Breeder Ducks UK Game Birds Total 153, One holding serologically and PCR positive for H5. One holding seropositive for both H5 and H7. *FR: The total number of Breeder Geese holdings reported is from 2011 (as this information was unavailable for 2012). **IT: The total number of holdings in NUTS code region ITF6 was not known and so could not be included in the total number of holdings reported. 91

94 Annex 2 Table 2 Prevalence of holdings positive for subtype H7 Member State Poultry category Total holdings reported (from regions where sampling took place) Total holdings sampled Number of H7 serological positive holdings IT Backyard Flocks 143, Number of PCR / virus isolation H7 positive holdings Comments Free-range NL Laying Hens PL Breeder Geese UK Game Birds Total 144, One holding serologically and PCR positive for H7. One holding seropositive for both H5 and H7. 92

95 Annex 2 Table 3 Number of holdings positive for subtype H5 by serology, serology and PCR/virus isolation, or PCR/virus isolation only Member State BE Poultry category Number serologically positive only, PCR/virus isolation negative or not performed Fattening Ducks 2 Number serologically positive and PCR/virus isolation positive Number PCR/ virus isolation positive, serology negative or not performed CZ DK Breeder Geese 1 Free-range Laying Hens 1 Conventional Laying Hens 1 FI Fattening Geese 1 Fattening Ducks 5 Breeder Ducks 14 FR Breeder Geese 2 Conventional Laying Hens 3 Free-range Laying Hens 1 Fattening Ducks 1 Backyard Flocks 1 IT Others 1 NL Fattening Turkeys 1 Breeder Ducks 7 UK Game Birds 1 1 EU Total One holding seropositive for both H5 and H7. 93

96 Annex 2 Table 4 Number of holdings positive for subtype H7 by serology, serology and PCR/virus isolation, or PCR/virus isolation only Member State IT NL PL Poultry category Number serologically positive only, PCR/virus isolation negative or not performed Backyard Flocks 1 Number serologically positive and PCR/virus isolation positive Free-range Laying Hens 1 Breeder Geese 1 Number PCR/ virus isolation positive, serology negative or not performed UK Game Birds 1 1 EU Total One holding seropositive for both H5 and H7. 94

97 7.2 Wild Bird Survey Annex 3 Passive surveillance data Diagnosis This section reports the samples collected through passive surveillance activities and the associated test results. The 2007 guidelines (EC, 2007) recommend oro-pharyngeal (tracheal) and cloacal swabs to be collected from healthy free living birds and cloacal and oro-pharyngeal swabs and/ or tissues from dead or shot birds. Similarly, the 2010 guidelines (EC 2010a) recommend that cloacal and tracheal/oro-pharyngeal swabs and/or tissues from wild birds found dead or moribund should be sampled. The totals for the 2012 passive surveillance testing regimes are shown below. Annex 3 Table 1 Type of samples collected for wild birds sampled by passive surveillance in 2012, by status of bird - EU-data only Sample type Status of bird Passive Found dead Injured Live with clinical signs surveillance total Blood Cloacal Faeces Other Tissue Tracheal Cloacal and Tissue Cloacal and Tracheal Faeces and Tissue Tissue and Other Tracheal and Tissue Cloacal, Tracheal and Blood Cloacal, Tracheal and Tissue Total The most commonly submitted sample type for birds found dead was tissue (36%). Cloacal swabs (21%) and birds with both cloacal and oro-pharyngeal (tracheal) swab submissions (18%) were also tested in large numbers for dead birds. For injured birds, the majority of samples collected were cloacal swabs (68%) or both cloacal and tracheal swabs (31%), whilst for live birds with clinical signs, the most common sample type was for birds where both cloacal and tracheal samples were submitted (87%) AI Positives by passive surveillance During 2012, three birds tested positive for LPAI H5 in Hungary and LPAI H7 was not detected. In addition, 42 birds tested positive for LPAI of subtypes other than H5 or H7, and 19 birds tested positive for AI, where the pathotype was not specified. Table 2 shows the test results for birds that were positive for AI virus (all subtypes). In 2012, only birds found dead tested positive for AI; no AI virus was detected in birds that were live with clinical signs or injured. For all sample types, a high proportion of those tested by both PCR and virus isolation were PCR positive only and VI negative. Of the nine AI positive birds that had oro-pharyngeal (tracheal) and cloacal swabs tested, four tested positive on the cloacal swab only. All of the three birds testing positive for AI with faecal and tissue samples tested positive on the faecal samples only. 95

98 Annex 3 Table 2 Test-results and samples taken by passive surveillance for found dead birds - EU-data only. Where more than one sample has been taken per bird parenthesis indicate the number assigned to each sample and therefore where the data for that sample is displayed (Sample 1 or 2). Sample type Test 1 Test 2 Total Total PCR+ PCR+ PCR+ PCR+ PCR+ PCRsampled positive VI+ VI- VI NP VI- VI NP VI NP Cloacal Tissue Tracheal Cloacal (1) Tracheal (2) Faeces (1) Tissue (2) NP: not performed Passive surveillance by quarter Table 3 displays the number of birds sampled in 2012, by passive surveillance in each bird status category (found dead, injured and live with clinical signs). Annex 3 Table 3 Number of birds tested through passive surveillance by Member State (injured, diseased and dead birds) Non-MS data included Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Member Found Live with Found Live with Found Live with Found Live with State Injured Injured Injured Injured dead clinical signs dead clinical signs dead clinical signs dead clinical signs AT BE BG CY CZ DE DK EE EL ES FI FR HU IE IT LT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK EU Total CH Latvia, Luxembourg and Malta did not carry out any passive surveillance in Table 4 displays the number of target species (TS) and non-target species (non-ts) sampled by MS in each quarter. 96

99 Annex 3 Table 4 Number of TS sampled by passive surveillance in each quarter by Member State Non-MS data included Member Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 State TS Non-TS TS Non-TS TS Non-TS TS Non-TS AT BE BG CY CZ DE DK EE EL ES FI FR HU IE IT LT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK EU Total CH Overview of passive surveillance results by species The aim of these tables is to provide context of AI detections taking into account bird species and the number of birds sampled by MS. Key to tables LPAI H5 No AI detected LPAI H7 Not sampled All AI patho/subtypes Not presenting actual data, for illustrative purposes only. 97

100 Annex 3 Table 5 Detections of LPAI H5 (in brackets) that were reported by passive surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts and the number of those species sampled in each Member State Non-MS data included SPECIES AT BE CY CZ DE ES FI FR HU IE IT NL PL PT RO SI SK UK EU Anas platyrhynchos Nycticorax nycticorax 1 Target species indicated with bold text. LPAI H7 was not detected in (2) 1 (1) (2) 2 (1) 98

101 Annex 3 Table 6 Detections of all AI types (in brackets) reported by passive surveillance in TS (in bold) and non-ts and the number of those species sampled in each Member State - Non-MS data included SPECIES AT BE BG CY CZ DE DK EL ES FI FR HU IE IT LT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK UK EU CH Accipiter nisus 20 (9) Anas clypeata 4 Anas crecca 10 3 Anas platyrhynchos Anas sp. 11 (1) Ardea cinerea 1 21 (2) 28 (5) Circus aeruginosus 8 Cygnus olor Cygnus sp. 11 Gallinago gallinago 4 Gallinula chloropus 8 (1) Haematopus ostralegus 2 Larus argentatus Larus argentatus cachinnans Larus canus Larus fuscus 17 (1) 117 (6) 8 (1) 35 (3) Larus marinus 1 Larus ridibundus 5 25 (2) Nycticorax nycticorax 1 Parus sp. Target species indicated with bold text (1) 3 (1) (2) 439 (6) 99 5 (2) 2 (1) 2 (1) 58 (1) 1 (1) (1) (1) 78 (1) (2) (4) 1 1 (1) (2) 42 (1) (1) (1) 25 (1) 8 (1) (9) 6 (1) 31 (2) 785 (14) 110 (2) 86 (5) 24 (1) 330 (3) 130 (1) 6 (1) 28 (1) 7 (2) 207 (6) 33 (3) 22 (1) 46 (3) 9 (1) 126 (3) 2 (1) 5 (4) 3

102 7.2.2 Annex 4 Reported active surveillance data Overview of reported active surveillance During 2012, there was no mandatory requirement for MS to carry out or submit AI surveillance data collected through active surveillance programmes (sampling healthy live or hunted birds). A total of 16 MS voluntarily submitted active surveillance data in 2012, the results of which are presented in the current Annex 4 (section 7.2.2). Additional tables and figures presenting diagnostic results and species data are presented in Annex 5 (section 7.2.3). The data presented in this section of the report may not accurately represent the active surveillance effort carried out across the EU as a whole. The submission of active surveillance data to the European Commission was voluntary in 2012, and other activities may have been carried out but not reported by MS. In total of 14,040 birds were sampled by active surveillance. The Netherlands submitted the largest number of birds tested by active surveillance in 2012 (n=6,883), followed by Belgium (n=3345), Figure 1. In 2012 the Netherlands and Belgium accounted for over two thirds of the total active surveillance data submitted. Annex 4 Figure 1 Total number of birds sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012 by EU Member State 100

103 Geographical targeting of reported active surveillance Annex 4 Figure 2 Map of the intensity of reported sampling by active surveillance across Member States in 2012 The classification of sampling intensity is grouped by number of submissions per 100 square kilometres. Low: >0 and 25, Medium: >25 and 250, High: >250 and 2500, Very High: >

104 Seasonal targeting of reported active surveillance Figure 3 displays the percentage of birds sampled by MSs in each quarter, when considering active surveillance data. For the EU overall (16 submitting MSs), sampling was very evenly spread across the four quarters. For individual MSs, the temporal targeting varied. Some MS carried out all or most of their sampling in the summer (Bulgaria and Malta), whilst others carried out the majority of their sampling in the winter months (Poland and Slovakia). Austria, the Netherlands and Spain all had fairly evenly distributed surveillance programmes throughout the year. Annex 4 Figure 3 Proportion of all birds sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012, by quarter and Member States Raw numbers of birds sampled by quarter and MS are shown in the table below. 102

105 Figure 4 displays the percentage of reported birds that were sampled by active surveillance in each quarter for all participating MS. Annex 4 Figure 4 Proportion of birds sampled by reported active surveillance in each quarter for EU Member States Figure 5 displays the overall number of birds sampled each month by active surveillance throughout Annex 4 Figure 5 Temporal distribution of the total number of birds sampled by reported active surveillance during

106 Bird species sampled by reported active surveillance In total 14,040 birds of at least 17 Orders and 123 species were sampled by active surveillance in Table 1 displays the ten most frequently sampled Orders. The most commonly sampled Order was Anseriformes (ducks, geese and swans), followed by Charadriiformes (gulls and waders) and Falconiformes (raptors). Since 2006, Anseriformes and Charadriiformes have consistently been the most intensively sampled Orders by active surveillance; however 2012 is the first year where Falconiformes were the third most sampled Order. Table 2 displays the top 15 species sampled by active surveillance in 2012 for the submitting MS. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were the most frequently sampled species in 2012 (n=6.957) as in Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) (n=1,173) and Greylag Goose (Anser anser) (n=829) were also sampled in high numbers. Of the 15 most frequently sampled species, 13 were from the Target Species (TS) list. The Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus) and Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) are non-ts. Table 2 also indicates that the top 15 species account for over three quarters of all birds tested in Annex 4 Table 1 Wild bird Orders most frequently sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012 Order Number sampled Anseriformes Charadriiformes 1770 Falconiformes 370 Passeriformes 319 Gruiformes 249 Galliformes 187 Columbiformes 126 Ciconiiformes 101 Strigiformes 59 Pelecaniformes 16 Annex 4 Table 2 Bird species most frequently sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012 Species Number sampled Anas platyrhynchos 6957 Larus ridibundus 1137 Anser anser 829 Branta leucopsis 466 Anser albifrons 439 Anas penelope 389 Aythya fuligula 348 Cygnus olor 314 Branta canadensis 290 Larus melanocephalus 204 Anas crecca 196 Fulica atra 194 Arenaria interpres 164 Branta bernicla 115 Pica pica 110 Target species indicated in bold text. 104

107 Figure 6 displays the proportion of birds target species that were sampled by active surveillance by each MS submitting data in The large majority of non-target species were sampled in very low numbers (87% of all birds sampled were Target Species). Annex 4 Figure 6 Proportion of TS and non-ts sampled by reported active surveillance in 2012, by Member State Raw numbers of birds sampled in each category are shown in the table below. Figure 6 includes birds identified at species level only (figure excludes birds identified to the genus or family level). When considering the EU data combined, 92% of birds reported for active surveillance and identified to species level in 2012 were from the target species list. 105