Luxembourg Confirms 18 New H5N1 Bird Flu Cases in Wild Birds, Heightens Alert

Increased Vigilance and Confirmed Cases

Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture announced on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the detection of new cases of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, among wild birds in the Grand Duchy. A total of 18 confirmed cases have been recorded, primarily affecting herons and cranes.

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) has reviewed the evolving situation and subsequently raised the risk level for the introduction of the disease into domestic poultry farms to 'high'. This resurgence of the H5N1 virus has prompted a renewed call for vigilance from authorities.

Strict Preventive Measures Implemented

In response to the heightened risk, ALVA has strengthened and reiterated a series of preventive measures, many of which were initially introduced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. These measures are crucial to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus from wild birds to domestic flocks.

• Mandatory Confinement: All poultry and captive birds must be kept in enclosed premises.
• Indoor Feeding: Feeding and watering must take place indoors or in a manner that prevents any contact with wild birds.
• Restricted Outdoor Access: Poultry may only access outdoor areas if these are protected by netting to avoid contact with wild birds, and such access should be kept to a minimum.
• Biosecurity: Strict biosecurity rules must be observed by all poultry owners and staff.
• Reporting: Any unusual poultry mortality, symptoms suggestive of bird flu, or changes in production parameters (e.g., reduced feed/water consumption, decreased egg production) must be reported immediately to a veterinarian.
• Public Reporting: Members of the public are advised to report any discoveries of dead wild birds to ALVA without delay.
• Event Prohibition: All exhibitions, fairs, and markets involving poultry or captive birds are prohibited until further notice.

Public Health and Food Safety Assurances

ALVA has emphasized that avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting almost all bird species. While the virus can, in exceptional cases, infect mammals, including those that consume infected birds, contamination in humans remains rare. Experts confirm that human infection with avian influenza is extremely rare, and there has been no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Furthermore, authorities have reassured the public that avian influenza does not pose a public health risk through the consumption of eggs or poultry meat, provided these products are properly cooked.