WOAH reports 2.16 million birds lost to HPAI in May
Europe worst affected as outbreaks spread across seven countries
1 July 2026
1 minute read
By: Highly pathogenic avian influenza caused the death or culling of approximately 2.16 million poultry birds in May 2026, mostly in Europe, according to WOAH's latest situation report.
Fifty-one poultry outbreaks were reported during the month across seven countries: Canada, France, Nepal, the Netherlands, Poland, Senegal and the United States. Europe accounted for 33 of the 51 new outbreaks, with losses there reaching nearly 1.99 million birds.
The current epidemic wave, which began in October 2025, peaked in November 2025 and has since shown a decreasing trend in poultry in the Northern Hemisphere, consistent with known seasonal patterns. Ongoing poultry outbreaks were also reported in France, the Netherlands and Poland during the month.
Argentina, Hungary and Bolivia declared recovery of freedom from HPAI in poultry during May, as did Northern Ireland for a designated zone.
