EFSA: introduction of bird flu from US dairy cattle to Europe very unlikely, but vigilance urged

Possible mitigation measures for animal health

As requested by the European Commission, EFSA focussed on the risk of infection of EU dairy cattle and poultry with the specific H5N1 genotype virus that is circulating in US dairy cattle and outlined possible mitigating measures to prevent its introduction and spread in Europe. These may include certain trade restrictions from affected regions and thoroughly cleaning milking equipment. In the event of an outbreak, coordinated action in both poultry and dairy cows is advised, to reduce the overall impact. 

To prevent the spread, experts recommend restricting cattle movement in affected areas, avoiding the exchange of workers, vehicles and equipment between farms, and enforcing strict biosecurity. These measures will also help contain other HPAI strains already present in Europe.

Milk and milk products

EFSA’s assessment also examines the potential for the virus to be transmitted through food. The primary route of consumer exposure Concentration or amount of a particular substance that is taken in by an individual, population or ecosystem in a specific frequency over a certain amount of time to the virus would be through drinking raw milk, raw colostrum, or raw milk cream. However, experts emphasise that thermal treatment such as pasteurisation is highly effective at reducing the virus in milk and milk products. Importantly, there have been no reported cases of foodborne human infection with this specific genotype to date.

EFSA’s latest opinion follows a scientific report published in July 2025 that analyses the situation in the US and tracks the possible routes of spread of the virus.