With avian influenza flaring up again in Europe in November 2021, researchers are stepping up their efforts to track the disease spread in wild birds. By collecting tracheal swabs and blood samples of live birds and by performing necropsies on dead birds found, the aim is to get a better picture of how bird flu spreads in the wild. This doesn’t prevent introductions into commercial flocks but does act as an early warning sign. As a consequence, both the British and Dutch governments have reiterated the need for heightened biosecurity meas- ures and hygiene awareness in and around poultry farms. Actual outbreaks were accompa- nied by mandatory housing orders and measures to eradicate diseased premises.
