Sentinel Wild Birds

​Enhancing Avian Influenza preparedness in Europe

The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Biological Hazards & Animal Health and Welfare (BIOHAW) Unit continuously collects data from European countries regarding detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in both domestic and wild birds, as well as in mammals. To enhance preparedness for HPAI in Europe, EFSA has initiated activities aimed at establishing early warning systems, expanding knowledge of circulating avian influenza viruses, and addressing current research gaps.

SENTINEL Wild Birds builds up on an EFSA call (“EUBA-EFSA-2023-BIOHAW-06: Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe”), in the context of which grants were awarded to 7 surveillance nodes in Europe and at its borders to conduct activities between 2024 and 2027 (read more under “About the project”).

The objectives of this project are to establish a network of surveillance nodes across Europe, build long-term capacities and partnerships for active HPAI surveillance in wild birds, complement existing and planned surveillance activities, enable rapid detection and identification of avian influenza viruses, and enhance understanding of the genetic diversity of avian influenza viruses circulating in Europe.

SENTINEL Wild Birds therefore stands for:
Surveillance Enhancement: Reflects the project's focus on improving surveillance methods for avian influenza.
Network: Highlights the establishment of a collaborative network across Europe.
Timely Influenza Notification: Emphasizes the early warning aspect of the system, crucial for preparedness and rapid response.
Early Learning: Captures the educational and research components aimed at understanding virus diversity and circulation patterns.

This website serves to continuously disseminate the results of the project.