New report on the surveillance of zoonoses of avian origin in Luxembourg

LIH and ALVA publish status report on surveillance of avian influenza, Newcastle disease, West Nile, and Usutu viruses

• Department of Infection and Immunity
• Clinical and Applied Virology
• OH4Surveillance

The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), in collaboration with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (Administration luxembourgeoise vétérinaire et alimentaire – ALVA), has released a new report on avian disease surveillance in Luxembourg in 2025, showcasing its long-standing scientific contribution to national and European monitoring efforts.

The first edition of the report is the result of nearly 20 years of collaboration between the LIH Clinical & Applied Virology group of the Department of Infection and Immunity (DII) and the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA). The present report presents the epidemiological context, surveillance methods, and annual findings related to four zoonotic pathogens of avian origin, namely avian influenza, Newcastle disease, West Nile, and Usutu viruses. It highlights how the Clinical & Applied Virology group’s combined strengths in infectious disease diagnostics, epidemiology, and cross-sector research under a One Health approach support early detection of emerging threats, identification of introduction and transmission routes and help reduce potential impacts on livestock, wildlife, and human health.

Through this report, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing national surveillance programs and strengthening national and European preparedness for emerging infectious disease risks

says Dr Chantal Snoeck, scientist within the Clinical & Applied Virology group and author of the report.

These activities are currently funded through a multiannual convention between LIH and ALVA. Ad-hoc activities benefit from co-financing from the European Union under the OneHealth4Surveillance project (2024-2026) and the LIH. The surveillance programmes are further reinforced by a broad network of partners, including the Centre de Soins pour la faune sauvage from Natür&Emwelt, the Nature and Forest Agency, Fédération St-Hubert des Chasseurs, Parc Merveilleux, and the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps.

The full report can be accessed here.