LIH Releases Comprehensive Review of Avian Influenza, West Nile, and Usutu Monitoring in 2025

LIH Releases Comprehensive Review of Avian Influenza, West Nile, and Usutu Monitoring in 2025

(IN BRIEF) The Luxembourg Institute of Health, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration, has released its first comprehensive status report on avian disease surveillance in 2025, covering avian influenza, Newcastle disease, West Nile, and Usutu viruses. The publication reflects nearly 20 years of joint work between LIH’s Clinical & Applied Virology group and ALVA and highlights how integrated diagnostics, epidemiology, and One Health research support early detection of emerging threats and the identification of transmission pathways to protect livestock, wildlife, and human health. Funded through a multiannual LIH–ALVA agreement and supported by the EU’s OneHealth4Surveillance project, the surveillance programme relies on a broad network of national partners and reinforces Luxembourg’s preparedness for futuretransmission risks at both national and European levels.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 7-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), in partnership with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), has published a comprehensive status report detailing the surveillance of key avian-borne diseases in Luxembourg throughout 2025, reaffirming its central role in national and European animal and public health monitoring. The report consolidates nearly two decades of collaborative work between LIH’s Clinical & Applied Virology group and ALVA, demonstrating the country’s sustained commitment to early detection and preparedness against emerging infectious threats.

The newly released report provides an in-depth overview of the epidemiological landscape, surveillance strategies, and annual findings related to four major zoonotic pathogens of avian origin: avian influenza, Newcastle disease, West Nile virus, and Usutu virus. It outlines how integrated monitoring efforts contribute to a clearer understanding of disease circulation in wildlife and domestic birds, while also supporting broader public health risk assessment.

By combining advanced diagnostic capabilities, epidemiological expertise, and cross-sectoral research, the Clinical & Applied Virology group applies a One Health approach that bridges human, animal, and environmental health. This multidisciplinary framework strengthens Luxembourg’s ability to detect emerging pathogens at an early stage, trace potential introduction pathways, and mitigate risks to livestock, wildlife, and human populations.

Dr. Chantal Snoeck, scientist within the Clinical & Applied Virology group and lead author of the report, emphasized that the publication reflects LIH’s ongoing dedication to enhancing national surveillance systems and reinforcing preparedness at both national and European levels. She highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and data sharing in addressing evolving infectious disease challenges.

The surveillance activities described in the report are supported by a multiannual funding agreement between LIH and ALVA, ensuring long-term continuity of monitoring efforts. Additional project-based contributions are co-financed by the European Union through the OneHealth4Surveillance initiative (2024–2026), alongside institutional support from LIH.

The effectiveness of these programmes is further strengthened through cooperation with an extensive network of partners, including the Centre de Soins pour la faune sauvage of Natür&Emwelt, the Nature and Forest Agency, the Fédération St-Hubert des Chasseurs, Parc Merveilleux, and the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps. These organisations play a vital role in field surveillance, sample collection, and wildlife health management.

The full report is available for public consultation and provides detailed insights into Luxembourg’s integrated approach to avian disease monitoring and One Health surveillance.

The full report can be accessed here.

Media Contact:

Chantal Snoeck
Scientist, Clinical & Applied Virology
Tel. : +352 26 970 893

SOURCE: Luxembourg Institute of Health