Zoonotic influenza - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2020

No human cases of avian influenza were reported in the EU/EEA for 2020. Sporadic human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1), A(H5N6, A(H5N8) and A(H9N2) infection were reported. In 2020, outbreaks and detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses, mainly A(H5) of clade 2.3.4.4, continued to affect poultry, wild and captured birds worldwide. Influenza virus A(H1N1)v, A(H1N2)v and A(H3N2)v of swine origin caused sporadic human cases in Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, the Netherland, and the United States. Slightly more human cases were identified, probably due to greater awareness, combined with more targeted testing in those with respiratory symptoms during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.