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First case of avian flu detected in a fox in Luxembourg
It is very likely that the infection resulted from ingesting an infected bird
20.05.2026
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) reports that a fox has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1).
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects wild and domestic birds. However, in rare cases, the virus can evolve and acquire mutations that allow it to infect certain mammals.
In recent years, the H5N1 virus has spread widely, not only among birds, but also sporadically among some mammals, particularly in Europe and also globally.
Since 2022, ALVA, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), has implemented surveillance of mammals that prey on birds in order to monitor the evolution of the virus and to detect early any possible cases in other species.
Indeed, since autumn 2025 and spring 2026, numerous cases of avian influenza have been detected in neighboring countries and also in Luxembourg, indicating that the virus was actively circulating among wild bird populations at that time.
Regarding the case of the fox in question, it is very likely that the infection resulted from the ingestion of a contaminated bird.
Finally, it should be stressed that the risk posed by avian influenza (H5N1) viruses currently circulating in Europe remains low for the human population and low to moderate for people exposed to infected animals or contaminated environments.
More information is available in the report " Surveillance of avian diseases in Luxembourg ".
Last modified on 21.05.2026
https://agriculture.public.lu/de/aktuelles/2026/mai/premier-cas-grippe-aviaire-renard.html
First case of avian flu detected in a fox in Luxembourg
It is very likely that the infection resulted from ingesting an infected bird
20.05.2026
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) reports that a fox has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1).
Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects wild and domestic birds. However, in rare cases, the virus can evolve and acquire mutations that allow it to infect certain mammals.
In recent years, the H5N1 virus has spread widely, not only among birds, but also sporadically among some mammals, particularly in Europe and also globally.
Since 2022, ALVA, in collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), has implemented surveillance of mammals that prey on birds in order to monitor the evolution of the virus and to detect early any possible cases in other species.
Indeed, since autumn 2025 and spring 2026, numerous cases of avian influenza have been detected in neighboring countries and also in Luxembourg, indicating that the virus was actively circulating among wild bird populations at that time.
Regarding the case of the fox in question, it is very likely that the infection resulted from the ingestion of a contaminated bird.
Finally, it should be stressed that the risk posed by avian influenza (H5N1) viruses currently circulating in Europe remains low for the human population and low to moderate for people exposed to infected animals or contaminated environments.
More information is available in the report " Surveillance of avian diseases in Luxembourg ".
Last modified on 21.05.2026
https://agriculture.public.lu/de/aktuelles/2026/mai/premier-cas-grippe-aviaire-renard.html