We sought to better understand national approaches for managing potential human health risks during outbreaks of infection with avian influenza A(H5N8) virus during 2016-17. Twenty-three countries in the Union/European Economic Area and Israel participated in this study. Risk to the general public was assessed as low in 18 countries and medium in 1 country. Of 524 exposed persons identified, 274 were passively monitored and 250 were actively monitored. Of 29 persons tested, all were negative for H5N8 virus. Vaccination and antiviral drug recommendations varied across countries. A high level of personal protection was recommended although a low risk was assessed. No transmission of this virus to humans was identified.
Keywords: Europe; European Economic Area; European Union; H5N8 subtype; Israel; antiviral prophylaxis; avian influenza; birds; countries; influenza; influenza virus; occupational safety; public health protection measures; respiratory infections; vaccination; viruses; zoonoses.