Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : Given the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) H5N8 in Europe in 2014, the probability of new introductions, circulation and establishment of the virus in Belgium has been evaluated, and the peculiarities of this H5N8 virus compared to other HPAI viruses, including H5N1, have been highlighted. A warning system based on a routine analysis of the epidemiological situation along the migration routes of wild birds towards Belgium is proposed. This alert system should make it possible to define a level of "risk" of introduction of HPAI viruses in Belgium via wild bird migration at all times in a sustainable manner. A distinction is made between three "risk" levels: basic vigilance, increase alertness and increased risk. In order to be proactive in taking preventive measures to prevent the introduction of HPAI viruses in holdings, specific biosecurity measure were associated with these different "risk" levels. As the H5N8 virus is less pathogenic for wild birds than the H5N1 virus, the probability of circulation and of establishment of the H5N8 virus in the wild fauna in Belgium is believed to be higher. The H5N8 virus is a reassortant sharing many genes with the H5N1 virus and has been circulating enzootically in South-east Asia and some other parts of the world (Egypt, Bangladesh ...) for over 10 years. As long as this situation persists, the "risk" of introduction of HPAI viruses, possibly with modified properties, by wild birds in Europe will remain. Therefore, surveillance in wild birds appears more than ever necessary for the early detection of HPAI viruses.

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