Constanze 2 - Active surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds at Lake Constance

Summary

The Constanze 2 project is actively monitoring highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, bird flu) in wild birds. This will create the basis for rapid detection and identification of avian influenza viruses.

project description

Constanze 2 is an EFSA-funded project that investigates the benefits of active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Europe. The aim of the project is to improve early warning systems and expand knowledge about circulating HPAI viruses.

As part of the overarching EFSA project, nine geographical regions in Europe were selected in which active surveillance of wild birds is being tested. Constanze 2 is one of these nine regional projects and focuses on Lake Constance. In this region, institutions from Germany, Switzerland and Austria are working together to carry out comprehensive HPAI surveillance in wild birds.

Surveillance at Lake Constance includes sampling various wild bird species, both live-captured and hunted animals, as well as collecting environmental samples from breeding colonies and bird gathering sites (such as faeces, feathers, shells and targeted water samples). These measures are designed to enable rapid detection and precise identification of HPAI viruses and to ensure that surveillance results are available in near real time.

A particular focus is on the examination of swans during their moulting period. During this phase, the birds change their plumage and are unable to fly. The swans are caught quickly and without injury by hand. This is safe for the birds and makes the examination particularly gentle and secure.

How does the examination work?

 

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The swans are examined individually by a vet, given a ring for later identification, and their location is recorded.
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Blood and swab samples are taken.
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The animals are released back into their habitat as quickly as possible and in good health.

All information about the study can also be found in our information sheet

 

The objectives of the EFSA project are:

  • Establishment of a network of surveillance hubs across Europe
  • To build long-term capacity and partnerships for the active surveillance of HPAI viruses in wild birds
  • To complement existing or planned surveillance measures
  • To create a basis for the rapid detection and identification of HPAI viruses
  • To obtain a more complete picture of the HPAI viruses circulating in Europe

Benefits of the project

This project will make an important contribution to improving HPAI surveillance in Europe, enabling early detection and control of outbreaks.

Project details

Project title: Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe

Project acronym: Constanze 2

Project leader: AGES, Dr Elena Lucia Sassu

Project partner: Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute

Subcontractors: Switzerland: Institute of Virology and Immunology and National Reference Centre for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases; Austria: Verein für die Betreuung des Naturschutzgebietes Rheindelta and Amt der Vorarlberger Landesregierung; Germany: Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour (MPI of Animal Behaviour)

Funding: EUBA-EFSA-2023-BIOHAW-06; Call title: Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe.

Project duration: 06.2024 - 05.2027

Last updated: 09.03.2026

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