Serologic Surveillance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Subtype H5 in Wildlife, Northeast Germany, 2023–2025

We tested wild ruminants, boar, and carnivores in northeast Germany for highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5 antibodies. Wild ruminants were seronegative, but 3.5% of boar and 12.5%-21.9% of carnivores were seropositive, indicating frequent spillover. Because such events might accelerate mammalian (and ultimately human) adaptation, sustained monitoring remains essential.