Between 16 August and 15 November2018, 14highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) outbreaks in poultry establishments in Bulgariaand sevenHPAI A(H5N6) outbreaks, one in captive birds in Germany and six in wild birds in Denmark and the Netherlands were reported in the European Union (EU). No human infection due toHPAI A(H5N8) and A(H5N6) viruses have been reported in Europe so far.Seroconversion of people exposed during outbreaks in Russiahas been reported in one study. Althoughthe risk of zoonotic transmission to the general public in Europe is considered to be very low, appropriate personal protection measuresof people exposed will reduce any potential risk.Genetic clustering of the viruses isolated from poultry in Bulgaria suggests three separate introductionsin 2016 and a continuing circulation and transmission of these viruses within domestic ducks. Recent data from Bulgaria provides further indication that the sensitivity of passive surveillance of HPAI A(H5N8) in domestic ducks may be significantly compromised. Increased vigilance is needed especially during the periods of cold spells in winter when aggregations of wild birds and their movements towards areas with more favo urable weather conditionsmay be encouraged .Two HPAI outbreaks in poultry were reported during this period from western Russia. Low numbersof HPAIoutbreaks were observed in AfricaandAsia, no HPAI cases were detected in wild birds in the time period relevant for this report. Althougha few HPAIoutbreaks were reported in AfricaandAsia during the reporting period, the probability of HPAIvirus introductions from non-EU countries via wild birds particularly via the north-eastern route from Russia is increasing, as the fall migration of wild birds from breeding and moulting sites to the wintering sites continues. Furthermore, the lower temperatures and ultraviolet radiation in winter can facilitate the environmental survival of any potential AIviruses introduced to Europe