#18,423
Yesterday they FAO/WHO/WOAH released an updated assessment of the threat posed by HPAI H5, and while they currently gauge the public health impact of such infections globally as minor, they warn that their assessment could change if and when additional epidemiological or virological information becomes available.It should be noted that this assessment is based on information received as of March 1st, 2025 from member nations, which may or may not be complete or up to date (see WHO Guidance: Surveillance for Human Infections with Avian Influenza A(H5) Viruses), and does not include:
- The first report of UK Livestock infected with H5N1 (sheep)
- Mexico's first human H5N1 infection
- The first U.S. report of a human infection from genotype D1.3
This document, nevertheless, provides an excellent overview of our current understanding of the spread and impact of HPAI H5 in North America, and around the globe. Due to its length (14 pages) I've just posted the link and Key Points.
Follow the link to read it in its entirety.
Updated joint FAO/WHO/WOAH public health assessment of recent influenza A(H5) virus events in animals and people
Assessment based on data as of 1 March 2025
17 April 2025
Key points
At the present time, based on available information, FAO-WHO-WOAH assess the global public health risk of influenza A(H5) viruses to be low, while the risk of infection for occupationally exposed persons is low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation measures in place and the local avian influenza epidemiological situation. Transmission between animals continues to occur and, to date, a growing yet still limited number of human infections are being reported. Although additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are expected to occur, the overall public health impact of such infections at a global level, at the present time, is considered minor. The assessment could change if and when additional epidemiological or virological information becomes available.
This risk assessment from FAO, WHO and WOAH updates the assessment of the risk of zoonotic transmission (for example, animal to human) considering additional information made available since the previous assessment from 20 December 2024. This update is limited to the inclusion of additional information being made available globally. Due to the potential risk to human health and the far-reaching implications of the disease on the health of wild birds, poultry, livestock and other animal populations, the use of a One Health approach is essential to tackle avian influenza effectively, to monitor and characterize virus circulation, to prevent transmission within species and to new species to reduce spread among animals, and to prevent human infections from exposure to animals.
