#19,091
Yesterday OFFLU - the WOAH/FAO joint network of expertise on avian influenza - published a paper from some of the most recognizable names in influenza research, that offers practical steps for combating the growing threat from HPAI H5Nx.
In a nutshell, the authors posit that we can no longer afford to think of HPAI H5Nx as simply an avian or poultry-centric disease. Its epidemiology has changed in recent years to permit sustained, year-round carriage in aquatic birds, and increased spillover to multiple mammals species.
They argue that surveillance and reporting systems must be adapted to protect animal and human health. They warn that `. . . dedicated HPAI surveillance strategies targeting wild and domestic mammals are largely absent in most countries.'
They also find the most critical surveillance gap is among farmed mammals, a topic we've covered often (see OFFLU Guidelines for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus Risk Mitigation in Cattle).
- Mammals housed in groups (livestock, fur farms, zoos, catteries)
- Companion animals (cats, dogs, etc.)
- Free‑ranging mammals (wild and feral)
- Humans with relevant exposures.
This document was developed by OFFLU, the Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza established by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its Wildlife and Avian Technical Activities.
Authors and Affiliations Lineke Begeman* 1,2, Fabien Filaire* 1,2, Lorcan Carnegie1 , Martin Beer3 , Francesco Bonfante4 , Nicola Lewis5,6, Guillaume Fournie6,7,8 , Erik A Karlsson9 (OFFLU Vice-Chair), Marcela Uhart10 (OFFLU Chair), Ron Fouchier2 , Thijs Kuiken2 (*contributed equally).
