FAO Calls for Immediate Action as New Avian Influenza Variants Threaten Asia-Pacific
Source: The DairyNews
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued an urgent call for regional efforts to address the increasing incidence of avian influenza across the Asia-Pacific region. This appeal follows a consultation with regional experts in Bangkok, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Recent developments are cause for concern. After a period of minimal human infection, 13 new cases have emerged in Cambodia, with additional cases reported in China and Viet Nam since late 2023. The situation is further complicated by the emergence of a new variant of avian influenza, posing fresh challenges for scientists, public health authorities, clinicians, and communities.
Globally, the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has spread more widely than ever before, reaching South America and Antarctica. It has also begun infecting new wild and domestic animals, including scavenger species, marine mammals, carnivorous domestic pets, fur-farmed mammals, and recently, farmed ruminants such as dairy cattle.
The Greater Mekong Subregion, Indonesia, and the Philippines are under heightened scrutiny due to their diverse ecological landscapes and limited biosecurity measures, although other regions are also at risk. Thailand and Myanmar have not reported outbreaks in years, while India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are currently battling avian influenza outbreaks.
"The recent surge in avian influenza outbreaks is deeply concerning," stated Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD). "Since late 2023, we have observed a rise in human cases and the virus spreading to new animal species. The emergence of novel A/H5N1 strains, which are more easily transmissible, increases the pandemic threat. Immediate, coordinated preventive measures are essential."
Critical Actions for Member Nations
FAO emphasizes the urgency of a unified response. Member Nations must collaborate to implement comprehensive surveillance systems, including full genome sequencing, to monitor the novel virus's spread and evolution. Building capacity for rapid diagnostics and bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing virus data. Enhanced cross-sectoral data sharing is vital for a holistic approach to disease management.
Governments, international organizations, and the private sector must work together and share information transparently and promptly to develop effective containment strategies. Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures in the poultry industry is imperative, including vaccination strategies and promoting good farming practices. Raising awareness among health providers and the public is essential to reduce the risk of transmission from sick or dead poultry to humans and ensure timely treatment for those with symptoms.
With USAID's support, FAO is working with 13 Member Nations and partners in Asia and the Pacific to strengthen animal health and One Health capacities, aiming to enhance prevention, detection, and response to health threats at the human-animal-environmental interface.
Globally, the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has spread more widely than ever before, reaching South America and Antarctica. It has also begun infecting new wild and domestic animals, including scavenger species, marine mammals, carnivorous domestic pets, fur-farmed mammals, and recently, farmed ruminants such as dairy cattle.
The Greater Mekong Subregion, Indonesia, and the Philippines are under heightened scrutiny due to their diverse ecological landscapes and limited biosecurity measures, although other regions are also at risk. Thailand and Myanmar have not reported outbreaks in years, while India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are currently battling avian influenza outbreaks.
"The recent surge in avian influenza outbreaks is deeply concerning," stated Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD). "Since late 2023, we have observed a rise in human cases and the virus spreading to new animal species. The emergence of novel A/H5N1 strains, which are more easily transmissible, increases the pandemic threat. Immediate, coordinated preventive measures are essential."
Critical Actions for Member Nations
FAO emphasizes the urgency of a unified response. Member Nations must collaborate to implement comprehensive surveillance systems, including full genome sequencing, to monitor the novel virus's spread and evolution. Building capacity for rapid diagnostics and bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing virus data. Enhanced cross-sectoral data sharing is vital for a holistic approach to disease management.
Governments, international organizations, and the private sector must work together and share information transparently and promptly to develop effective containment strategies. Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures in the poultry industry is imperative, including vaccination strategies and promoting good farming practices. Raising awareness among health providers and the public is essential to reduce the risk of transmission from sick or dead poultry to humans and ensure timely treatment for those with symptoms.
With USAID's support, FAO is working with 13 Member Nations and partners in Asia and the Pacific to strengthen animal health and One Health capacities, aiming to enhance prevention, detection, and response to health threats at the human-animal-environmental interface.
