The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Animal Health Organization (WOAH) have introduced a new decade-old strategy aimed at preventing and controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Global Strategies for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (2024–2033) replaces the 2008 framework and establishes a new course of global efforts to control this infectious disease. Masu.
Understanding highly pathogenic avian influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a severe and highly contagious disease that affects domestic and wild birds, especially poultry.
This is caused by a specific subtype of influenza A virus. Most notably, but not all, are viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes. Although these subtypes are commonly associated with HPAI, it is important to understand that not all H5 and H7 viruses are highly pathogenic.
The “high pathogenic” designation depends on the specific genetic characteristics of the virus. HPAI leads to high mortality rates for infected birds, resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to the significant costs associated with bird deaths, trade restrictions and disease control measures.
Although rare, some HPAI strains may also be zoonotic. This means that it can and can infect humans, but it raises concerns about the pandemic. Human infectious diseases are rare, but can be serious.
Effective control and monitoring of HPAI is essential to mitigate its impact on food security, public health and biodiversity.
A comprehensive approach to disease management
The latest strategies developed under the global framework for progressive control of cross-border animal diseases (GF-TADS) employ a system-based approach to managing HPAI.
It focuses not only on preventing the outbreak of poultry within the population, but also considers the impact of disease on food security, environmental sustainability and global public health.
The comprehensive goal of the strategy is to establish effective prevention and control measures throughout the poultry industry, protecting human health while protecting livestock, wildlife and ecosystems.
By collaborating with global efforts to create a more sustainable agricultural food system, this initiative aims to reduce the risk of widespread outbreaks and associated consequences.
Key Strategy Priorities
To address the persistent threat of HPAI, the new strategy outlines five key focus areas:
Enhanced biosecurity measurements – Strengthen disease prevention tactics to limit the severity of virus transmission and outbreak. Advanced Surveillance System – Improved detection and surveillance of H5NX Goose/Guangdong (GS/GD) strains helps track diseases more efficiently. Resilient poultry production – promotes sustainable transformation in poultry farming and withstands disease pressure. One Health Approach – fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, environmental and public health professionals. Stakeholder Engagement – Mobilize public and private sector cooperation to ensure a unified and global response.
Government, international organizations, and industry stakeholders will be encouraged to commit to these goals, ensuring the success of their strategy over the next decade.
A webinar that emphasizes strategy
To formally present the strategy and encourage global participation, FAO and WOAH will hold a technical webinar for 13:00-14:30 CET on 3 March 2025.
This virtual event provides a platform for policymakers, experts and industry leaders to discuss implementation plans and best practices.
The webinar is as follows:
Present your strategy vision, goals and recommendations. It highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration and one health approach. Securing from stakeholders to promote successful implementation.
Simultaneous interpretations will be available in English, French and Spanish to promote global engagement.
A united effort towards HPAI
As HPAI continues to pose significant risks around the world, FAO and WOAH highlight the need for global cooperation.
By actively supporting this strategy, national and industry leaders will contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable poultry sector, and ultimately, avian influenza will be able to help with economic, food supply chains, and humans. can contribute to mitigating the catastrophic effects on health.
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