Avian Influenza Spreads Beyond Birds: WHO, FAO, and WOAH Collaborate on Risk Assessment and EPI-WIN Webinar to Address Public Health Threat

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been a major public health concern since its emergence in 2020. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade of viruses emerged from previously circulating influenza A(H5Nx) viruses, causing unprecedented numbers of deaths in wild birds and domestic poultry. This virus has now been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle, raising widespread concern.

In response to this threat, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) collaborated to publish a joint risk assessment on April 24th, 2024. This assessment aimed to address the situation and provide guidance on how to prevent the spread of the virus.

The EPI-WIN webinar scheduled for May 1st, 2024 will focus on explaining the public health risks associated with the recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle. The agenda for the webinar includes a list of speakers and panelists who are experts in the field of global health and influenza research. Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Head of Global Influenza Programme at WHO, will moderate the webinar with opening remarks from Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness at WHO.

Speakers at the webinar will include Dr. Aspen Hammond and Dr. Moez Sanaa from GIP along with a panel of experts such as Dr Charles Todd Davis from CDC, Dr Magdi Samaan from WHO, Dr David Swayne and Dr Mia Torchetti from USDA and Dr Richard Webby from St Jude Children’s Hospital . Participants can register for the webinar by clicking on the provided link and will have the opportunity to submit questions during session using Zoom’s “Q&A” feature or alternatively questions can be sent in advance to epi-win@who.int .