Regional consultation on environmental surveillance for zoonotic influenza in Asia
Hybrid Event, 14/11/2023 - 16/11/2023
In recent years, high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has swept across the globe, with several incursions into new geographic regions such as the Americas. In Asia, several endemic HPAI subtypes circulate in both poultry and wild birds, which can cause significant losses to poultry production systems. In addition, human infections with avian influenza viruses have occurred in Asia, leading to fatal cases on some occasion.
In the past few years, FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the Region of Asia and Pacific (RAP) has conducted regular technical consultations with both human and animal influenza experts to address the challenges posed by emerging and re-emerging zoonotic influenza subtypes in the region, and guide future early warning/early response strategies. This latest consultation builds upon the outputs of previous meetings, bringing experts together to discuss use of environmental sampling for the detection of zoonotic influenzas in Asia, specifically highlighting its benefits, challenges, and operational uses for countries.
View / download the meeting report here.