Regional Technical Consultation on Reassortant Avian Influenza in Southeast Asia

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is a biodiversity hotspot with dense human and poultry populations, alongside traditions such as live bird markets that create a conducive environment for the evolution and spread of influenza viruses. This region's complex ecological landscape, characterised by extensive river systems, wetlands, and migratory bird routes, coupled with small-scale poultry farming practices, and limited biosecurity measures, has historically been a breeding ground for avian influenza viruses. Since the early 2000s, the GMS has experienced several outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A/H5Nx, which have had significant impacts on public health, poultry production, and the economy. A novel reassortant A/H5N1 virus detected in the region signals a critical juncture in the ongoing fight against avian influenza and highlighting the need for a recalibrated, unified approach to surveillance, risk assessment, and response strategies.

In addition to the challenges faced in the GMS, other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines have also been battling the spread of avian influenza. In Indonesia, some A/H5N1 viruses have molecular markers associated with adaptations to mammalian hosts, raising concerns about zoonotic potential. The Philippines has experienced significant outbreaks, including the A/H5N6 in 2017 and A/H5N1 in 2023, which resulted in substantial poultry losses and raised public health alarms. The continued circulation of endemic lineages and emergence of novel avian viruses across Southeast Asia highlights the critical importance of collaboration and communication among all stakeholders in effectively managing this public health threat. Seamless information sharing between the ministries of health, agriculture, and environment within and between neighbouring countries is paramount for a swift and coordinated response. Engaging with key international partners, such as the Quadripartite Members (FAO, WOAH, WHO, UNEP), is equally vital in leveraging global expertise and resources. 

Open communication channels must be established and maintained with non-governmental organizations, the poultry industry, and the general public to ensure transparency, build trust, and facilitate the implementation of control measures. Sharing information on the virus's spread, genetic characteristics, and potential risks through regular updates and accessible platforms will help raise awareness and promote compliance with recommended actions. Collaboration with academic and research institutions is essential for advancing our understanding of the virus and developing evidence based strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the Region of Asia and the Pacific (RAP), in collaboration with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), will organize a regional expert consultation to tackle the challenges posed by reassortant strains of HPAI in the region. Funding for this consultation will be provided by the OSRO-RAS-409-USA project.

Objectives

The objectives of the meeting are to:

1. Share and discuss the latest developments concerning HPAI A/H5Nx, including its detection, spread, and genetic analysis within Southeast Asia.
2. Identify current surveillance limitations and propose strategies for the augmented detection of the virus.
3. Review the efficacy of existing control measures and explore additional, innovative strategies to limit the virus's spread.
4. Perform a regional joint risk assessment on the risk of further emergency and spread of novel influenza viruses in animal populations and potential cross-over to humans.
5. Improve information sharing protocols between regional countries and with international partners for a timely and coordinated response.

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