The FAO Response: Situation of HPAI and emerging lessons

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) will not be eradicated in the short term. However, it can certainly be eliminated from the poultry sector if husbandry and marketing practices are significantly improved and the regulatory authorities take necessary measures to improve animal health and secure livelihoods. Governments need to create an enabling policy environment in which the private sector is encouraged to adopt better production and market standards.

So far, a new human influenza pandemic has not occurred, yet the possibility of it emerging remains a constant threat. Continued vigilance is thus required through continued public information and communication interventions; reinforcement of early reporting and inspection systems; ensuring good laboratory diagnostic structures and capacities, as well as ensuring that an immediate and effective response is rolled-out immediately in case a human influenza pandemic were to emerge. So far the World Health Organization (WHO) has not elevated the risk level and of the more than 65 countries that have reported H5N1 infection in poultry since 2004, active virus transmission, in poultry, remains only in 10 - 11 countries, including two heavily infected countries — Indonesia and Egypt. Great progress has been achieved in improving rapid detection and response measures. Preparedness and prevention are key ingredients for success in preventing and controlling HPAI, as is information-sharing and communication.

Strong surveillance is particularly required in high-risk areas. Intensive and focused surveillance is essential in areas with high poultry density (especially those with a large duck population); opportunities for frequent interaction between wild birds and poultry production units; and crossborder trade (where one area is or was affected by H5N1). Clinical disease and agent characterisation, i.e. tests that can identify the presence of virus, isolate the virus and characterise it, is fundamental. On the other hand, taking blood samples for determination of antibody response is of limited value for disease surveillance.

Countries have taken different approaches to disease control. Responses range from massive surveillance without vaccination and quick culling when disease is found, to wide-spread vaccination and extensive monitoring of markets. Successful plans have been those where there has been strong political commitment from the highest level of government and a superior level of professionalism throughout the ranks of the integrated animal health systems. A key factor for success is the direct line of command from the Chief Veterinary Officer to those in charge of field animal health operations, laboratory information flow, surveillance data, and the interface with other Ministries responsible for health, public works, security, and the like.

Improvement of public-private partnerships is indispensable since the private producers, traders and other stakeholders are at the forefront for surveillance, reporting, prevention and control of diseases.