Drivers for a pandemic due to avian influenza and options for One Health mitigation measures

© 2024 European Food Safety Authority, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. EFSA Journal published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of European Food Safety Authority..

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) remain prevalent among wild bird populations in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA), leading to significant illness in and death of birds. Transmission between bird and mammal species has been observed, particularly in fur animal farms, where outbreaks have been reported. While transmission from infected birds to humans is rare, there have been instances of exposure to these viruses since 2020 without any symptomatic infections reported in the EU/EEA. However, these viruses continue to evolve globally, and with the migration of wild birds, new strains carrying potential mutations for mammalian adaptation could be selected. If avian A(H5N1) influenza viruses acquire the ability to spread efficiently among humans, large-scale transmission could occur due to the lack of immune defences against H5 viruses in humans. The emergence of AIV capable of infecting mammals, including humans, can be facilitated by various drivers. Some intrinsic drivers are related to virus characteristics or host susceptibility. Other drivers are extrinsic and may increase exposure of mammals and humans to AIV thereby stimulating mutation and adaptation to mammals. Extrinsic drivers include the ecology of host species, such as including wildlife, human activities like farming practices and the use of natural resources, climatic and environmental factors. One Health measures to mitigate the risk of AIV adapting to mammals and humans focus on limiting exposure and preventing spread. Key options for actions include enhancing surveillance targeting humans and animals, ensuring access to rapid diagnostics, promoting collaboration between animal and human sectors, and implementing preventive measures such as vaccination. Effective communication to different involved target audiences should be emphasised, as well as strengthening veterinary infrastructure, enforcing biosecurity measures at farms, and reducing wildlife contact with domestic animals. Careful planning of poultry and fur animal farming, especially in areas with high waterfowl density, is highlighted for effective risk reduction.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:22

Enthalten in:

EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority - 22(2024), 4 vom: 26. Apr., Seite e8735

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [VerfasserIn]
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) [VerfasserIn]
Adlhoch, Cornelia [VerfasserIn]
Alm, Erik [VerfasserIn]
Enkirch, Theresa [VerfasserIn]
Lamb, Favelle [VerfasserIn]
Melidou, Angeliki [VerfasserIn]
Willgert, Katriina [VerfasserIn]
Marangon, Stefano [VerfasserIn]
Monne, Isabella [VerfasserIn]
Stegeman, Jan Arend [VerfasserIn]
Delacourt, Roxane [VerfasserIn]
Baldinelli, Francesca [VerfasserIn]
Broglia, Alessandro [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Highly pathogenic avian influenza
Humans
Journal Article
Mammals
Pandemics
Poultry
Zoonotic virus

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 06.04.2024

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8735

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM370659570