BANGKOK: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Thursday made an urgent call for regional action to combat escalating cases of avian influenza across the Asia-Pacific region.
This urgent appeal follows consultations among regional experts in Bangkok, supported by USAID and the CDC, stated a press release issued on Thursday.
Recent developments have raised alarms, with Cambodia reporting thirteen new human cases of avian influenza, alongside additional cases in China and Vietnam since late 2023. Compounding concerns is the emergence of a new virus variant, presenting fresh challenges for scientists, public health officials, and communities.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus has expanded its reach significantly, now spanning South America and Antarctica. It has also begun infecting new species, including scavengers, marine mammals, carnivorous pets, farmed fur animals, and recently, dairy cattle.
Certain regions like the Greater Mekong Subregion, Indonesia, and the Philippines are under intensified scrutiny due to their diverse ecosystems and insufficient biosecurity measures. While Thailand and Myanmar have been free from recent outbreaks, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh are currently grappling with ongoing outbreaks.
Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The recent surge in avian influenza outbreaks is deeply concerning. Since late 2023, we have witnessed an increase in human cases and the virus’s spread to new animal hosts. The emergence of more transmissible A/H5N1 strains heightens the pandemic threat. Immediate, coordinated preventive measures are imperative.”
FAO underscores the necessity for a unified response, stressing the implementation of comprehensive surveillance systems, including full genome sequencing, to monitor the virus’s spread and evolution. Rapid diagnostics and robust bioinformatics capabilities are crucial for analyzing virus data. Enhanced cross-sectoral data sharing is essential for a comprehensive approach to disease management.
Governments, international organizations, and the private sector are urged to collaborate closely, ensuring transparent and timely information sharing to develop effective containment strategies. Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures within the poultry industry, including vaccination programs and promoting good farming practices, is critical.
Public awareness campaigns are vital to minimize the risk of transmission from infected poultry to humans and ensure prompt treatment for those displaying symptoms.
With support from USAID, FAO is partnering with thirteen Member Nations and stakeholders across Asia and the Pacific to bolster animal health and One Health capacities, aiming to enhance prevention, detection, and response to health threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
As avian influenza cases rise and new variants emerge, the Asia-Pacific region faces a significant challenge. Swift, coordinated action is essential to mitigate this threat and safeguard human and animal health. Through collective efforts and transparent information exchange, Member Nations can work towards a more resilient and secure future.
