World: WOAH calls on members to increase avian influenza surveillance

Published Dec 24, 2024

Tridge summary

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has called for global vigilance against the spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in animals, including mammals, due to its increasing incidence among dairy cattle in the United States. The virus, currently affecting over 30 mammal species, poses a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, and public health. The H5N1 strain detected in cattle raises concerns about its adaptation to mammals and possible transmission to other livestock and humans. Raw milk from infected cows has been identified as a high-risk factor for transmission. WOAH is closely monitoring the situation and emphasizes the importance of timely and transparent reporting to prevent misinformation. Currently, the risk to the public is low, but higher for those exposed to infected birds or environments. WOAH does not recommend trade restrictions on healthy cattle and their products unless justified by a risk analysis, in accordance with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The ongoing threat of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) demands urgent global attention as it transcends its avian origins to affect domestic and wild mammals with increasing frequency. Notably, the ongoing circulation in dairy cattle in the United States of America (USA) is raising concerns within the international community, according to a recent news release from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). While the virus primarily affects domestic and wild birds, it is increasingly being reported in both terrestrial and aquatic mammals. As of November 2024, more than 30 species of mammals have been infected with HPAI and this number is likely to increase, as data collected by the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) suggests the incidence of HPAI infections in the Northern Hemisphere rise in October and peak in February. These cases further highlight the virus’s ability to cross species barriers and pose a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, and public ...

Source: The Cattle Site