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Rome – The rapid spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza has led to the loss of hundreds of millions of poultry worldwide, with increasing spillover into mammals, creating an urgent need for strengthened biosecurity and rapid-response mechanisms. This was emphasized in a recent briefing by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to its Member countries, highlighting the severe economic and food security impacts.
FAO Deputy Director-General Godfrey Magwenzi described the situation as unprecedented, affecting food supply, rural incomes, and increasing consumer costs. The protection of poultry production systems is considered vital to ensuring nutrition and food security for millions, while also addressing biodiversity and trade challenges.
FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol underscored the need for a global, coordinated response. FAO, alongside the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), has launched a ten-year Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza. Strengthening veterinary and animal health systems is viewed as crucial, as Bechdol noted that "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link."
Over the past four years, a dramatic shift in avian influenza’s geographical spread has resulted in massive losses in domestic birds and wild bird species, harming biodiversity. FAO has called on countries to enhance surveillance, improve laboratory capacity, strengthen outbreak responses, and consider vaccination as a risk mitigation tool.
The meeting also included a third call for funding proposals through the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank, to enhance disease surveillance, develop early warning systems, and strengthen health infrastructure. FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member countries in combating avian influenza through monitoring, information sharing, and partnerships with key stakeholders, including the private sector.
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