The Action for Animal Health coalition is deeply concerned with the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI/ H5N1) outbreak.
Avian influenza is already widespread in wild birds globally, causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in industrial farming facilities worldwide. In early January, the first human death associated with H5N1 was also recorded in the United States.
Avian influenza is a dynamic virus which poses an increasing threat in terms of spillover and pandemic potential. Whilst no one can be certain of the outcome at this stage, collective action must be taken to minimise the risk of ongoing transmission and mitigate pandemic risk.
Governments, multilateral organisations and donors must focus on preventing zoonotic diseases at source through a One Health approach. We have long called for investment in strong animal health systems that can prevent and detect cases of avian influenza and other zoonotic and animal diseases as quickly as possible.
In the longer term, systemic changes must address human-led behaviours, specifically ecological destruction and appalling animal welfare practices, that drive the risk of zoonotic outbreaks and spillover.
Read our full position paper on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza here.