Global Experts Gather to Assess Avian Influenza Risks in Dairy Cattle: WHO, FAO, OIE Joint Webinar

Recent Detection of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) in Dairy Cattle Raises Public Health Concerns

In 2024, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade of viruses emerged from previously circulating influenza A(H5Nx) viruses, causing unprecedented numbers of deaths in wild birds and domestic poultry. The virus spread globally and has also been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle, raising widespread concern. To address these concerns, on April 24th, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) published a joint risk assessment.

This EPI-WIN webinar aims to explain the public health risks associated with the recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Head of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO. Opening remarks will be given by Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness (EPP) at WHO.

Speakers at the webinar will include Dr. Aspen Hammond and Dr. Moez Sanaa from GIP, along with a panel of experts including Dr. Charles (Todd) Davis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA, Dr. Magdi Samaan from GIP at WHO, Dr. David Swayne, an influenza veterinarian from the USA, Dr. Mia Torchetti from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Dr. Richard Webby from WHO Collaborating Centre at St Jude Children’s Hospital in the USA.

To register for the webinar, participants can click on the provided link

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