In 2020, 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.
In response to the recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle, the WHO is hosting an EPI-WIN webinar on April 26th at 13:00 CEST. 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 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
