In 2020, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus emerged from previously circulating influenza A(H5Nx) viruses, causing unprecedented numbers of deaths in wild birds and domestic poultry. This virus quickly spread globally and has now been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle. In response to this emerging threat, on April 24th, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) collaborated to publish a joint risk assessment to address the situation.
To provide more information on the public health risks associated with the recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle, an EPI-WIN webinar is scheduled for May 1st at 14:00 CEST. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Head of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO, with opening remarks from Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness (EPP) at WHO.
Speakers at the webinar will include experts in global health and influenza research such as Dr. Aspen Hammond and Dr. Moez Sanaa from GIP. Additionally, there will be a panel of experts including Dr. Charles(Todd) Davis from CDC, Dr. Magdi Samaan from WHO, Dr. David Swayne and Dr. Mia Torchetti from USDA, and Dr. Richard Webby from St
