EFSA Avian Influenza Advice Includes Farm Biosecurity, Poultry Vaccinations
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A joint scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) highlights a One Health approach to mitigating the spread of the global highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. The opinion assesses avian influenza virus mutations and the potential for these mutations to transfer to humans, and also provides advice for the animal and public health sectors.
According to EFSA, in 2024, avian influenza viruses expanded their reach, infecting previously unaffected species. Experts generated a comprehensive list of mutations, identifying 34 genetic mutations which may increase the potential of avian influenza viruses to spread to humans. Using molecular analysis and genomic surveillance, animal and public health laboratories can refer to the list of mutations, which should be continuously updated, to monitor the emergence of strains that could potentially transmit to humans.
The scientific opinion also identifies how the adaptation of avian influenza viruses to mammals can be driven by factors such as genetic mutations, the mixing of genetic material between viruses, and the interaction with host immune response, alongside extrinsic factors that can increase the chance of transmission to humans, like human activities and environmental changes that increase contact between wildlife, poultry, livestock, and humans.
High-density farming, low biosecurity practices, deforestation, urbanization, and global trade amplify the risk of spillovers from animals to humans. Relevant to the food animal sector, the scientific opinion recommends monitoring sick or deceased mammals linked to infected poultry or livestock, and to implement robust farm biosecurity measures, train staff, vaccinate poultry, and prepare outbreak response plans.
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