2024 HPAI A(H5N1) Outbreak in Wild Birds and Dairy Cattle: WHO, FAO, and WOAH Collaborate on Joint Risk Assessment

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. This virus spread globally and has now been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle, raising widespread concern. As a response to this, WHO, FAO, and WOAH collaborated to publish a joint risk assessment to address the situation.

On April 24th, 2024, WHO will host an EPI-WIN webinar focused on the public health risks associated with the recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle. The webinar agenda includes a list of speakers and panelists who are experts in the field of global health and influenza research. Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Head of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO will moderate the webinar with opening remarks from Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i. 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 such as Dr. Charles(Todd) Davis from CDC, Dr. Magdi Samaan from WHO, Dr