Avian diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease continue to pose serious challenges to animal health systems across Asia and the Pacific. As poultry production continues to adapt, the region faces growing risks to food security, livelihoods, and trade. Zoonotic strains – including H5N1, H5N6, H7N9, H10N3, and H3N8—have also been detected in humans, reinforcing the urgency of coordinated, multisectoral responses.
The regional workshop held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in August 2024 emphasized the importance of early warning systems, risk-based surveillance in wild and domestic birds, and enhanced diagnostic capacity. The meeting also reaffirmed the value of the regional expert network and the need for sustained collaboration—both in person and through virtual platforms.
The Regional Workshop for Avian Disease Prevention and Control in Asia and the Pacific 2025 builds on these outcomes and supports implementation of the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of HPAI (2024–2033), launched by the GF-TADs HPAI Task Force in March 2025 under the joint leadership of FAO and WOAH. The programme features strategic updates, country-level experiences, vaccination approaches, diagnostic innovations, and One Health integration. It also includes dedicated sessions for laboratory networking and planning coordinated actions for 2025–2026.
In line with the 2024 recommendations, the meeting will provide an opportunity for regional reference laboratories on avian diseases and WOAH Members to meet in person and share data and research on avian influenza, Newcastle disease, other viral and bacterial pathogens, including co-infections and zoonotic influenzas, will also be discussed.
Dates: 26 – 29 August 2025
Venue: Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
Participation: By invitation
Groupwork
Recommendations 2025
