Zoonotic influenza webinar

The Regional Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH) for Asia-Pacific hosted a joint webinar on “Zoonotic influenza”

Zoonotic influenza refers to disease caused by influenza viruses that cross the animal–human divide. The Asia Pacific region remains a hotspot for influenza and other respiratory pathogen transmission, as highlighted by the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and novel subtypes of avian influenza virus. Multisectoral coordination aimed at the prevention, preparedness and response efforts of zoonotic diseases is critical for the control of priority zoonoses such as zoonotic influenza. Over the past decade, Members in the Asia and the Pacific region have made significant progress in improving laboratory testing capacity, understanding regional influenza epidemiology, and improving response and surveillance systems. 

The Regional Quadripartite for Asia-Pacific hosted a joint webinar on the collaborative work of partners on zoonotic influenza using the One Health approach. 

The aim was to reinforce the importance of multisectoral coordination and collaboration to achieve optimal national coordination amongst partners and agencies through strategic communication. 

Experts from WOAH Reference Laboratories gave key updates on control strategies for avian influenza. Dr Yoshihiro Sakoda from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan, spoke about “Integrated Surveillance and Available Tools and Mechanisms”. Dr Hualan Chen from Harvin Veterinary Research Institute, China P.R., talked about “Good Practices at the Farm Level and Vaccination”. They were then involved in the panel discussion on “Surveillance and Vaccination”.

Outcomes included:

• Guidance provided to targeted public audiences on future collaboration related to zoonotic influenza in the Asia Pacific Region. 
• Enhanced awareness about zoonotic influenza to advocate for improved control policies. 
• Enhanced multisectoral coordination and information sharing at the national level.
• Improved knowledge of best practices for multisectoral coordination relating to zoonotic influenza.

Meeting Documents

Agenda: PDF

Flyer: PDF

Time: 8 – 9 May 2023, 12:00 – 2:00 pm JST

Day 1 (recording): YouTube

Day 2 (recording): YouTube

Presentations:

C. Buranathai, Global avian influenza situation (animal health)

Y. Sakoda, Integrated surveillance and available tools and mechanisms

H. Chen, Control highly pathogenic avian influenza by vaccination