The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade of viruses emerged in 2020, causing unprecedented numbers of deaths in wild birds and domestic poultry. The virus spread globally and has also been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle, raising widespread concern. To address these concerns, on April 24th, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) published a joint risk assessment.
The recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle poses significant public health risks, and a webinar hosted by the EPI-WIN program at WHO aims to shed light on these risks. Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Head of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO will moderate the webinar, with opening remarks given by Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness (EPP) at WHO.
The speakers at the webinar will include Dr. Aspen Hammond and Dr. Moez Sanaa from GIP along with a panel of experts including Dr. Charles (Todd) Davis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA, Dr. Magdi Samaan from GIP at WHO, Dr. David Swayne an influenza veterinarian from the USA, Dr. Mia Torchetti from the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Dr Richard Webby from WHO Collaborating Centre at St Jude Children’s Hospital in the USA .
To register for this informative webinar click on the provided link. During the webinar participants can submit questions using Zoom’s “Q&A” feature or email them ahead to epi-win@who
