ETIDIOH - NEW

Summary   Beyond domestic poultry , influenza A( H5N1 ) of clade 2.3.4.4b has spread to almost all regions , infecting a wide range of wild birds, marine and terrestrial mammals , and recently, cattle in the United States of America . When an influenza virus is circulating in both avian and mammalian populations , the likelihood of spillover to humans and risk to public health may increase . The reported events of the influenza A(H5N1) virus among terrestrial and marine mammals in several countries, including the recent cases detected in the United States of America, have made it necessary to improve virus detection in cattle and other susceptible mammals and closely monitor virus evolution and adaptation to extraordinary hosts . These recommendations aim to support countries in planning surveillance for influenza A(H5N1) in cattle to enhance early detection , to generate evidence-based information to mitigate the impacts of spillover from birds to cattle, and to prevent transmissi...

Assessment based on data as of 18 November 2024   12 December 2024  Key points   At the present time , based on available information , FAO-WHO-WOAH assess the global public health risk of influenza A(H5N1) viruses to be low , while the risk of infection for occupationally exposed persons is low to moderate depending on the risk mitigation measures in place and the local avian influenza epidemiological situation.  Transmission between animals continues to occur and, to date, a growing yet still limited number of human infections are being reported.  Although additional human infections associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments are expected to occur, the overall public health impact of such infections at a global level, at the present time, is minor .  This risk assessment from FAO, WHO, and WOAH updates the assessment of the risk of zoonotic transmission (for example, animal to human) considering additional information made a...