Regional Interventions Urgently Needed to Combat Bird Flu in Asia-Pacific
The increasing prevalence of Bird Flu in the Asia-Pacific region has prompted the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to issue a call for immediate regional interventions. This urgent request was made following a consultation of regional specialists in Bangkok. The consultation received support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The recent surge in bird flu cases is a cause for concern. Cambodia reported 13 new cases by the end of 2023, while Vietnam and China have also identified additional instances. The emergence of a new strain of the virus has further complicated the situation, posing new challenges for academics, public health officials, and communities.
The highly dangerous H5N1 bird flu virus has spread more widely in South America and Antarctica than ever before. It has also started infecting new species, including scavengers, marine mammals, carnivorous pets, farmed fur animals, and dairy cattle. This expansion of the virus’s reach is unprecedented and raises alarm bells.
The Mekong Subregion, Indonesia, and the Philippines are particularly vulnerable due to their diverse ecosystems and inadequate biosecurity measures. Bird flu has become a pressing issue in these areas. On the other hand, Thailand and Myanmar have not reported any outbreaks in years, despite neighboring countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh experiencing ongoing outbreaks.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has expressed deep concern about the recent increase in bird flu outbreaks. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases at the FAO, emphasized the need for immediate coordinated precautionary measures. The introduction of new, more transmissible strains of A/H5N1 has heightened the pandemic threat, necessitating a unified response.
To effectively address the situation, member nations must establish comprehensive surveillance systems to monitor the virus’s evolution and spread. This includes sequencing the entire genome of the virus. Rapid diagnostics and bioinformatics capabilities are essential for analyzing virus data. Furthermore, sharing data across various industries is crucial for adopting a comprehensive approach to disease management.
Governments, international organizations, and the corporate sector must collaborate and facilitate the transparent and timely exchange of information to develop effective containment policies. The poultry industry should also prioritize biosafety and biosecurity measures, promoting appropriate farming practices and implementing vaccination procedures.
Keeping the public informed is vital to mitigate the risk of disease transmission and ensure timely treatment for individuals showing symptoms. The FAO is currently working with thirteen member nations and partners in Asia and the Pacific to enhance One Health and animal health capacity. The goal is to improve prevention, identification, and response to health hazards at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment.
The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant challenge due to the rising number of avian influenza cases and the emergence of new virus genotypes. Implementing punctual and coordinated measures is crucial to safeguarding the health of both humans and animals. Member nations have the power to contribute to a more secure and resilient future by engaging in collaborative efforts and transparent information sharing.