ECDC assesses EU/EEA zoonotic avian flu preparedness and issues investigation protocol

Almost all responding countries reported having guidelines in place for the management of infected animals in highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in poultry or detections in wild birds for farmers, cullers, veterinarians and members of the public with direct exposure to dead wild birds. There was also broad alignment in terms of personal protective equipment recommendations in the context of poultry outbreaks, as well as testing of those humans reporting respiratory symptoms following highly pathogenic avian influenza exposure. 

Nearly all laboratories participating in the laboratory survey reported a substantial level of expertise, capability and capacity to detect avian and other sources of zoonotic influenza viruses and the majority can also genetically characterise these viruses. In addition, two thirds of the laboratories are capable of isolating zoonotic influenza viruses and testing for antiviral drug susceptibility and one third of the laboratories can further antigenically characterise these viruses.  

To assist countries in their response to potential human exposure to avian influenza viruses, ECDC has also issued an investigation protocol to be used in the potential event of human cases of zoonotic avian influenza virus infection in EU/EEA. This sets out measures for the follow-up and management of individuals exposed to infected animals and human cases of zoonotic avian influenza, and for the public health management of possible and confirmed human cases. It also provides guidance for case detection, investigation of other potential cases, testing, contact tracing, case reporting and notification, risk communication and preventive measures. 

Outbreaks of avian influenza in wild birds and poultry farms in the EU/EEA continue and more outbreaks are expected over the next few weeks, as summarised in the new quarterly ECDC/EFSA/EURL avian influenza overview, also released today.