ECDC defines strategies to fight avian and swine flu in humans

This autumn, Europe has seen a sharp increase in avian influenza A(H5N1) cases in wild birds and poultry. Its wide circulation among birds increases the risk of human exposure to infected animals and the virus subsequently spilling over to humans. 

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has today released a guide and tools to help European countries detect and respond to possible animal-related influenza threats, including pandemics.

‘Although the current risk for the European people is low, avian influenza is still a serious public health threat due to widespread outbreaks among animals across Europe.’ says Edoardo Colzani, ECDC Head of Respiratory Viruses. ‘We need to make sure that early warning signs don’t go unnoticed and that public health actions are timely, coordinated, and effective. This document provides countries with a clear and adaptable framework to prepare for and respond to animal-to-human influenza transmission.’  

This new guide sets out practical response scenarios ranging from the current situation - where no human cases have been reported in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) but avian influenza viruses are circulating widely in animals - to more serious scenarios involving human infections and even potential transmission human-to-human that could lead to a pandemic.

The framework is designed to help countries act quickly and proportionately as risks evolve. It includes a range of public health response measures, from enhancing surveillance and laboratory testing to ensuring protective equipment is available and communicating clearly with the public. It also highlights the importance of genomic surveillance, laboratory capacity building, and real-time data sharing.

Crucially, the guidance embraces a ‘One Health’ approach, recognising that human health is closely connected to the health of animals and the environment. Close collaboration between veterinary services, agriculture, and public health, is essential to detect and contain threats early and protect people across Europe.

The guide was developed in close collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), the European Reference Laboratory for avian influenza and national experts. These materials are designed to help countries integrate the recommendations into their national preparedness plans.