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Advancing Global Efforts for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
On 3 March 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) jointly launched the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) 2024–2033. Developed under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs), the strategy marks a renewed commitment to addressing the evolving threat of HPAI through a coordinated One Health approach.
This new strategy replaces the 2008 version to reflect the growing complexity of HPAI outbreaks due to changing ecological and epidemiological dynamics. It underscores the importance of science-based policy, public-private partnerships, and strengthened global and regional collaboration. Its goal is to enhance early detection, improve preparedness, reinforce biosecurity, and support the sustainable transformation of poultry production systems.
The launch webinar provided a comprehensive overview of the strategy’s vision, objectives, and implementation roadmap. In his opening remarks, Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director-General and Director of the FAO Animal Production and Health Division, emphasized the urgency of global cooperation: “The rapid global spread of HPAI threatens food security, economies, and public health. This strategy offers a clear roadmap for stronger prevention and control efforts. We must act together to stop HPAI at its source through enhanced biosecurity, surveillance, and rapid response.”
Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of WOAH, also highlighted the far-reaching impact of HPAI on both domestic poultry and wildlife, reinforcing the importance of a One Health response: “Our priority is to closely monitor the disease’s evolution and enhance international coordination for prevention and early action. Through global solidarity, we can mitigate this growing threat and protect animal, human, and ecosystem health.”
During the presentation, members of the FAO/WOAH HPAI Task Force and expert consultants explained the rationale for the updated strategy. They noted the increasing frequency of spillovers, the role of wild birds in disease spread, and the need to support resilient poultry value chains. The strategy promotes multisectoral collaboration to strengthen early warning and response capacities at all levels.
A high-level panel discussion followed, where participants emphasized the importance of:
- Strengthening public and private veterinary services;
- Promoting responsible investment in the poultry sector;
- Enhancing collaboration across animal health, public health, and environmental sectors.
The webinar concluded with remarks from the GF-TADs Management Committee, which reiterated the importance of regional contextualization of the strategy. Countries are encouraged to tailor interventions based on specific risk profiles and operational realities.
FAO and WOAH jointly called on governments, industry, academia, and technical partners to support the strategy’s implementation. Long-term investment, capacity development, and strong cross-sectoral partnerships will be critical for its success. If implemented effectively, the strategy has the potential to reduce the risk of outbreaks, protect livelihoods and biodiversity, and foster resilient, sustainable poultry systems that contribute to global food security.