In 2020, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) clade of viruses emerged from previously circulating influenza A(H5Nx) viruses, causing unprecedented numbers of deaths in wild birds and domestic poultry. This virus spread globally and has now been reported in non-avian species, including dairy cattle, raising widespread concern. As a response to this, on 24th April 2024, WHO, FAO, and WOAH collaborated to publish a joint risk assessment to address the situation.
The EPI-WIN webinar scheduled for May 1st will focus on explaining the public health risks associated with the recent detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle. The agenda for the webinar includes a list of speakers and panelists who are experts in the field of global health and influenza research. Dr. Wenqing Zhang, the Head of the Global Influenza Programme (GIP) at WHO, will moderate the webinar, with opening remarks from Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i. of Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness (EPP) at WHO.
Speakers at the webinar will include Dr. Aspen Hammond and Dr. Moez Sanaa from GIP, along with a panel of experts such as Dr. Charles(Todd) Davis from CDC, Dr. Magdi Samaan from WHO, Dr. David Swayne and Dr. Mia Torchetti from USDA, and Dr