New Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza

In response to the evolving global ecological and epidemiological landscape, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have unveiled a new ten-year strategy aimed at preventing and controlling High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). The Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (2024–2033) replaces the previous framework established in 2008 and is set to guide efforts to mitigate the impact of the disease over the next decade.

A new approach to a persistent threat 

The new strategy has been developed under the Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) and coordinated by the GF-TADs HPAI Task Force in close collaboration with the GF-TADs Management Committee. It reflects a comprehensive systems-based approach, addressing HPAI threats in the context of global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. 

With a vision to establish effective prevention and control measures within poultry value chains, the strategy seeks to protect domestic animals, wildlife, the environment, and human health. It aligns with broader efforts to sustainably transform agrifood systems while reducing disease risks. 

With a vision to establish effective prevention and control measures within poultry value chains, the strategy seeks to protect domestic animals, wildlife, the environment, and human health. It aligns with broader efforts to sustainably transform agrifood systems while reducing disease risks. 

Key objectives and strategic priorities 

The revised global strategy emphasises: 

• Strengthening biosecurity measures to minimise transmission and outbreaks. 

• Enhancing surveillance systems to detect and monitor the spread of the H5Nx goose/Guangdong (Gs/GD) lineage of HPAI. 

• Promoting the sustainable transformation of poultry production to support resilience against disease threats. 

• Encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration through the One Health approach, integrating veterinary, environmental, and human health expertise. 

• Engaging both public and private stakeholders to ensure coordinated efforts in controlling HPAI. 

The strategy also underscores the importance of securing commitments from governments, industry leaders, and international organizations to ensure its effective implementation. 

Launch webinar to present strategy and encourage stakeholder engagement 

To officially launch and discuss the new strategy, FAO and WOAH will host a technical webinar on March 3, 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30 CET. This event will provide a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage with the key aspects of the strategy and discuss its implementation. 

The objectives of the webinar include: 

• Presenting the vision, objectives, and key recommendations of the strategy. 

• Encouraging its adoption through the One Health approach and public-private partnerships. 

• Securing commitments from key stakeholders to support coordinated implementation efforts. 

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French, and Spanish to facilitate broader participation. 

A call for global commitment 

As the global community continues to face the challenges posed by HPAI, FAO and WOAH urge governments, industry players, and relevant stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation of this strategy. The upcoming webinar serves as a crucial step toward achieving a more resilient and sustainable poultry sector while mitigating the risks of HPAI on a global scale. 

For more information on the strategy and webinar registration details, visit the FAO and WOAH official websites.