FAO, WHO, WOAH and CMS call for faster exchange of surveillance data and sustained funding for prevention.
Sharing surveillance data and virus samples more promptly is a priority in the new Global framework to accelerate action on avian influenza, published on 21 September by FAO, WHO, WOAH and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
Through a One Health approach, the four organisations seek closer cooperation between veterinary services, wildlife specialists and public health authorities on risk assessment, prevention and response.
Surveillance should cover farmed, wild and companion animals as well as people, with arrangements for exchanging findings across sectors and borders. Laboratories need the capacity to diagnose infections and characterise viruses. Countries are also encouraged to maintain trained staff and regularly test outbreak response plans.
The scope extends beyond high pathogenicity avian influenza. H9N2 viruses receive attention because they are enzootic in poultry and contribute genetic material to other influenza viruses through reassortment. H7 and other subtypes associated with human infections are also included.
Prevention measures should address the practices and conditions that favour infection, taking local circumstances into account. The document notes that economic incentives may affect both the uptake of preventive measures and timely reporting. Insufficient or unsustainable funding, fragmented coordination and gaps in agreements for sharing samples are further obstacles.
FAO supports disease prevention and control along poultry value chains, while WOAH provides international standards and technical guidance, including on vaccination and safe trade. WHO leads public health work, and CMS contributes expertise in wildlife conservation and ecosystem health.
The framework complements the FAO–WOAH HPAI strategy for 2024–2033 and existing technical guidance. It does not provide detailed farm-level instructions or establish a dedicated implementation or monitoring mechanism. Work will draw on existing arrangements, including OFFLU and GF-TADs, with each organisation mobilising resources for its contribution.
Source: FAO, WHO, WOAH and CMS. 2026. Global framework to accelerate action on avian influenza. Rome. DOI: 10.4060/ce1712en.
