Kiri

To:         National Focal Points for Viral Respiratory Diseases

Cc:         National Coordinators

Dear colleagues,

According to the latest ECDC/EFSA avian influenza monitoring report, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) has been widespread in wild bird populations across EU/EEA and many countries have reported detections or outbreaks of HPAI A(H5N1) in wild or domestic animals since 1 January 2023. So far, there have been no confirmed cases of A(H5N1) infection in humans in the EU/EEA.

We would like to invite you to participate to a survey that aims to collect the latest information focusing on the implementation of preventive and response measures. ECDC has recently published a number of guidance documents to further support countries with adapting and improving prevention and response measures (link to documents at the end of this email). This survey aims to understand nationally implemented guidance related to avian influenza and established norms at national level.

Please note, this survey is directed to National Focal Points for respiratory viruses and National Focal Points for preparedness, with one response required per country.

We envision that NFPs consolidate information from wider teams at national level.

We kindly ask you to complete the survey by 24 May 2024, EOB.

The survey can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/avianinfluenza_survey_2024

Please find below a list of recently published documents:

Oct 2022:  Testing and detection of zoonotic influenza virus infections in humans in the EU/EEA, and occupational safety and health measures for those exposed at work

Jun 2023:  Enhanced surveillance of severe avian influenza virus infections in hospital settings in the EU/EEA

Sep 2023:  Targeted surveillance to identify human infections with avian influenza virus during the influenza season 2023/24, EU/EEA

Dec 2023: Investigation protocol for human exposures and cases of avian influenza in the EU/EEA

Mar 2024:  Avian influenza overview December 2023–March 2024

Apr 2024:  Drivers for a pandemic due to avian influenza and options for One Health mitigation measures

Best regards,

The ECDC Respiratory Viruses and Legionella group