Kiri

To:         The Viral Respiratory Diseases Network Coordination Committee and Operational Contact Points for Influenza (microbiology and epidemiology)

Cc:         National Focal Points for Viral Respiratory Diseases, National Coordinators

Dear colleagues,

ECDC together with EFSA have been requested by the European Commission to draft a joint Scientific Opinion on avian influenza on preparedness, prevention, and control measures for zoonotic avian influenza by:

1. assessing the risk posed by H5N1 clade 2.3. 4.4b, and other avian influenza viruses and, if possible, quantify the risk of mutation of avian influenza viruses and to identify the factors that influence the mutation frequency of avian influenza viruses in birds and mammals towards zoonotic virus.

2. providing a comprehensive set of prevention, protection and preparedness measures following HPAI H5N1 and other AI virus findings in birds and mammals, in particular for:

1. surveillance indicating which avian influenza surveillance tools are most suitable and which factors need to be considered for optimising an avian influenza surveillance programme with a view of addressing zoonotic risks; and

2. the prevention, biosecurity and control measures to reduce the risk of zoonotic avian influenza.

We are looking for experts on avian influenza and influenza surveillance- epidemiology and virology, to contribute to the Scientific Opinion.

The deadline for the Scientific Opinion is December 2024.

During the coming 6 months, the experts will be kindly asked to:

• Advise ECDC and EFSA and provide their expert opinion on the aforementioned topics (related to virological as well as public health prevention measure aspects) as requested;

• Contribute to the draft Scientific Opinion at specific timepoints during the drafting period (July-September);

• Review the final draft (October);

• Fill in DoIs;

• Be co-authors in the report (to be published on the EFSA journal and on ECDC website).

We would be grateful if you could express your interest by 31 May EOB by sending an email to [email protected] and [email protected]

Following the expression of interest deadline, instructions will follow on how to proceed.

Many thanks and best regards,

Angeliki Melidou

On behalf of the ECDC respiratory viruses and legionella team