H5N1 Bird Flu Threatens Global Food Security and Livelihoods, Urgent Action Needed: FAO

The rapid spread of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza has led to the loss of hundreds of millions of poultry worldwide, raising concerns about food security, economic stability, and public health. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently briefed its member countries and called for urgent action to enhance biosecurity, strengthen surveillance, and improve risk communication to protect the poultry sector and livelihoods.

During the briefing, FAO Deputy Director-General Godfrey Magwenzi described the situation as unprecedented, with severe consequences for food security and supply. He emphasized that the loss of poultry directly impacts rural incomes, jobs, and nutrition, leading to increased food prices and economic instability. Magwenzi also highlighted the challenges of safeguarding poultry production while ensuring food security and preserving biodiversity. With millions relying on poultry for meat and eggs, he stressed the urgent need to find sustainable solutions to control the virus.

Over the last four years, avian influenza has spread across wider geographical areas, affecting an increasing number of mammals and resulting in massive losses of domestic poultry. This shift has led to rising poultry prices and a decline in biodiversity, with at least 300 new wild bird species affected since 2021.

To address these challenges, FAO has urged countries to enhance surveillance and reporting, improve laboratory capacity, implement preparedness plans, promote biosecurity measures, and consider vaccination as part of risk mitigation strategies. Strengthening outbreak responses and fostering regional and international cooperation are also key priorities.

FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol stressed that the issue requires a coordinated global response. She pointed out that FAO has been actively working for over two decades to help governments detect, prevent, and respond to avian influenza outbreaks.

To strengthen these efforts, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have launched a ten-year Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza. The initiative aims to strengthen veterinary and animal health systems, reinforcing the need for international collaboration to mitigate the risks associated with the virus.

Bechdol highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in disease prevention and control, as businesses play a crucial role in ensuring safe poultry value chains, developing new vaccines and diagnostic tools, and delivering quality animal health services.

The briefing also included discussions on funding proposals through the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank. This initiative aims to improve disease surveillance, develop early warning systems, and strengthen health infrastructure.

Representatives from countries like Indonesia and Senegal, along with industry organizations, participated in the discussions.