The global strategy for prevention and control of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza

Although there remain serious gaps in knowledge, there has been an increased understanding of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since the panzootic started in late 2003, and experience with various control approaches has allowed refinement of strategies at the global, regional and national levels. The revised global strategy presented here is based on the experience and lessons learned from the involvement of FAO and OIE in the global control of H5N1 HPAI over the last three years. The revised strategy provides the long-term vision and goals, identifies priorities and strategic approaches, and proposes short-, medium- and long-term actions at national, regional and global levels to control and ultimately eradicate the disease. This strategy has been developed in collaboration with WHO and a number of experts from OIE/FAO reference laboratories.